The Buffalo Bills are no longer in the running for the top seed in the AFC, but the #2 seed is nearly guaranteed. With limited stakes, the Bills face the New York Jets with their focus on the future. This matchup lacks the excitement of their early-season clash, when the Jets were aiming for a major resurgence, but it’s still another Sunday and another game to play.
Buffalo has been dealing with its share of injuries, especially on defense, with both starting safeties sidelined in recent games, along with cornerback Rasul Douglas and linebacker Matt Milano missing time. However, the Bills are beginning to get healthier at a critical moment. The Jets may take a cautious approach to their own injuries, similar to Buffalo, as cornerbacks Sauce Gardner and Michael Carter II were limited in Friday’s practice and are questionable for the game. Wide receiver Davante Adams, who wasn’t yet a Jet when Buffalo visited in October, is also in question. With a 4-11 record and long out of playoff contention, the Jets have little left to play for.
Prediction #1 – Grounded In Reality
The Buffalo Bills have little incentive to go all-out this weekend. The only reason to keep Josh Allen operating at full speed before the Wild Card round would be to bolster his MVP candidacy—a goal he’s never prioritized in his career. The Bills are likely to focus on keeping Allen safe as they gear up for the playoffs. While he might switch to hero mode if necessary, that’s unlikely to be part of the game plan. With the Jets boasting a strong pass defense despite their injuries, Buffalo has no need to push the limits.
Instead, anticipate a heavy dose of James Cook, Ray Davis, and Ty Johnson. The Bills’ power running game has been highly effective this season, and with all three running backs showcasing breakaway speed, the game plan becomes straightforward. Cook thrives in open-field opportunities, Davis excels in short-yardage situations, and Johnson shines on passing downs. If poor weather conditions come into play, it further simplifies the approach. This all points to one likely outcome: Josh Allen having a quiet game, the kind we’re unlikely to remember.
Prediction #2 – Dalton Kincaid Impactful
The Bills have the luxury of an unorthodox set of weapons. Dalton Kincaid is one such player. When the Bills went up against the New York Jets in Week 6, he played 80% of the total snaps on offense, leading all skill position players. It’s his highest total on the season, well-above his 58.6% average. To keep the defense honest, and to stop them selling out to defend the run game, Kincaid will be on the field a lot. Expect the same from Mack Hollins, but good blockers with downfield ability will be key to the Bills offensive success this weekend.
Prediction #3 – Final Score
Speculation about the Buffalo Bills dominating the New York Jets may have merit, as the Bills are undoubtedly the stronger team. However, are these the ideal conditions for a blowout? Buffalo has little incentive to take risks this weekend, and the gameday environment doesn’t favor an all-out effort. This game could mirror last week’s low-energy contest against the New England Patriots—closer than expected and far from thrilling. It’s the luxury of a top-tier team to ease up when necessary, with bigger goals in mind. Still, until the Bills officially secure the #2 seed, they’ll keep their starters on the field and ensure they come away with the win.
