The Buffalo Bills of this era, the ones who win a lot of games with Josh Allen at the helm, don’t really view the New York Jets as a threat.
But this week? These Jets are primed to pull off an upset that throws the AFC East race off kilter just a bit already in Week 2.
New York nearly won in Week 1 before falling to Pittsburgh, 34-32. The Bills are coming off their epic, 41-40 rally to beat the Ravens.
Just those scores alone suggest what could be an intriguing showdown.
And when you look at it a certain way, it certainly seems like the Jets could win.
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Here are three major reasons the Jets could upset the Bills:
Jets’ rushing offense vs. Bills’ rushing defense
New York ran the ball early and often against the Steelers, most heavily relying on QB Justin Fields and RB Breece Hall, but also on second-string runners Braelon Allen and Isaiah Davis.
The Jets finished with 182 rushing yards against the Steelers.
The Bills got gashed on the ground to the tune of a week-worst 238 rushing yards allowed to the Ravens.
This is the phase that could very well decide the game, and the Jets appear to have the leg up.
Ed Oliver’s injury
The Bills’ star defensive tackle was in a boot and on a scooter on Thursday. That’s not ideal.
If the run defense was porous with Oliver, it’ll only be worse without him.
It’s an ankle injury for Oliver. Even if he plays, it’s hard to believe he’ll be at full strength.
So if you thought the Jets were committed to the run before, how about when Oliver is out? It’ll be run, run, run all day long.
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Josh Allen’s turnovers vs. Jets
Josh Allen has 18 career turnovers against the Jets.
That’s the most by a QB against a single opponent in the span since Allen entered the league in 2018, according to ESPN.
Allen has gotten better about his interceptions and fumbles in recent years, but the Jets’ sturdy front and playmaking defensive backs could still find a way to press Allen into some mistakes.
Must be something about those green jerseys, which will come into Sunday’s game truly believing they can pull the upset.
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