New York Jets at Buffalo Bills: NFL Week 17 Picks
By Erik Lambert
Divisional matchups always infest week 17 of the NFL season. That’s why fans can’t get enough of it. One that stands near the top will be a grudge match between the Buffalo Bills and New York Jets with serious playoff implications on the line.
Backdrop:
It was almost preordained that things would end like this. The Jets stand one win away from locking up a playoff berth, capping one of the most surprise seasons in recent memory. Standing in their way is old division rival Buffalo, and of course their former head coach Rex Ryan who probably would love nothing better than to ruin it for them.
The Bills already beat New York earlier this year and this time they’ll be at home. Both teams are driven by different purposes. One hopes to avoid a losing record and making life miserable for an old foe while the other is clinging to a playoff spot that remains very much in doubt.
Matchup To Watch:
WR Brandon Marshall vs. CB Stephon Gilmore
This matchup was a testy one the last time the two teams played. Brandon Marshall found himself lined up across from Stephon Gilmore most of the game due to the size comparisons. Marshall was targeted five times that evening and caught one pass for 11 yards. Another was intercepted by Gilmore.
Needless to say that result went a long way towards deciding the outcome of the game. If Gilmore has that same success with Marshall, who is the catalyst for the Jets offense of late, then it’s not crazy to expect the same to happen all over again.
Key Stat:
Two teams built around tough, physical football. That means defense and that means a strong running game. Buffalo is the best running team in the league, averaging 154.6 yards per game thanks to a loaded backfield featuring LeSean McCoy, Karlos Williams and the multi-talented Tyrod Taylor.
They face a New York defense that is equally the best at stopping the run. Courtesy of a stacked front seven, the Jets are allowing a miniscule 81.5 yards per game on the ground. This is a classic case of “something’s gotta give.” Which strength will be able to impose its will upon the other?
Prediction: Bills win 24-20
No surprises that this game will be close. That’s just the way these two teams operate. Still, the Bills are at home and comfortable in the knowledge that they already know how to beat the Jets. All Ryan has to do is get them motivated, something he’s proven quite good at in the past. New York will get caught peeking at the scoreboard.