The Big Lead

Loser of Jets vs Bills Can Kiss the 2016 Season Goodbye

By Jason McIntyre

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The Jets gave away the season opener against the Bengals, as Nick Folk missed an extra point, had a chip shot field goal blocked and Darrelle Revis was torched by AJ Green and New York lost to Cincinnati, 23-22. The win would have put them on the potential path to success this season, but now, it means they absolutely must win at Buffalo Thursday to salvage the season.

Make no mistake – if the Jets lose in Buffalo, the season is over. You might as well fire up the rebuilding plan. The core of the offense is 32 or older – Brandon Marshall (32), Ryan Fitzpatrick (33), Nick Mangold (32). Who will be the QB next year? What should be done with 31-year old Revis and his $15.3 million cap hit in 2017?

Here’s why I’m all doom and gloom: The schedule in the next four weeks. It’s depressing:

  • At Kansas City, which should be healthier (i.e., Jamaal Charles is expected back in Week 3)
  • vs Seattle, which needs no introduction
  • at Pittsburgh, which will have Le'Veon Bell back, and if you thought AJ Green lit up Revis, what will Antonio Brown do?
  • at Arizona, which is a Super Bowl contender despite the season-opening loss to New England

Even the most optimistic Jets fan will concede it’d be a miracle to go 2-2 in those four. Lose to Buffalo Thursday, and this would put them 2-4, and remember, they have two games left with New England later in the season.

Considering the Bills swept the Jets last season, my confidence level is low. Want a sliver of good news? The line opened Bills -3 and the Jets are now favored by one.

As for Buffalo, the Bills don’t have it any easier. Here’s how brutal the schedule is for the Bills after this:

  • a trip to New England, which beat Arizona on the road
  • cross-country trip to Los Angeles, and though the Rams looked awful, they won’t continue to play that bad
  • Tom Brady Halloween weekend
  • Then, the following week, a trip to Seattle
  • Coming out of the bye week? At Cincinnati.

There’s no way around it: The season is over for Buffalo with a loss tonight. Maybe they fight back to get to 7-9 and miss the playoffs, but Rex Ryan ain’t surviving this.

I’ll go with ugly and sloppy, with the Jets coming out on top, 20-17.