Four weeks later, the football cleat is on the other foot. Heading into Week 10, the Jets were 3-6 and hoping to climb back toward break-even ball with a home win while Buffalo came visiting with a 2-7, on a longer losing streak, down to its fourth quarterback.
On Sunday the Jets go to Buffalo at 3-9 and on a six-game skid while the Bills, fired up by their 41-10 win over the Jets, have moved a game ahead to 4-8 and are the team now entertaining a longshot .500 finish.
Despite the reversal of fortunes, Jets head coach Todd Bowles said his mission remains unchanged.
"I think every week is personal for us, so the fact that they beat us pretty good, that stings as well, but last week against Tennessee stung, so we've just got to go out and play our game," Bowles said. "They know us well and we know them well. It's just a matter of going out and playing, keeping field position, and whoever makes the most mistakes will lose."
An attraction in this one is the possibility of the first starting matchup this season between two of the four top-ten QB draft picks in the April draft (see points 2 and 3 below).
Here are seven more points of interest for the game against the Bills at New Era Field (kickoff 1:02 p.m. ET):
1. Return to 'the Ralph'
With their MetLife victory last month, the Bills lead this original AFL rivalry 62-54 overall, with that advantage built on their 33-24 edge in games played in Buffalo, including wins in five of the last six. The Jets' most recent triumph at New Era was by 37-31 on Thursday night in 2016, built on Ryan Fitzpatrick's 374 passing yards and Eric Decker's and Brandon Marshall's 100-yard receiving games. Those names are long gone but among the returnees: Quincy Enunwa, who had six catches on six targets for 92 yards and five first downs. "Q" will be in the middle of the Jets' attempt to avenge last month's home loss at the place still lovingly known as "the Ralph."
2. Ball's Back in Sam's Court?
It wasn't official Thursday but Jets rookie Sam Darnold could get back in harness after handing the reins to Josh McCown for three games due to his foot strain. The Buffalo defense figures to greet either Jets rudely, especially on passing downs, since despite sexier secondaries in Jacksonville and elsewhere, it's the Bills who are packing the No. 1 pass defense — the first time they've had the NFL's top-ranked passing D in any week since 2005. They also have the No. 2 overall defense in yards allowed/game, leading OC Jeremy Bates to observe: "They don't allow big plays, they're extremely sound, they're aggressive, they're strong, they're fast, you name it."
3. The Allen File
The Jets defense faced Matt Barkley four games ago. Now it's time to see one of the top rookie QBs drafted along with Darnold. When Josh Allen, his elbow well again, pilots the Bills offense, it produces fewer points/game than Darnold's offense (15.3 to 19.7), punts at a far greater rate (53% of drives to 41%) but also turns the ball over less (10% of drives to 16%). And there is the run dimension as the 6'5", 240-pound Allen is No. 2 on the Bills with 389 rush yards behind LeSean McCoy. DC Kacy Rodgers on the dilemma: "If they block it up and max-protect, he can throw it about 80 yards. And if it isn't there, he can take off and outrun everybody that's chasing him."
4. Bills' Young Guns
The Jets' pass defense might get a break facing a rookie QB and after Buffalo parted ways this week with veteran WRs Kelvin Benjamin and Andre Holmes, who totaled 334 catches and 35 TDs for their careers. But both were underperforming, and in the Week 10 win they combined for one catch and 22 yards. The WRs who scorched the Jets that day are still cooking — second-year man Zay Jones (eight catches, 93 yards, TD) and Robert Foster, whose 105 yards (on three catches) were the most vs. the Jets by a true rookie since Sammy Watkins and Martavis Bryant in 2014 and who's averaging a monster 32.0 yards on eight catches in his young career.
