Bills – Jets
Time: 4:25 EST, Sept 22, 2013
Spread: NYJ -3
O/U: 38.5

Odds courtesy of Bovada

Buffalo has begun the season 1-1 with the victory coming last week by a mere point over the pitiful Carolina Panthers. Week 1, the squad fell by 2 to New England. Obtaining a victory on the road is never easy, and even against a team like the New York Jets, victory will be difficult to come by. NFL oddsmakers at Bovada list the visiting Bills as 3-point underdogs in this contest.

The injury to Mark Sanchez thrusted second-round draft pick E.J. Manuel into a starting role right off the bat. He’s done rather well considering his lack of preparation for full-time duties. Manuel threw for 296 yards last week in the victory and completed 27-of-39 passes. The FSU product is big, has a strong arm, is mobile, and should eventually become the QB that the Bills can build around. His completion ratio on the season now sits at 68.2 percent and Manuel has rushed for an addition 36 yards (on 7 attempts). Manuel’s main target thus far has been Steve Johnson, whose 13.6 yards per reception ranks top among NFL receivers.

The Bills have also had decent production in the backfield with C.J. Spiller and Fred Jackson combining for 241 yards on the season. The tandem may have trouble exploiting the Jets defense, though, as New York has ranked 3rd in the NFL in opponent rushing yards per game, allowing just 59.5 per contest. However, NY has played Tampa Bay and New England, neither of which have dominant players in the backfield. The Jets are not expected to make major waves this season, and will certainly hope to secure a home victory before two consecutive road games following this week.

Like Buffalo, New York also starts a rookie QB. Geno Smith came highly touted into the NFL and he’s done reasonably well for a rookie. Smith has thrown for 53.4 percent completions while also racking up 64 yards (on just 9 attempts). Smith has a lack of decent options in the backfield, however, which may render the Jets somewhat predictable as the season wears on. Bilal Powell and Chris Ivory have rushed 47 times this season (combined), but the duo has managed just 3.0 yards per carry and only Powell has a TD so far.

BUF

UNDER 4-0 in last 4 vs AFC East; UNDER 5-1 in last 6 vs AFC; OVER 13-3 in last 16 on turf.

NYJ

OVER 9-0 in last 9 in wk 3; UNDER 6-1 in last 7 overall; 1-5 ATS in last 6 following SU loss

Head to head: OVER 4-1 in last 5 in NY; Road team 8-3 ATS in last 11; Bills 2-5 ATS in last 7 overall.

Check out our season pick plans for the 2013-14 NFL season here at Maddux Sports!