NFL Game Picks Week 10: Buffalo Bills at New York Jets
By Erik Lambert
Nov 24, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; New York Jets running back Chris Ivory (33) against the Buffalo Bills at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Thursday Night Football is going to feature some hard-hitting fun between the Buffalo Bills and New York Jets in a classic rivalry game. What do the NFL game picks have to say about the winner?
Backdrop:
There is no getting around it. The central focus of this game won’t be the fact that it’s a crucial divisional matchup between two teams in the playoff hunt. It will be Rex Ryan bringing his new team back home to the stadium where he helped resuscitate his old team. How will Jets fans greet him? Does he have any clue-ins that could give his Bills an upper hand?
The outspoken head coach has tried to keep the spotlight off himself, claiming this is just another important game. Obviously nobody is buying that. Buffalo is expected to come out with a little extra juice at MetLife Stadium while New York is most certainly eager to prove they aren’t the team he left behind. Plenty of intrigue all around.
Matchup To Watch:
Sammy Watkins vs. Darrelle Revis
This is too easy. The dynamic young gun wide receiver known for his athleticism and speed going against the old gun cornerbacks who is as agile and savvy as he’s ever been. Darrelle Revis has faced the likes of Sammy Watkins before and knows the challenges they pose. Watkins just got done torching another veteran Pro Bowler in Brent Grimes and he knows full well what a boost to his league-wide respect would get by doing the same to one of the three or four best corners in the game.
It’s worth noting Revis has allowed one touchdown pass in exchange for three interceptions this season. Quarterbacks are completing less than half their passes in his direction (20-of-43). So if the Bills decide to attack him, it will be up to Watkins to win those battles.
Key Stat:
This is going to be a contest decided on the ground. Buffalo has been a running machine this season, piling up 140+ yards per game thanks to their new two-headed monster running backs LeSean McCoy and rookie Karlos Williams. They will be going against a powerful Jets defensive front headlined by Muhammad Wilkerson, Leonard Williams, and David Harris who have allowed just 80 yards per game. It will be strength against strength on Thursday night.
Prediction: Jets win 23-17
This is going to be a defensive battle. There is no question. Where the Jets gain the advantage is in their home field and also their ability to counter what the Bills do best, which is run the football. That will force Tyrod Taylor to throw them to victory. Any game where he has been forced to throw 30 or more passes, Buffalo is 0-2.