Bills vs. Jets -- Week 1
Where: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, N.J. (turf, outdoors)
When: Sunday, 1 p.m., ET (CBS)
Spread: Jets by 4.5
Forecast: 75 degrees with a possible thunderstorm
2011 records: Bills (6-10); Jets (8-8)
Past results: Two most recent meetings -- Nov. 6, 2011: Jets 27, Bills 11; Nov. 27, 2011: Jets 28, Bills 24. The New York Jets have won their last five games against Buffalo. Series record: Bills hold a 53-49 edge.
What matters: Can the Bills finally get over the hump against the Jets? New York has had Buffalo’s number in recent years, and big wins over the Bills in 2008 and 2011 sent the team into a tailspin. The Bills say they’re ready to make a legitimate playoff push. A win over their division rivals -- and a team they’ll likely battle for a wild card spot -- would really set the tone for the season. From a tactical perspective, the Bills need to show some life on offense against the Jets. Rex Ryan has won all but one game against the Bills as New York’s head coach, and his defense has led the way in most of those victories. The Bills' offense took a step in the right direction in its late-season loss to New York last year but Stevie Johnson dropped a potential game-winning TD pass.
Who matters: QB Ryan Fitzpatrick has a quick release, and he’ll need to use it against New York’s pass rush. Johnson is one of the few receivers in the league to find success against Darrelle Revis. Johnson skipped Thursday’s practice with a groin ailment, but the Bills need the Fitzpatrick-Johnson combination to carry the load.
Key matchups: Johnson against Revis is the standout matchup to watch. Buffalo’s offensive tackles -- Chris Hairston and Erik Pears -- against the Jets’ group of pass rushers is another key matchup. Rex Ryan is known for his exotic blitz packages, and Buffalo’s O-line had a rough preseason. Pears is making his way back from a groin injury.
Injuries of note: Johnson’s dealing with the groin injury, but he should be fine for the game. He fought through a groin injury all last season. QB/WR Brad Smith was limited during practices with a groin injury but looks like he’ll play against his former team.
Inside stuff: TE Scott Chandler could also be a big weapon in the passing game. After a breakout 2011 season, Chandler had a terrific training camp and could catch some people by surprise -- that is, if they didn’t already notice him last year.
Connections: Smith was a fourth-round pick of the Jets in 2006 and was a special-teams standout in New York before signing with the Bills last year. Jets OLB Aaron Maybin, who has resurrected his career in New York, was chosen by the Bills with the 11th overall pick in the 2009 draft and is considered one of the biggest busts in team history.
Stat you should know: Johnson had a combined 11 receptions for 159 yards and a TD against Revis and the Jets last year (14.5 average).
Record watch: RB Fred Jackson needs 56 rushing yards to move into fourth all-time on the team’s rushing list (ahead of Travis Henry -- 3,849 yards).
Looking ahead: On paper, this game appears to be more important than most season openers. A win over the division rival Jets would be huge for the Bills, but a loss would put them in an early hole. One game doesn’t make a season, however, and the Bills have a favorable matchup in Week 2 against Kansas City.
Prediction: Bills 23, Jets 17
For more updates on the Bills follow correspondent Mark Ludwiczak on Twitter @CBSSportsNFLBUF and @MarkLud12.
