Buffalo Bills vs New York Jets: Game Preview, Odds, Picks & Prediction

Rookie quarterback Zach Wilson was sidelined during the first meeting the teams. Reserve Michael White started in his place, a forgettable outing ‘highlighted’ by throwing four interceptions. Veteran Joe Flacco came in for the the Jets’ only passing touchdown of the game, connecting with Elijah Moore.

New York Jets

Next game: Next season

Last Game

For the better part of four quarters, the Jets had their fans spellbound, and the entire NFL betting world on the edge of its seat. Somehow, the Jets were leading the heavily-favored Buccaneers from the outset. New York had a 24-20 advantage over Tampa Bay deep into the fourth quarter. With just a couple of minutes left, victory was tantalizingly close.  The Jets, as quintessential long shot bet in betting online markets going into Week 17, could close out one of the more improbable results in recent seasons…

…until they didn’t. There’s a reason why Tom Brady is the greatest of all time (GOAT). And it took less than two minutes for the veteran quarterback to give Gang Green the latest demo.

After the Jets did not convert a fourth-and-short deep in opposition territory, Brady marched the Buccaneers down the field. He hit Cyril Grayson with a 33-yard winning touchdown in the waning seconds before a two-point conversion ended the 28-24 win.

It was a disappointing loss for the Jets, even though some stopped to get autographs from the GOAT after the game. On the bright side, they showed fight and spirit in a game that held no significance beyond pride, as the Jets were eliminated from playoff contention weeks ago.That’s a credit to first-year head coach Robert Saleh.

Brady out here signing autographs for Jets players after beating them again 😂 pic.twitter.com/L4ITSMKkvz

— NFL Memes (@NFL_Memes) January 2, 2022

Injury Report

Defensive lineman Bryce Huff (ankle), tackle George Fant (knee), and defensive lineman Kyle Phillips (illness) are out. Wide receiver Jamison Crowder (calf) is questionable.

Buffalo Bills

Next game: Playoffs, opponent TBA

Last Game

The Bills came through with a win over the Atlanta Falcons in Week 17, but it wasn’t as smooth as the odds had it. In fact, the Bills missed the cover in the 29-15 home win as 14½-point closing favorites.

The Falcons outgained the Bills in the air and even won the turnover battle (three interceptions and a safety). However, they failed to capitalize on those opportunities, losing by two touchdowns, It’s impossible to win games if turnovers aren’t converted into points.

Quarterback Josh Allen repeatedly shot himself and, in turn, his team in the foot. He was also single-handedly the Bills’ savior in a wholly even performance.

Allen’s three interceptions saw his tally for the season swell to 15. What’s even more worrisome for Buffalo is the fact that 12 of those picks have come since the start of November. Allen made amends for those costly turnovers by rushing for two scores and setting up Devon Singletary for another two scores.

Josh Allen appreciation tweet.

📺: @NFLonFOX pic.twitter.com/6x8Q8xS7p0

— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) January 2, 2022

Injury Report

Defensive tackle Vernon Butler (illness), wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (knee) and offensive lineman Ryan Bates (knee) are questionable.

Bills vs Jets: Betting on the Game

This is a cakewalk for the Bills…on paper. Hence, the overwhelmingly one-sided odds. Whether it stays in line with market expectation remains to be seen.

It’s a must-win game for the Bills if they hope to clinch the AFC East title and the highest AFC seed possible for the playoffs. The New England Patriots are nipping at their heels, also with a 10-6 record. They, too, have their sights set on the AFC East title and all the benefits.

Buffalo’s worst-case scenario-a win by the Patriots over the Dolphins and a loss by the Bills to the Jets-means the Patriots clinch the AFC East and the Bills fall to a wild-card position. The Bills would also clinch the AFC East title if both they and the Patriots were to lose Sunday.

Games in December and January are less about playing pretty football or wowing audiences. These contests are more about winning, even if that means winning ugly.

By any measure, the Bills are likely to win. However, the Jets aren’t going to be an easy out. They just showed the breadth of their grit and determination against the defending Super Bowl champions, and they’ll be chomping at the bit to atone for that late loss by finishing on a high note.

One can’t rule out the Jets winning this game outright, as upsets do happen. But it’s a total longshot bet and not for the faint of heart. Thus, those looking to capitalize on the plucky Jets, shading them for NFL picks against the spread is an option to consider. The 16½-point spread seems way too generous, especially given the uneven performances of Allen and the Bills of late.