Top Throwback Photos of the AFC Division Rivals
New York Jets quarterback Joe Namath, right, and Buffalo Bills quarterback Joe Ferguson, have each other's numbers as they walk off the field at New York's Shea Stadium in New York, Nov. 2, 1975. (AP Photo/Ray Stubblebine)
New York Jets running back Curtis Martin (28) crosses the goal line for a five yard touchdown run as Buffalo Bills defender Ken Irvin (27) fails to tackle him during the second quarter Sunday, Sept. 17, 2000, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Jets are 3-0 for the first time since 1966 after defeating the Bills 27-14. Jets' Kevin Mawae (68) signals touchdown in background. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Buffalo Bills safety Steve Freeman (22) drops back in pass coverage on New York Jets wide receiver Wesley Walker (85) during an NFL game at East Rutherford, N.J., Oct. 5, 1986. The Jets defeated the Bills 14-13. (AP Photo/NFL Photos)
New York Jets' Richie Anderson celebrates as he scores a touchdown during the first half against the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium in Orchard Park, N.Y., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2001. (AP Photo/David Duprey)
New York Jets wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson (19) gains 25 yards on a reverse as Buffalo Bills linebacker Sam Cowart (56) gives chase in the first quarter Saturday, Dec. 19, 1998 at Ralph Wilson Stadium in Orchard Park, NY. (AP Photo/Mark Duncan)
New York Jets' LaDainian Tomlinson (21) scores a touchdown against the Buffalo Bills during an NFL football game in Orchard Park, N.Y., Sunday, Oct. 3, 2010. (AP Photo/ David Duprey)
New York Jets cornerback Ray Mickens (24) reacts after intercepting Buffalo Bills quarterback Doug Flutie in the fourth quarter Sunday, Nov. 8, 1998 in East Rutherford, N.J. With him is safety Victor Green (21). The Jets won 34-12. (AP Photo/John Greilick)
New York Jets tight end Chris Baker leaps over Buffalo Bills cornerback Terrence McGee as he gains 17 yards during the second quarter Sunday, Oct. 10, 2004, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford. The Jets won, 16-14. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Jets wide receiver Santana Moss (83) breaks away from Buffalo Bills safety Pierson Prioleau during the second quarter Sunday, Oct. 10, 2004 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J.. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Jets' Lamont Jordan (34) makes a 12-yard run before being pushed out of bounds by Buffalo Bills cornerback Antonine Winfield during the first quarter of the Jets 30-3 defeat of the Bills, Sunday, Oct. 12, 2003, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. The play was part of a scoring drive that set up the Jets first touchdown. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Jets cornerback Terrell Buckley comes down with an interception between Buffalo Bills wide receivers Bobby Shaw, right, and Eric Moulds, left, to end the game Sunday, Oct. 10, 2004 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J.. The Jets won 16-14. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Jets wide receiver Don Maynard (13) is shown in action during game against the Buffalo Bills, Sept. 14, 1969, in Buffalo, N.Y. (AP Photo)
New York Jets running back Dave Meggett (22) breaks loose on a run in the first quarter as Buffalo Bills linebacker Marlo Perry (58) moves to defend Saturday, Dec. 19, 1998 at Ralph Wilson Stadium in Orchard Park, NY. (AP Photo/Kevin Rivoli)
New York Jets player Antonio Cromartie (31) and Buffalo Bills player C.J. Spiller walk off the field after an NFL football game in Orchard Park, N.Y., Sunday, Oct. 3, 2010. The Jets won, 38-14. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
New York Jets' wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson congratulates Wayne Chrebet after catching a 7-yard touchdown pass from VinnyTestaverde in the first quarter of the game against the Buffalo Bills, Saturday, Dec. 19, 1998 in Orchard Park, N.Y. The Jets defeated the Bill 17-10 to clinch their first AFC East title since the merger. (AP Photo/Alex Horvath)
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Terrell Owens (81) fights for the ball with New York Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis (24) during the second quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Jets quarterback full back Tony Richardson (49) runs past Buffalo Bills defenders Chris Kelsay (90) and Ashlee Palmer (59) in the first quarter of an NFL football game in Toronto, on Thursday, Dec. 3, 2009. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
New York Jets Curtis Martin (28) leaps to evade Buffalo Bills defenders as Jets fullback Jerald Sowell (33) fends off linebacker London Fletcher(59) in the third quarter of the Jets 30-3 defeat of the Buffalo Bills, Sunday, Oct. 12, 2003, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. Bills defensive tackle Jeff Posey (96) and defensive tackle Pat Williams (93) are shown attacking from the right. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Jets quarterback Chad Pennington (10) is tackled by Buffalo Bills' Angelo Crowell (55) during the second half of the football game at Ralph Wilson Stadium in Orchard Park, N.Y., Sunday Sept. 24, 2006. (AP Photo/David Duprey)
New York Jets linebacker Mark Brown (55) runs back an interception for a 33-yard touchdown during first quarter NFL football against the Buffalo Bills Sunday, Jan. 1, 2006 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. Jets safety Kerry Rhodes (25) celebrates as Bills wide receiver Lee Evans (83) gives chase. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Jets fullback Tony Richardson (49) is tackled by Buffalo Bills' Reggie Corner and Keith Ellison, right, during the first quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 14, 2008 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Jets' Aaron Glenn (31) intercepts a pass intended for Buffalo Bills' Peerless Price in the end zone during the fourth quarter at Ralph Wilson Stadium in Orchard Park, N.Y., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2001. (AP Photo/Kevin Rivoli)
