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Week 8: Bills vs. Jets
This week's battle at the Meadowlands may be about two teams heading in opposite directions. The Bills are playing much better since Trent Edwards has taking over the quarterback position although the offense continues to struggle getting into the end zone. The Jets had high hopes for the season but they are really struggling and dealing with a quarterback controversy of their own.
FACTS AND FIGURES
| Matchup: |
Buffalo (2-4) vs. N.Y. Jets (1-5) |
| Place: |
The Meadowlands |
| Television: |
CBS |
| Announcers: |
Gus Johnson and Steve Tasker |
| Spread: |
Jets by 3 |
| Series: |
Bills lead 52-42 (Bills 1-0 in playoffs) |
| Streak: |
Bills Won 2 |
| Last Meeting: |
Bills 17-14 in Buffalo (2007) |
| Jets Offense: |
Rush (25th); Pass (22nd); overall (29th) |
| Jets Defense: |
Rush (28th); Pass (26th); overall (28th) |
| Bills Offense: |
Rush (20th); Pass (31st); overall (31st) |
| Bills Defense: |
Rush (25th); Pass (31st); overall (31st) |
INJURY UPDATE
The Bills continue to get healthier but did have a couple of new injuries in the win over Baltimore that may affect them on the field this weekend. Chris Kelsay injured his ankle and may not be ready for this week's game. That is a big concern as Ryan Denney is not due back yet after suffering a bit of a setback while re-habbing his broken foot. Leon Joe suffered a bone bruise against the Ravens and also may not be available. Ashton Youboty remains sidelined with a sprained ankle and he is trying to work his way back into the lineup although he's lost his starting job to Jabari Greer. Jim Leonhard also remains out with a torn calf muscle and appears to be out again this week. Peerless Price is the latest addition to injured reserve with after having neck surgery that threatens his career. Ko Simpson, Kevin Everett, Paul Pozluszny, Jason Whittle, and Jason Webster are also among the players that are on injured reserve.
The Jets are pretty healthy but had a bombshell this week when they found out they have lost Jonathan Vilma for the season. Two players missed last week's loss to the Bengals because of injury. TEs Chris Baker and Jason Pociask were out with back injuries.
 Bills Daily Injury Page
KEY MATCHUPS
RB Marshawn Lynch vs. LB David Harris:
With Vilma out the rookie Harris is now in the lineup. That is more good news for Lynch who faces an already poor run defense. This could be his first 100 yard game.
WRs Roscoe Parrish and Lee Evans vs. CB Darrelle Revis:
Trent Edwards victimized the rookie on many occasions in the first meeting and will try to do it again. Revis will play in the nickel role and will likely draw Parrish on most plays. The Bills may also try to move Evans around to get a favorable matchup against the first round pick.
DTs Larry Tripplett and Kyle Williams vs. RB Thomas Jones:
The defensive tackle rotation is playing much better as of late and they will try to duplicate their efforts against Jones from the first meeting.
DE Aaron Schobel vs. LT D'Brickashaw Ferguson:
This is a classic matchup twice a year. Schobel made his presence felt the first time but needs to start getting some sacks to go along with his pressures.
DB Terrence McGee vs. WR Jerricho Cotchery:
McGee will likely go against Cotchery more often then not in this game. Crotchery had a decent game the first time around and the Bills will likely try to shut him down as he is the number one option in the passing game.
KR Terrence McGee and PR Roscoe Parrish vs. KR/PR Leon Washington:
This is a classic battle of three of the best and most explosive return men in the league. If one breaks a long one that could be the difference in a very tight matchup.
GAME PLAN
When The Bills Have The Ball: The Bills will probably put the no-huddle offense back into mothballs this week as they will be at a tough road stadium to get the calls out. Look for a more ball controlled conservative attack with many carries from Lynch against a weak run defense.
When The Jets Have The Ball: The Jets will likely try to pound the ball at the Bills with Jones. He has had success against the Bills in the past but he struggled in the earlier meeting at Ralph Wilson Stadium. The passing game has struggled and they likely will try to use the running game to help setup play action passes for the short dink and dunk game that the Jets like to do.
BILLS DAILY PREDICTION
On paper it looks like the Bills should get a win here since the defense is playing much better and the Jets are reeling. The problem is the Jets are desperate and the Bills don't play nearly as well away from the Ralph. Starters have been put on notice that they are playing for their jobs in New York and that can't be underestimated. I smell a tough loss for the Bills:
Jets 17, Bills 13
Season Prediction Record: (4-2)
Season Record Against The Spread: (4-2)
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