The Buffalo Bills opened up as a 3.5-point favorites and moved to 3-points (at press) over the New York Jets in Week 9, their second meeting of the 2017 season.
Back in Week 1, the Bills (at home) beat the Jets 21-12, but now they’re headed into Jersey for Thursday Night Football.
Since the Jets lost to the Bills at the start of the season, they have (at times) shown signs of life, winning over the Dolphins, Jaguars and winless Browns (although the latter doesn’t say much). The Jets have also kept their losses close, only losing by one score against the Patriots, Dolphins and Falcons.
The Bills are on a roll since their bye week, winning consecutive games, including a dramatic 30-27 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 7 followed by a 34-14 victory over the Oakland Raiders in Week 8. With shot at an impressive 6-2 record (4-1 in the conference) the Bills can gain some serious momentum into the back half of the season, if they play smart.
Will the Bills make a playoff statement this Thursday, or will the Jets keep the game tight for against-the-spread bettors or even pull off the upset?
The Buffalo Bills have won four of their last five games and have improved their position in the AFC East. However, they have also lost six of their last eight road games and they’ll be in the less-than-welcoming Jersey for Thursday Night Football.
Still, momentum is in their favor. As we enter Week 9, QB Tyrod Taylor has completed 63.8 percent of his passes and thrown for 1,343 yards and eight touchdowns with just two interceptions. Taylor has thrown one TD pass in each of his last four games while Charles Clay and LeSean McCoy have combined for 500 receiving yards and two TDs while wide receiver Jordan Matthews has a total of 15 receptions to his name. Buffalo’s ground game is averaging 124.6 yards per game, and McCoy leads the way with 521 yards and three TDs. One the defensive end, the Bills are allowing 16.4 points and 346.6 yards per contest. Linebacker Preston Brown leads the defensive team with 56 tackles while defensive end Jerry Hughes has three sacks under his belt and safety Micah Hyde has five interceptions.
On the road this season, the Buffalo Bills are 1-2 straight up and 2-1 against the spread.
The New York Jets are looking to put an end to a three-game losing streak, while winning their third home game (where they are currently 2-2) of the season. As we enter Week 9, QB Josh McCown has completed 70.5 percent of his passes and thrown for 1,840 yards and 12 touchdowns, with seven interceptions. McCown has two or more TD passes in five of his last seven games, while Robby Anderson and Jermaine Kearse have combined for 777 receiving yards and seven TDs while wide receiver and return specialist Jeremy Kerley has 22 receptions. The Jets are averaging 95.8 yards on the ground per game, while running back Bilal Powell leads the squad with 316 yards and two TDs. On the defensive end, the Jets are allowing 23.3 points and 361.4 yards per game. Linebacker Demario Davis has a total of 67 tackles, outside linebacker David Bass has two sacks, and free safety Marcus Maye has two interceptions to his name.
At home this season, the New York Jets are 2-2 straight up and 4-0 against the spread.
Writer’s Prediction:
This is a tale of home vs away. The Bills have everything it takes to win this game, but their road performance against the Jets’ home performance will not only keep things close, it will see the Jets extend to claim the first upset win of Week 9. Pick: New York Jets (+3)
