3 Bills Players to Watch
James Cook - Cook is having a breakout season and is coming off back-to-back 100+ yard rushing games where he averaged 8.2 ypc with four total touchdowns. The Jets allow around 121 yards per game on the ground, so this should be a favorable matchup for Cook, who missed the week six matchup in which Ray Davis had the best game of his career. Cook is approaching the Bills’ single-season rushing touchdown record of 16. It would be nice to see him break that against the Jets.
Dalton Kincaid - Kincaid had one of his best games of the season in the week six matchup between the two teams. I expect him to be a primary target again this week as a safety valve for Allen. His ability to find space when things break down will be vital if the Bills’ passing game is going to be more successful than they were against the Patriots.
Greg Rousseau - Rousseau is playing the best football of his career and is coming off of another strong performance vs New England. He may not be getting the sacks, but he is creating pressure on 14% of his pass rush snaps this season. I expect him to have a big game against the Jets and their two tackles, Max Mitchell and Morgan Moses.
3 Jets Players to Watch
Breece Hall - Hall’s only 100+ yard rushing game of the season came in the week six matchup against the Bills. He has had a down year to his standards but is a player that needs to be watched by the Bills’ defense. The Bills’ below-average run defense mixed with Hall’s breakaway speed are a potential problem.
Jamien Sherwood - Sherwood is in the midst of a breakout season and has stepped up admirably in the absence of C.J. Mosley. He’s averaging 9.5 tackles a game but has a weakness in coverage. The Bills must exploit him in the passing game with the running backs and tight ends.
Garrett Wilson - Wilson is the leading pass catcher for the Jets and will be leaned on even more if Adams is unable to go or is limited due to his injury. Taron Johnson and the Bills secondary will need to pay attention to Wilson. He burned them for 8 catches for 107 yards and a touchdown in their first matchup.
Matchup of the Game
Prediction: Bills 34 Jets 16
Buffalo is returning defensive starters, and they have a bit of a chip on their shoulder to wrap up the #2 seed and put an end to the discussion this past week from their close victory over New England. I anticipate a spirited effort on both sides of the ball to lock in their playoff position and secure a rest for the starters in week 18. Go Bills!
