Jets at Bills: Pregame Analysis, Predictions for Key AFC East Battle

SI writers expecting tightly-contested Week 11 divisional matchup in Buffalo

Author:
Ralph Ventre
Publish date:
Nov 17, 2023 5:31 PM EST

In this story:

It's one of the five biggest games on the National Football League's Week 11 slate according to Sports Illustrated.

The New York Jets (4-5) will visit the Buffalo Bills (5-5) for an AFC East matchup that carries significant postseason implications. Both teams are coming off back-to-back losses and have their backs up against the wall.

Marred by offensive struggles centered around a lack of execution, the Jets have not scored a touchdown in any of their last 11 quarters. Meanwhile, the defense has hit its stride, having limited opponents to a net 3.5 yards per play over the most-recent three-game span.

While featuring the important AFC East matchup as one of five important contests, three SI writers offered game predictions for the November 19 affair. All three selected the Bills to win while failing to cover the 7.5-point spread.

"It’s awesome. The guys are in great spirit," said Jets' head coach Robert Saleh on Friday in Florham Park. "I like where we’re at and the mindset, the juice, the energy, and I don’t think it’s because they see blood in the water. I think it’s because they’re excited to go play football and attack this moment."

The four games ranked ahead of the Jets at Bills matchup — (4) Raiders vs. Dolphins; (3) Steelers vs. Browns; (2) Bengals vs. Ravens; (1) Eagles vs. Chiefs.

From NFL Week 11 Preview: Best Games, Best Bets, Predictions:

5. New York Jets vs. Buffalo Bills

The situation in Buffalo is dire after three losses in four games for the Bills. Offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey was fired this week and the next team on the schedule is the Jets, a defense that has given Josh Allen fits in recent years.

Monday’s loss to the Broncos was an all-timer for Buffalo. The Bills, who were favored by more than a touchdown at home, would have escaped with a win were it not for a costly special teams mishap. Instead, they lost 24–22 to fall out of the playoff picture. Allen threw two more interceptions and now leads the league with 11 — he’s also first in passing touchdowns (19) — and Stefon Diggs inexplicably saw season lows in catches, targets and yards.

New York’s defense continues to be one of the NFL’s best and its offense still can't score touchdowns. The Jets were held out of the end zone in losses the last two weeks to the Raiders and Chargers, but kicker Greg Zuerlein was busy with six made field goals, the team’s only points during that stretch. It’s been made clear that Zach Wilson will remain the starter despite the offensive shortcomings as Aaron Rodgers continues to tease a December return.

Remember, New York got the best of Buffalo when these teams met in Week 1. Allen threw a season-worst three interceptions in that 22–16 overtime defeat and Wilson, Breece Hall and Garrett Wilson did just enough on offense after Rodgers went down. The Bills are in need of a win as the Dolphins have passed them by in the AFC East and the wild-card picture is full of playoff hopefuls, including the Jets, who would leap Buffalo in the event of an upset.

Verderame’s pick: Jets +7.5, Under 39.5 (Buffalo 20, New York 16)
Manzano’s pick: Jets +7.5, Over 39.5 (Buffalo 27, New York 23)
Wood’s pick: Jets +7.5, Over 39.5 (Buffalo 24, New York 19)

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