Week 4: Bills vs. Jets
at
Sunday, Sept. 30th
1:00pm ET
Stats Matchup
The disastrous start to the 2007 season got worse for the Bills in New England last week when they lost Paul Posluszny for the season and J.P. Losman for a couple of weeks. It is hard to think of a team this devastated with injuries this quickly. It also isn't good that it happened to a team with questionable depth to begin with. The Jets come to town as the Bills return home for the next month. Maybe some home cooking and finally facing a team that isn't one of the best in the league will help them at least challenge for a victory.

FACTS AND FIGURES

Matchup: Buffalo (0-3) vs. N.Y. Jets (1-2)
Place: Ralph Wilson Stadium
Television: CBS
Announcers: Ian Eagle and Solomon Wilcots
Spread: Jets by 4
Series: Bills lead 51-42 (Bills 1-0 in playoffs)
Streak: Bills Won 1
Last Meeting: Bills 31-13 in New Jersey (2006)
Jets Offense: Rush (23rd); Pass (27th); overall (28th)
Jets Defense: Rush (20th); Pass (28th); overall (28th)
Bills Offense: Rush (18th); Pass (32nd); overall (32nd)
Bills Defense: Rush (32nd); Pass (32nd); overall (32nd)


INJURY UPDATE

Where do we start? The Bills are by far the most banged up team in the league and it got worse last week. J.P. Losman was lost for at least two weeks with a grade 1 sprained MCL against the Patriots. Paul Posluszny is the latest player to go on IR after breaking his forearm against New England. Terrence McGee missed the Patriots game with a rib injury suffered against the Steelers and may be questionable this week as well. Coy Wire, Ryan Denney and Keith Ellison all may be back after the bye. Ko Simpson, Kevin Everett and Jason Webster are also on injured reserve.

The Jets meanwhile seem very healthy. They had no major injuries come out of their win over Miami last week and entered the game with no injured inactives. CB and kick return specialist Justin Miller is on injured reserve with a knee injury.
Bills Daily Injury Page

KEY MATCHUPS

RB Marshawn Lynch vs. LB Jonathan Vilma:
Former Bill Willis McGahee owned his former college teammate. Lynch needs to have the same level of success if the Bills are to have a chance. Vilma is playing out of position a bit in the 3-4 defense of the Jets, he's a better fit in the 4-3.

QB Trent Edwards vs. FS Erik Coleman:
Edwards gets his first NFL start and the offense should open up a bit with the extra preparation. Coleman will be watching the QBs eyes looking for a chance at some interceptions.

LB John DiGiorgio vs. RB Thomas Jones:
DiGiorgio is now back in his normal position after the season ending injury to Posluszny. Jones torched the Bills last year with the Bears. No reason to think he won't do it again with this banged up bunch.

WR Lee Evans vs. CB Andre Dyson:
This could be the week that Evans breaks out. The Jets defensive backs aren't that strong and Dyson hasn't done too much so far this year.

DE Aaron Schobel vs. LT D'Brickashaw Ferguson:
Schobel needs to be a playmaker or else the depleted defense doesn't have a chance. Ferguson is a top talent tackle but Schobel's experience should give him an edge.

DB Ashton Youboty vs. WR Jerricho Cotchery:
Youboty needs to start playing tighter coverage on the receivers. Cotchery is off to a very good start and could have a big day if Youboty doesn't step up.

GAME PLAN

When The Bills Have The Ball: After a full week of practice, Edwards should be able to run more of the offense. Look for the Bills to spread the Jets out on occasion but they will probably look to establish a ground control running game to keep the beleaguered defense off the field.

When The Jets Have The Ball: Which way should they attack the Bills defense? They can do it on the ground or through the air with success. Look for a power running game from Jones with mixed in slant patterns over the middle that has been very successful against the Bills this year.

BILLS DAILY PREDICTION

Can things get worse for the Bills? Probably not but never say never. They should get a bit of a lift for being back home and playing a sub .500 team. The fact remains because of all the injuries and a lack of talent they are the worst team in football. The Jets are better then their record and should come ready to play. Look for this game to not be a blowout like the last two weeks but the result will be the same:
Jets 23, Bills 14

Season Prediction Record: (2-1)
Season Record Against The Spread: (3-0)

Complete Gameday Review - Coming Sunday Evening!
Gameday Grades - Coming Sunday Evening!
Gameday Homepage