I'm foolish enough to believe the Jets have found something in their running game over the last month and that it matches up well with the Bills. I'm also foolish enough to believe Zach Wilson's growing confidence and improved play mean something, even in a tough matchup. New York could make Buffalo sweat out this potential AFC East title clincher, even if Robert Saleh's crew falls short.
Pick: Bills 30-23
MDS's take: The Jets have been playing more competitive football of late, and I think they'll keep it close against the Bills for about a half before the Bills pull away.
MDS's pick: Bills 27, Jets 17.
Florio's take: The Bills are finding more offensive balance, but Josh Allen needs to iron out the turnovers. This is a good pre-playoffs tuneup.
Florio's pick: Bills 34, Jets 13.
The Bills can lock up the AFC East with a victory, while the Jets are playing out the string. The Bills will be much more focused in trying to lock up the division. Plus, they are the better team. This one should get ugly. Bills big.
Pick: Bills 34, Jets 14
The Jets (4-12) narrowly lost to Tampa Bay, the defending Super Bowl champions, last week and have shown that they have building blocks to develop the franchise. None of that matters to the Bills (10-6), though, who need to win to clinch the A.F.C. East and secure a home playoff game. They are capable of blowing out the Jets, but that depends on Josh Allen protecting the ball (he threw two interceptions in the first half against Atlanta last week). If he does, Buffalo fans should have their folding tables ready.
Pick: Bills -16.5
The Bills will respond well to the Patriots pushing them again with a division walkover downstate. Josh Allen needs a passing tuneup before the playoffs but Buffalo won't shy away from a red-hot traditional running game, either. The defense also needs to keep attacking and making big plays against Zach Wilson. There's not much to like on any level for the Jets' offense.
Pick: Bills win 31-14 and cover the spread.
