Sports betting players never figured Buffalo would be a game ahead of the New York Jets heading into Week 9 of the regular season, but here we are as the Jets prepare to head to Ralph Wilson Stadium. The Jets did a lot of talking ahead of the season, and they’re starting to find their stride. Look for a big showing against the Bills on Sunday.
What: NFL Betting
When: Sunday, November 6th, 1:00 PM ET
Where: Ralph Wilson Stadium, Buffalo, NY
Pick: New York Jets +1
Why Bet On New York Jets (4-3 SU, 3-4 ATS)
The Jets fought out of a 21-10 hole to defeat San Diego 27-21 at home prior to their bye week, and it was a gutsy performance from an underachieving team that has yet to hit his stride. Mark Sanchez found Plaxico Burress for three touchdowns, all within the five-yard line and that is exactly why the Jets took a chance on Burress, who spent two years in jail prior to this season. With his size and soft hands, Sanchez has a dependable target in the red zone. Sanchez was also aided by Shonn Greene’s first 100-yard game of the season as the Jets look to re-establish their ground game. Head coach Rex Ryan wants his team to pound the ball, and that will open up the offense for Sanchez. The defense is starting to come around, although they’re still prone to lapses, especially against the run where they are 25th in the league. The pass defense is led by cornerback Darrelle Revis, who has three picks in his last two games, including a 100-yard return for a score.
Linebacker David Harris (ankle) and defensive tackle Kenrick Ellis (ankle) were both injured against San Diego, but after a bye, they should be good to go, but always check the injury report to be sure. The Jets were starting to roll with two straight wins before the off week, and they’ll be aiming to get that momentum again by going back to Ryan’s brand of football: a strong running game and defense. The Jets tried to get too fancy with the passing game early in the season, but they realize now, they’re not that kind of team.
Why Bet On Buffalo Bills (5-2 SU, 4-2-1 ATS)
The Bills continue to defy the NFL betting odds by staying at the top of the AFC East after a 23-0 shutout of Washington in Toronto, and now they are tied with New England, who lost in Pittsburgh. Ryan Fitzpatrick signed a contract that gave him a big raise, and he responded by going 21-of-27 for 262 yards, two touchdowns and a pick. Fred Jackson had 26 carries for 120 yards, and he added another 74 yards through the air on three catches, and the Bills may need him out of the backfield this week as Stevie Johnson will probably have a ticket to “Revis Island”. The defense, which is ranked 26th in the league, put up a solid performance with a couple of turnovers (which offset the two turnovers by the Buffalo offense) and they held Washington to a measly 26 yards on the ground. More importantly, the Bills had nine sacks and you’ll disrupt any offense with that type of pass rush. First-round pick Marcell Dareus was moved to nose tackle, and he responded with 2.5 sacks.
Buffalo has a few injury worries heading into this game, as left tackle Demetrius Bell (shoulder) and his backup, Chris Hairston (ankle) are unlikely to play. The Jets can put together a solid pass rush and with guard Andy Levitre moving over, New York can take advantage of this, although he did a good job against Washington. The Bills have been one of many surprises during the season, and their two losses have come by a combined six points (both losses came in the last two minutes of their games), but expectations are starting to build in Buffalo and they’ll have to deal with no longer being an underdog.
How It Will Play Out
NFL betting odds have the Bills as a 1-point favorite as they return to Buffalo, where they are 1-4 SU and ATS in their last five meetings with the Jets, although a 19-13 loss in 2009 was actually in Toronto. Two games fell under the posted total, along with a push, and this figures to be a tight affair.
The Jets have to stop Jackson and put the pressure on Fitzpatrick to find receivers other than Johnson, as quarterbacks have a 2.9 rating this season when taking on Revis. But the bigger matchup may be the New York offense against the Buffalo defense, which put on a show against Washington, but the Jets are a much better offense and they can control the clock with Greene. In a slight upset, go with the Jets in your online betting picks.
Jets Bills Betting Pick: New York Jets