Close to eight feet of snow fell on the Buffalo area this week, leaving Ralph Wilson Stadium too buried to be utilized. As a result, the Bills will play "host" to the New York Jets in an alternate venue: Ford Field in Detroit on Monday night.
It has been a season of disappointments for the Jets, but they notched their second win two weeks ago in an upset over the Pittsburgh Steelers. Rex Ryan's defense held the previously hot Ben Roethlisberger and the Steelers offense to just 13 points, nearly shutting down Le'Veon Bell and the ground game in the process. On the other side of the ball, Michael Vick enjoyed his best game of the season, leading three scoring drives in the first quarter alone.
The Bills lost their second game in a row last week in a disorienting contest with the Miami Dolphins. Quarterback Kyle Orton was called for a questionable intentional grounding call that resulted in a safety. while the offense collectively managed just nine points. The loss led some to wonder whether Buffalo head coach Doug Marrone might consider a change at quarterback. In the end, Marrone stuck with Orton, but another poor performance could bring about the return of second year passer E.J. Manuel.
New York's rebuilt backfield has performed reasonably well this season. Tailback Chris Ivory leads the group with 548 rushing yards on 123 carries. His five rushing touchdowns are also a team best. Offseason addition Chris Johnson hasn't received as much work, but he currently averages over 4.0 yards per carry and has been a factor in the passing game, catching 17 passes for 116 yards to lead all Jets running backs. Though Geno Smith has nearly three times as many yards and more than twice the touchdown passes, Vick has played better football -- something that his 3:1 touchdown-to-interception ratio indicates.
With both C.J. Spiller and Fred Jackson missing time, Anthony Dixon has taken over the starting running back job in Buffalo. His 278 rushing yards are currently the second most on the team, and he should move into the top position Sunday. Rookie wide receiver Sammy Watkins has performed as well as advertised, leading the team with 649 receiving yards and five touchdown receptions. His nine plays of 20 or more yards is also the top mark on Buffalo.
The Jets enter Monday's game with a record of 2-8. The Bills come in at 5-5.
How to watch
Where: Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan
When: 7 p.m. ET
TV: CBS (Local); DirecTV's NFL Sunday Ticket
Announcers: Spero Dedes, Solomon Wilcots
Radio: Jets Radio Network, Bills Radio Network
Online streaming: Verizon NFL Mobile
Odds
The Bills are 3.5-point favorites according to OddsShark.
Further reading
For more on the Jets, check out Gang Green Nation. For additional coverage of the Bills, head on over to Buffalo Rumblings.
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