David Steele
Pick: Jets, 24-10
Another Rex Ryan homecoming, to the team he took on such a rollercoaster for six years. Nobody on either team needs to be reminded that the Bills swept the Jets last year, with Rex extra-fired up each time (especially in a November Thursday night win at the Meadowlands), and it pretty much cost the Jets the playoffs. This year's obstacle to be overcome by Ryan's emotional pull: a bad Bills offense against a Jets defense that sacked Andy Dalton seven times last week and sees Sheldon Richardson back after a one-game suspension.
Pete Prisco, Senior NFL Columnist
New York Jets 23, Buffalo Bills 17
The Bills didn't look good in the opener, and they will be without receiver Sammy Watkins. The Jets defensive front was outstanding against the Bengals, and that will be in play here. The Jets blew a game at Buffalo in the season finale with a playoff berth on the line last year. They won't blow this one.
Chris Simms, NFL Lead Analyst
Pick: Jets
If the Bills thought Baltimore's defense was for real, they're in for a shock against the Jets on Thursday Night Football.
Their AFC East rivals boast the NFL's deepest collection of pass-rushing beasts. Leonard Williams reintroduced himself with a 2.5-sack opener. We know Muhammad Wilkerson is always 2.5 seconds away from landing on top of your quarterback. And, oh, yeah...Sheldon Richardson returns for this one.
Tyrod Taylor might not have a pocket to scramble out of. With Cordy Glenn hurt, his two starting tackles might be Cyrus Kouandjio and Jordan Mills. Neither one inspires much confidence.
Elliot Harrison, NFL Media Analyst
Jets 23, Bills 16
New York got swept in this series last year, getting sweater-vested in the first matchup, then picked three times in the second. That latter meeting came with a playoff spot at stake for the Jets, with Ryan Fitzpatrick faltering when his team needed him most. Gang Green simply can't afford to start 0-2. Their next four games after Thursday: at the Chiefs, host the Seahawks, at the Steelers, at the Cardinals. That could spell a 1-5 start for what was supposed to be a playoff contender. The Bills can't contend until they find a passing game. Tyrod Taylor ran for his life in Baltimore, while Sammy Watkins is running with pain. This feels like a LeSean McCoy game, but will he be enough to put Buffalo over? The Bills' five-game win streak in this series comes to an end.
