Jets vs. Bills 2012 game preview: Jets’ chaotic season will end in Buffalo
The Jets and Bills will wrap up disappointing seasons on Sunday when the two teams face off in Buffalo.
After starting 2-1, the Bills enter the game 5-10 and losers of three-straight games. Buffalo attempted to add to its defense in the draft and free agency, but is 31st in points per game allowed. While the Bills have struggled on the field, the Jets have had issues on and off the field. Mark Sanchez was benched. Tim Tebow has drawn plenty of attention, but very little for what he’s done on the field and the Jets missed the playoffs for the second straight season.
The 2012 NFL season has not been kind to the teams of New York.
Meet the Bills
While the Bills have struggled for much of the season, there have been a few bright spots. After a somewhat disappointing start to his Buffalo career, C.J. Spiller broke through in a big way this season. Spiller has rushed for 1,185 yards this season while averaging 6.5 yards per attempt. He, along with Steve Johnson, have been the two biggest bright spots on offense for Buffalo. Johnson needs just 65 receiving yards against the Jets to notch his third straight 1,000-yard season.
Buffalo has struggled on defense, but big free agent acquisition Mario Williams has had a solid first season with the Bills. Williams has 10.5 sacks on the season and has managed to stay healthy after missing 11 games last season.
Meet the Jets
The Jets notched an impressive 48-28 win against the Bills in Week 1, but it’s been all down hill from there for New York. It lost six of its next eight game while creating plenty of headlines on and off the field along the way. Mark Sanchez struggled which led to calls for Tim Tebow. Instead, Tebow has rarely seen the field and Sanchez was benched for third stringer Greg McElroy.
Defensively the Jets have had success despite losing star cornerback Darrelle Revis to a season ending knee injury in the second game of the season. After allowing 312.1 yards per game last season, the Jets have played close to the same level this season, allowing 322.7 yards per game.
Local Takes: Bills
Brian Galliford of Buffalo Rumblings took a look at where C.J. Spiller ranks among the top running backs in the NFL.
There's no debate, either, about who has been Buffalo's offensive MVP; Spiller has been the only player consistently worth a damn on a weekly basis this season, and that's the base line of his worth. He's had an awesome season, despite the fact that he's not given the football enough, and despite the fact that he's not on the field enough when Fred Jackson is healthy.
Local Takes: Jets
The Jets were forced to play much of the season without Darrelle Revis, but Gang Green Nation made the argument that signing Revis should be the No. 1 priority this offseason.
As we head to the offseason, a huge issue looms over the Jets. Darrelle Revis is entering his contract year. The Jets cannot let him get to free agency next year. They have two options, locking him up long-term and trading him. I have heard arguments for trading him. While I very much respect many of the individuals making these arguments, I am unconvinced by them.
Follow the Fun
Be sure to check out SB Nation’s team blogs, Buffalo Rumblings, Gang Green Nation, for more analysis and highlights from the game.
Add these fine follows to your Twitter timeline:
#Bills shut out of the Pro Bowl; do we care? sbn.to/ZBGEnv
— Buffalo Rumblings (@BuffRumblings) December 27, 2012
Landry and Cro were elected to the pro bowl. #deserved #legit but lets be honest; #WheresWilkerson
— Gang Green Nation (@GangGreenNation) December 27, 2012
@pjscribe - Bills beat writer
Gailey obviously needs to make sure the Wildcat is a waste of time over these final 2 games #Bills
— Paul Jannace (@pjscribe) December 23, 2012
@RichCimini - Jets beat writer
Tebow not happy with perception he quit on teammates. He said he didn't ask out, but he also confirmed he was ticked off about Wildcat role.
— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) December 26, 2012
Prediction
Mark Sanchez/Greg McElroy/Tim Tebow vs. Ryan Fitzpatrick. Man, this should be a fun one.
The pick: 20-13, Bills
Odds
The Bills opened as a 3-point favorite, according to Odds Shark.
Next Week
With both teams eliminated from playoff contention, the Bills and Jets will be at home next week watching the playoffs on TV.
More in: NFL Week 17: This is the end
