The Buffalo Bills stay on the road this week, visiting the New York Jets for Week 10. After a slew of tough opponents to start the year, this two-week period is supposed to be a buffer for the Bills. A game against the 2-7 Jets, followed by the 1-7 Dolphins, should be comfortable.
Surely the Bills know better than to play down to their opponents, especially division rivals. They have to, right? The reality is, anyone can trip up this team with some confidence, especially those that share the AFC East with them. As Buffalo knows all too well, those little losses can cost you big time down the road. Regardless of caution, these predictions should set the stage for this divisional game.
Prediction #1 - The Bills stay on schedule
The New York Jets are, truly, not a terrible team. They struggle to finish games, they make easy errors, they mismanage important moments, certainly, but that's not the whole story. In truth, the Jets are just about average at just about everything. Nearly every statistic points to a decent football team. Their 2-7 record is somewhat deceptive.
One thing that works in the Bills' favor, however, is the Jets’ inability to get their defense off the field. The Jets allow a whopping 21.4 first downs per game, despite their low yards per play allowed.
Teams consistently generate reasonable yardage against the Jets, forcing long drives. Buffalo may not cash in on the explosive plays they've relied on this season, but they'll get upfield regardless; The Bills lead the NFL in yards per game this season.
Prediction #2 - Josh Allen scrambles often
With injuries across the entire Buffalo Bills offensive line, Josh Allen may get uncomfortable. Coming off a blitz-heavy mess from the Minnesota Vikings, the OL is more banged up than ever.
With the possibility of backups going against one of the NFL's sack leaders, David Bailey, may result in pressure. Fortunately, Josh Allen can handle pressure. When push comes to shove, he'll be in the mood to improvise on Sunday.
On the other end, expect Greg Rousseau to make short work of his opposition- The Jets have allowed Geno Smith to be sacked on 9.36% of their pass plays.
Prediction #3 - Final Score
The Bills may struggle to blow the Jets wide open. New York might prove they're capable of more than a high draft pick. One thing is for certain, however; Buffalo has a hold on the entire AFC at the moment, and they can't let the Jets trip them up.
Prediction: Bills beat the Jets, 35 - 20 in a methodical beatdown
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