Jets Look to Upset Bills in Season Opener; Tale of the Tape Gives Gang Green Edge

The New York Jets might be a 2.5 point underdog at home against the Buffalo Bills, but one has to wonder how much of that is based on the results of past seasons as opposed to the two rosters that will be squaring off against one another on Monday night.  Going up and down the two team’s respective depth charts shows the Jets having the advantage as opening week approach.

Quarterback: Aaron Rodgers vs Josh Allen

In past seasons, the Jets entered just about every contest with a notable disadvantage at the quarterback position.  That will no longer be the case as Aaron Rodgers’ arrival means higher expectations and more often than not, a significant advantage.  However, the Bills do have the rocket armed Josh Allen who struggled to move the ball against the Jets last season but is still one of the top signal callers in the NFL.  Allen has thrown double digit interceptions in four his his five NFL seasons.  Meanwhile, Rodgers has thrown double digit interceptions in 3 of fifteen.  One could make a case for the two QB’s being equal, but Rodgers gets the nod because only Allen will be facing the Jets defensive line.  And don’t discount the fact that this is a reinvigorated Rodgers making his home debut with a chip on his shoulder.

Advantage: Jets

Running Back: Breece Hall, Dalvin Cook and Michael Carter vs James Cook, Damien Harris and Latavius Murray

The Jets group of backs just possess more explosiveness and ability to make plays after the catch out of the backfield.  Breece Hall was reportedly hitting 22 MPH on his GPS several weeks ago and has only gotten better since then.

While he’ll see the fewest touches of the group, Michael Carter will be looking to make  a statement after a down sophomore season in 2022.

Advantage: Jets

Wide Receiver: Garrett Wilson, Allen Lazard, Randall Cobb, Mecole Hardman vs Stefon Diggs, Gabe Davis, Deonte Hardy and Khalil Shakir.

The unexpected loss of Corey Davis hurts the Jets wide receiver group quite a bit.  With the two rosters built as they are, the Bills have a more proven group of pass catchers.  We view Hardman as an X-factor who could help propel the Jets over the Bills on Monday as a big play threat, but as of right now…

Advantage: Bills

Tight End: Tyler Conklin, CJ Uzomah and Jeremy Ruckert vs Dawson Knox and Dalton Kincaid

Knox is the best tight end in the group today and Kincaid has a very good chance to be the best of the group in the future.  Conklin was up and down last season with too many drops and fumbles while Uzomah did very little in the passing game.  Expect Ruckert to be a starter before the season ends.

Advantage: Bills

Offensive Line: Duane Brown, Laken Tomlinson, Connor McGovern, Alijah Vera-Tucker, Mekhi Becton vs Dion Dawkins, Connor McGovern, Mitch Morse, O’Cyrus Torrence, Spencer Brown.

The Jets have some questions regarding injuries and whether or not Laken Tomlinson will bounce back following a down 2022, but the Jets starting five is the better group all around.  While we view O’Cyrus Torrence as a future pro bowler, he’s still a rookie on Monday night who  will be squaring off against Quinnen Williams a fair bit.

Advantage: Jets

Defensive Line: Carl Lawson, Quinnen Williams, Quinton Jefferson, John Franklin-Myers, Jermaine Johnson, Will McDonald, Michael Clemons, Bryce Huff vs Greg Rousseau, Ed Oliver, DaQuan Jones, Leonard Floyd, Jordan Phillips, Shaq Lawson.

This one isn’t even close and is unlikely to be against anyone the Jets face this year.  From top to bottom this is by far the most talented group on the Jets roster and possibly in the NFL.  Jets fans can’t wait to see a heavy rotation of pass rushers who are as talented as anyone the Jets have had in a decade.

Advantage: Jets

Linebackers: CJ Mosley and Quincy Williams vs Matt Milano and Terrel Bernard

Expect both teams to employ two linebackers on defense for the majority of the evening with the Bills having the advantage of CJ Mosley and Quincy Williams.  Mosley will rack up  his share of tackles but his ability to cover is waning while Williams is good for the occasional highlight reel hit, but lacks consistency.  Milano will be the best linebacker on the field.  Jets fans should also keep an eye out for Chazz Surratt who could surprise if given the opportunity to get on the field.

Advantage: Bills

Cornerback: Sauce Gardner, DJ Reed and Michael Carter vs Tra’Davious White, Christian Benford and Taron Johnson

Another position group where the Jets will be the better team on a weekly basis as long as everyone stays healthy.   Gardner’s much anticipated return will feature him locking horns with Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis while the underrated DJ Reed does the same on his side of the field.  Some potential “worth the price of admission” reps in that group.

Advantage: Jets

Safety: Jordan Whitehead, Adrian Amos and Tony Adams vs Jordan Poyer and Micah Hyde.

This is where the Bill have the most clear cut advantage on Monday night and just about every week they suit up.  Poyer and Hyde are a force to be reckoned with while Whitehead, Amos and Adams can be best described at this point as question marks.

Advantage: Bills

Special Teams: Greg Zuerlein, Thomas Morstead, Thomas Hennessy vs Tyler Bass, Sam Martin, Reid Ferguson

The Jets get a huge upgrade at punter in going from Braden Mann to Thomas Morestead but the Bills group is on par with Gang Green as far as we can see.

Advantage: Push

Head Coach: Robert Saleh vs Sean McDermott

Simply put, McDermott has done far more than Saleh has while having a much larger sample size.  As popular as Saleh may be with Jets fans, he’s not yet on par with McDermott.

Advantage: Bills

Prediction:  Jets 31 Bills 17

Glenn Naughton

Glenn was Born in the Bronx, New York and has followed the Jets religiously despite being stationed in several different countries and time zones around the world. He now resides in England and has been a JetNation member since 2005. Glenn will bleed green with the rest of us through the highs and lows.

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