New York Jets quarterback Chad Pennington sprints into the end zone for a touchdown after breaking free of Buffalo Bills defensive end Aaron Schobel in the fourth quarter of the Jets 31-13 victory over the Bills, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2002, at the Meadowlands in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Jets cornerback Ty Law runs with the ball after intercepting a pass from Buffalo Bills quarterback Kely Holcomb during the first quarter of their NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 6, 2006, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Jets running back Curtis Martin, left, is pushed out of bounds by Buffalo Bills' Terrence McGee after a five-yard gain during the first quarter Sunday, Oct. 10, 2004 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Martin rushed for 77 yards in the Jets' 16-14 win. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
New York Jets Thomas Jones (20) in action against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, October 28, 2007 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Jets Aaron Glenn (31) intercepts a pass intended for Buffalo Bills' Peerless Price (81) for a touchback during the game at Ralph Wilson stadium in Orchard Park, N.Y., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2001. Looking on is Jets' Victor Green. The Jets won 42-36. (AP Photo/David Duprey)
Buffalo Bills quarterback Doug Flutie, left, is sacked for a 12 yard loss by New York Jets linebacker Mo Lewis during the fourth quarter Sunday, Nov. 8, 1998 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Jets won 34-12. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Jets quarterback Bob Davis (15), laterals ball to running back Emerson Boozer (32), far right, in fourth quarter play for seven yards against the Buffalo Bills at Shea Stadium, New York, Oct. 18, 1971. Blocking for Boozer are John Riggins (44), Al Atkinson, (behind Riggins), and Winston Hill, (behind Davis). Davis threw two touchdown passes leading the Jets to a 28-17 win over the Bills. Bills lineman at left is Jim Dunaway. (AP Photo/Ron Frehm)
New York Jets' John Abraham (94) scoops up a fumble by Buffalo Bills' Rob Johnson for a touchdown during the first quarter at Ralph Wilson Stadium in Orchard Park, N.Y., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2001. (AP Photo/Kevin Rivoli)
New York Jets running back Curtis Martin (28) leaps over Buffalo Bills safety Pierson Prioleau as he picks up a first down with a run of eleven yards during the first quarter Sunday, Nov. 24, 2002, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Jets quarterback Vinny Testaverde (16) passes the ball as Jets center Kevin Mawae, blocks as Buffalo Bills' Aaron Schobel and Lawyer Milloy look on during the second quarter Sunday, Oct. 12, 2003, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. The Jets beat the Bills 30-3. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Jets' Chad Morton (26) returns a kick-off for a touchdown past Buffalo Bills' Chris Watson (21) during the second quarter at Ralph Wilson Stadium in Orchard Park, N.Y., Sunday, Sept. 8, 2002. (AP Photo/Kevin Rivoli)
Buffalo Bills quarterback Dennis Shaw (16), throws beyond the up-stretched hands of New York Jets guard Andy Fusco, but the pass was incomplete, Oct. 17, 1971. The action took place during the first quarter of an AFC game at Yankee Stadium in Bronx, New York. The Jets won, 28-17. (AP Photo/Ron Frehm)
New York Jets' Justin McCareins (81) stretches for more yardage on a catch as he is tackled by Buffalo Bills' Terrence McGee (24) at Ralph Wilson Stadium in Orchard Park, N.Y., Sunday, Oct. 16, 2005. (AP Photo/David Duprey)
New York Jets running back Curtis Martin leaves a wake of Buffalo Bills defenders behind as he scampers into the end zone for a touchdown during the second quarter at Ralph Wilson Stadium in Orchard Park, N.Y., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2001. (AP Photo/Kevin Rivoli)
5. Penalty Pals?
The Jets got an earful for Sunday's season-high penalty performance — 13 penalties called against, 11 marked off for 96 yards — with three flags on the defense during the Titans' final drive going a long way toward costing them the win. But it may surprise fans to know that in this NFL season of near-record yellow-flag throwing, the Jets are lower-half offenders with 6.5 penalties/game (20th-most) and 49.4 yards/game (27th-most). And who might the worst lawbreakers be? The Bills are in the running for that title at 8.3 penalties/game (2nd) and 72.7 yards/game (2nd). Bills HC Sean McDermott: "We need to get that corrected. It's hard to win when you do that."
6. Special Jets
Can't get enough of Jason Myers and Andre Roberts. If Myers is good on his personal motto, "Start strong and finish stronger," he may set some more Jets season records, for most field goals (he's got 28, Jim Turner had 34 in 1968) and FG accuracy (he's at 93.3%, Nick Folk had 91.7% in 2013, but Northeast December weather beckons). He's already got the franchise season mark with 48 touchbacks. Roberts, meanwhile, added a 59-yard KO return at Tennessee, giving him four 50-yard punt/kickoff returns this season (no one else has more than two) and a league-leading 955 total KR yards. Myers and Roberts are the faces of Bowles' "field position" vs. the Bills.
7. Flipping the Script
NFL teams don't often beat a division opponent on the road after getting beat at home by that opponent by 31 or more points. The only time the Jets ever did it was in 2002 vs. New England (44-7 loss in their home opener, 30-17 win at Gillette Stadium in Week 16). And the last time an NFL team repaid a bad home loss to a division foe with a good road win was the Titans in 2012 (41-7 home loss to the Texans in Week 7, 23-22 win at Houston in Week 17). The Jets' one lesson from these pairs of games should be that payback on the road is not easy and not common but it's doable.
