Publisher Nick St. Denis, associate editor Dan Begnoche and senior contributor Sean Donovan pick the divisional showdown between the New York Jets and the Buffalo Bills.
Nick's take:
E.J. Manuel is throwing more than half of his passes to his running backs and tight end, and that trend continues against a Jets defensive front that will have its ears pinned back. Conversely, Buffalo will aggressively peruse Geno Smith, and both defenses should succeed at getting to the rookies. Gang Green has to find a way to slow down C.J. Spiller, something they've struggled to do in the past. The Jets make one more big play on defense and squeeze out a win a home.
Prediction: Jets 17, Bills 14
Dan's take:
It's chess match time for Rex Ryan and Mike Pettine, and it'll be interesting to see how the two offenses endure such familiar looks from the opposing defenses. Expect a lot of check-downs and scrambling by the young QBs, which may make the outcome of this one contingent on the ground game and late turnovers. New York's touting a top 5 defense, E.J. Manuel's grasp of his Nate Hackett's system, coupled with Gang Green's inconsistent rushing attack, helps the Bills eek out this low-scoring affair.
Prediction: Bills 16, Jets 13
Sean's take:
Both rookie starting quarterbacks will have a talented, well-coached defense to contend with as their teams look to avoid dropping to 0-2 in the division. The game turns into a defensive battle quickly, with a special teams or short-field touchdown making the difference for the Jets.
Prediction: Jets 13, Bills 9
E.J. Manuel is throwing more than half of his passes to his running backs and tight end, and that trend continues against a Jets defensive front that will have its ears pinned back. Conversely, Buffalo will aggressively peruse Geno Smith, and both defenses should succeed at getting to the rookies. Gang Green has to find a way to slow down C.J. Spiller, something they've struggled to do in the past. The Jets make one more big play on defense and squeeze out a win a home.
