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New York Jets vs. Buffalo Bills: Week 17 Preview, Predictions & Insights
Week 17 of the NFL season delivers an exciting clash as the New York Jets travel to Highmark Stadium to face the Buffalo Bills. This highly anticipated AFC East showdown has significant implications for both teams. Below, we break down everything you need to know, from player stats to betting trends and fresh insights, helping you make informed decisions for this game.
Jets vs. Bills: The Road Ahead
New York Jets Betting Preview
The New York Jets enter this matchup on shaky ground, having lost four of their last five road games. Despite some standout individual performances, the team has struggled to find consistency.
- Aaron Rodgers: Completing 62.8% of passes, Rodgers has racked up 3,511 yards, 24 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions this season.
- Key Playmakers: Garrett Wilson and Davante Adams have contributed 1,706 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns combined, while Breece Hall has tallied 774 rushing yards and 5 touchdowns.
- Defensive Standouts: The Jets are allowing 22.9 points per game, with Jamien Sherwood leading the defense with 142 tackles.
However, the Jets’ ground game remains a weak point, averaging just 88.7 yards per contest. Can they overcome their offensive struggles against a dominant Bills team?
Buffalo Bills Betting Preview
The Buffalo Bills are riding a 10-game home winning streak, cementing their status as one of the league’s toughest teams to beat at Highmark Stadium.
- Josh Allen: The Bills’ star quarterback is completing 63.8% of his passes, with 3,549 yards, 26 touchdowns, and just 6 interceptions this season.
- Ground Game Dominance: James Cook leads the charge with 928 rushing yards and an impressive 14 touchdowns.
- Defensive Leaders: The Bills allow 22.1 points per game, with Dorian Williams leading the defense with 108 tackles.
With an average of 133.5 rushing yards per game, the Bills boast a balanced offense capable of exploiting the Jets’ weaknesses.
Why the Buffalo Bills Have the Edge
- Home Advantage: The Bills have won eight consecutive December games against AFC opponents.
- Strong Finishes: Buffalo ranks first in the NFL in fourth-quarter points per game (8.8).
- Jets’ Struggles on the Road: The Jets have lost 21 of their last 22 road games against AFC opponents on winning streaks.
Why the New York Jets Could Surprise
Despite their underdog status, the Jets have shown resilience as double-digit underdogs. They’ve covered the spread in four of their last five such matchups, with Aaron Rodgers’ experience being a potential game-changer. Additionally, expected rainy conditions could neutralize the Bills’ high-powered offense.
Key Player Prop Insights
Buffalo Bills
- Josh Allen: Scored at least one touchdown in five of the last six games.
- James Cook: Recorded 120+ rushing and receiving yards in three of the last four Sunday games.
New York Jets
- Breece Hall: Averaged 72+ rushing and receiving yards in 10 of his last 12 road games.
- Aaron Rodgers: Thrown three or more touchdowns in four of his last six December matchups.
Matchup Facts and Stats
- Buffalo Bills: Rank first in the NFL in second-half points per game (16.6).
- New York Jets: Struggle on fourth downs, converting just 42.9% of attempts this season.
Insights
Can Aaron Rodgers lead the Jets to an upset win?
Rodgers’ experience and ability to thrive in adverse weather conditions could give the Jets an edge in a tightly contested game.
How will the weather impact the game?
Rainy conditions could slow down both teams’ passing games, putting more emphasis on their rushing attacks.
Who’s the player to watch?
James Cook, with his versatility and recent dominance, could be the game-changer for Buffalo.
Prediction
The Buffalo Bills hold the clear advantage with their balanced offense, home dominance, and strong December performances. While the Jets have shown glimpses of promise, their inconsistency, especially on the road, makes them a risky bet. Expect the Bills to win, but weather conditions could keep the score closer than expected. Final Score Prediction: Bills 27, Jets 20.
