Bills vs Jets Predictions: Gang Green can maintain Buffalo run

Monday Night Football (Sky Sports Main Event) throws up a crucial encounter this week as the Buffalo Bills travel to the New York Jets with top spot in the AFC East the target. 

The Bills currently lead the way with a 3-2 record, while the Jets sit second, but neither team is in particularly great shape as both have lost each of their last two games, with Robert Saleh also sacked by New York earlier this week. Both franchises have plenty of issues to deal with but need to do so quickly as Monday's match-up could be crucial towards claiming the AFC East title at the end of the regular season. 

NFL Odds

Team News 

The Jets will be without cornerback Michael Carter II on Monday night due to a back injury, while tight end Tyler Conklin and linebacker C.J. Mosley are listed as questionable with hip and toe injuries respectively. 

Quarterback Aaron Rodgers (ankle), offensive tackle Morgan Moses (knee), linebacker Jamien Sherwood (hand) and defensive tackle (hamstring) have seen their practice limited this week, but all are expected to feature. 

For the Bills, defensive tackle Ed Oliver will miss a second successive game with a hamstring although head coach Sean McDermott is hopeful that he will be back for the Week 7 meeting with the Tennessee Titans. 

Wide receiver Khalil Shakir (ankle) running back James Cook (foot/toe), cornerback Taron Johnson and defensive tackle Austin Johnson (oblique) are questionable, but although wide receivers Curtis Samuel (foot/toe) and Mack Hollins (shoulder) have been limited in practice this week, both are expected to be available to face the Jets. 

Bills vs Jets Odds

The AFC East-leading Bills are the 8/11 favourites to win on MNF despite their current form, while the Jets are on offer at 23/20 to make home advantage count.  

New York have been given a 2.5-point start on the handicap and are 20/23 to cover, with the Bills priced at 20/21, while the total points line has been set at 40.5. 

New York Jets +1.5 @ 20/21 

The Bills started the season in fine style, but their last two performances are obviously a cause for concern, being blown away by the Baltimore Ravens 35-10 before going down 23-20 to the Houston Texans in a game in which Josh Allen completed just nine of 30 pass attempts. 

Both of those games were on the road so they now face a third trip on the bounce and the injury situation - particularly to Khalil Shakir - is undermining the confidence in a road victory. 

So is their recent record at the Jets as they have lost on both of their last two trips, including against a Rodgers-less host team and Allen has been stifled at the MetLife in recent times, throwing five interceptions in those two defeats. 

Although he has yet to throw a pick this season, the Jets defence remains one of the best in the league and it would be no surprise to see them force another on Monday night at 10/13. 

Despite their own issues which has seen Saleh replaced by Jeff Ulbrich in the HC hotseat, the Jets defence can be the key, even if Shakir plays, and although they are tempting at 11/10 on the Money Line to make it three straight home wins in this rivalry, there is nothing wrong with the cushion of a 1.5-point start. 

Under 40.5 points @ 20/23

Given both sides' struggles on offence of late, coupled with the elite play of the Jets' defence, going under 40.5 points is the play on Monday night.  

The Jets have won the last two home games against the Bills with 38 and 37 point totals, and, while they have not been nearly as competitive on the road, none of the last three games at Highmark Stadium have passed 38 points. 

For a little bit of extra breathing room, taking the Jets +3.5 and under 42.5 points at 9/5 is another option to consider.