The Buffalo have only played in two AFC East matchups this season, but they picked up their first divisional win of the season with a 31-12 win over the New York Jets. After playing in a physical game against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 9, the Bills didn't blink an eye against the Jets.
The Jets never took the lead against the Bills, and they never got into the endzone either. Buffalo now improves to 8-1 on the season, remaining in the top spot of the AFC. They have separated themselves even more within the AFC East, which is a great sight to see (especially since the Patriots lost to the Lions).
This game had the makings of a classic trap game, and the Bills were only leading 10-9 at one point. Luckily, the Bills got away from them and never looked back.
Instant reactions from Bills' first divisional win of 2026 over Jets
James Cook is absolutely unbelievable
James Cook had the big breakout play in the 4th quarter that sealed the deal for the Bills with a 74-yard rushing touchdown, which was his longest run of his career. Cook finished the game with 157 yards on the ground off of 18 carries, while getting into the endzone in the 4th quarter. Cook now sits just under 1,000 yards on the ground on the season. This offense is so much better when he is on the field.
Amani Hooker had the chance to get 2 interceptions
Buffalo acquired their newest safety in Amani Hooker at the trade deadline, and he caught on quickly to get the green light to suit up and play. He started the game, and while he didn't record an interception, there were two instances where he almost had a pick. One of them was in the back of the endzone where the ball was launched high up in the air, and Hooker was on the edge of the endzone and it came down into his arms, but was knocked away at the last second.
Hooker didn't have a breakout game that fans may have hoped for, but it was good to see him out on the field. Now, he has an idea of what this defense is like in a game which will only help him get more comfortable.
Bills' defense get another QB matchup break
This is now the third consecutive game where the Bills have played against multiple quarterbacks in a game due to injury, or just bad play. In Week 8 they played Lamar Jackson, Tyler Huntley, and Joe Fagnano. Last week against the Vikings, they played Carson Wentz, and then eventually Max Brosmer because Wentz was so bad.
This time around, the Bills started out against Geno Smith, but an ankle injury ruled him out and Cade Klubnik stepped in for him. Klubnik had a tiny spark on his first drive, but he couldn't get the Jets' offense going at all. Buffalo's defense has looked impressive, but it's important to note that their opponents have had bad QB luck.
T.J. Parker makes his presence known
Buffalo's first draft pick from April had a bit of a slower start to this season, but that wasn't the case against the Jets. He made his presence know with 5 total tackles which included 2 sacks on Klubnick. You could make the case that he outperformed Bradley Chubb and Greg Rousseau.
Penalties continue to be an issue
It feels like I can't get away from this subject, but we have yet another Bills game with 5+ penalties. Are we ever going to get below that number?
Buffalo ends this game with 7 penalties for 35 yards. At the same time, it's an improvement from previous games where they have had double digit penalties. Joe Brady continues to have the Bills look like an undisciplined team, despite their greatness.
Dorian Williams is creating a tough contract decision for Bills
Linebacker Dorian Williams has been having a great stretch of football and he had yet another great performance against the Jets. After getting his first NFL interception back in Week 6 against the Las Vegas Raiders, he recorded his first sack of his career against Geno Smith. In addition, he led the Bills' defense with 9 total tackles, while also recording a pass deflection and 2 QB hits.
Williams is a pending free agent after this season, and he's putting the Bills in a tough position contract-wise with this kind of play.
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