Anticipated AFC East Rivalry: Bills vs Jets on Monday Night Football
Perhaps the most anticipated Week 1 NFL matchup is the Buffalo Bills against the New York Jets. It caps opening weekend on Monday Night Football. The AFC East rivalry should be intense with Aaron Rodgers making his Jets debut in the Gotham Green.
In addition, safety Damar Hamlin, who collapsed on the field against the Cincinnati Bengals on Jan. 2, could make a miraculous return. Hamlin went into cardiac arrest during the matchup and has already made significant progress, appearing at Buffalo’s OTAs in May. Hamlin returning to the field at any point would be one hell of a story, but opening weekend against the Jets would be about as special as it gets. NFL lines have Hamlin as a significant favorite to win Comeback Player of the Year (-800).
In 1963, the New York Titans rebranded as the Jets. Since, Buffalo and New York have faced twice in every season, except in 1982 due to the player strike. Week 1 will be the 126th meeting with the Bills leading the series 68-57. Buffalo has had its way over the last few seasons, winning seven of the last 10 meetings. However, it is split at 5-5 against the spread (ATS), and New York went 1-1 and 2-0 ATS last season.
The Jets’ defense, which ranked second in allowed points per game, gave the Bills fits last season. The under hit in both games with Buffalo averaging 18.5 points, compared to its season average of 27.7 points.
Storylines and Star Power: Rodgers, Allen, Diggs, and Gardner
Intriguing storylines add to the anticipation for Bills-Jets in Week 1. Strictly from a football perspective, the hype is warranted. Both teams boast formidable rosters and could contend for Super Bowl 58. In fact, they are among the sportsbook’s top four favorites to win the AFC.
This matchup is loaded with star power. Buffalo’s quarterback Josh Allen holds the second-shortest odds to win the MVP Award. According to NFL odds, Rodgers has the fourth-shortest odds to win MVP, tied with Trevor Lawrence of the Jacksonville Jaguars. Bills wide receiver Stefon Diggs is expected to contend for Offensive Player of the Year, and New York’s cornerback Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner is one of the favorites for Defensive Player of the Year. Diggs lining up against Gardner will be one of the best one-on-one clashes over the opening weekend.
Defensive Battle: Bills’ Offense vs Jets’ Defense
The Bills’ offense against the Jets’ defense will be strength against strength. These should be two of the best units across the league, providing a must-see matchup. How will Buffalo adjust after struggling against New York’s tenacious defense last season? All-Pro defensive tackle Quinnen Williams feasted in the matchup with three combined sacks over the two matchups. The offensive line will likely be one of the Bills’ weaknesses yet again. Will Buffalo keep Williams under wraps?
Buffalo held the Jets to 16 points per game last season. This was not a surprise, as New York ranked 29th in points per game and the Bills were fourth in surrendered points per game. How this side of the ball changes could be the most interesting aspect of Week 1’s collision. The Jets will have a major upgrade at quarterback with Rodgers. In addition, running back Breece Hall, who shined in his rookie season, could return from his knee injury. New York’s best offensive lineman Alijah Vera-Tucker is also expected to be ready for Week 1 following a season-ending triceps injury in 2022.
The Bills’ defense also has some concerns. After losing linebacker Tremaine Edmunds in free agency, A.J. Klein and Terrel Bernard are expected to enter starting roles. Neither player started in more than two games last season. Buffalo will also be without star edge rusher Von Miller, who is recovering from a torn ACL.
This rivalry could swing in the Jets’ favor. However, NFL odds for Week 1 have the Bills as a one-point favorite. Don’t be surprised if this game becomes a pick ‘em as we get closer to the 2023 season. The Buffalo and New York rivalry should be infused with new juice as both teams could be among the best in the AFC, which has not happened in years.
