NFL Week 2 Betting Column: Buffalo Bills vs. New York Jets

Jets Have a Shot to Keep It Close

This Week 2 matchup is one of the more intriguing divisional battles. Buffalo enters as a 6.5-point road favorite, but that number feels inflated given how shaky their defense looked in Week 1. The Bills had to empty the playbook to survive, and now face a Jets team that looks far more balanced than a year ago.

The Jets’ offense showed real promise. Breece Hall looked sharper than at any point last season, and rookie Braelon Allen brings fresh power to the backfield. Add in a healthy group of pass catchers and Justin Fields under center, and suddenly New York’s ceiling is higher than it has been in years. They don’t have to be perfect to cover, they just need to lean on their run game and limit mistakes.

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Bills: Still a Heavyweight, But Vulnerable

Josh Allen and the Bills’ offense are never short on firepower. Allen remains a weekly fantasy starter, and Joshua Palmer and Keon Coleman offer big-play ability. The issue is on the other side of the ball. Buffalo’s defense looked porous against the run in Week 1, getting pushed around at the line of scrimmage and unable to bottle up Derrick Henry of the Baltimore Ravens.

That weakness plays directly into the Jets’ strengths. If Hall is anywhere close to what we saw in his debut, Buffalo could be chasing the chains all afternoon. Allen’s ability to extend plays keeps them dangerous, but this game may feel more like a grind than the Bills are accustomed to.

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Fantasy Focus: Breece Hall the Headliner

This isn’t the week to start either defense in fantasy. Both units looked exposed in Week 1, and the pace of this game could create volume on both sides.

• Jets: Hall is a strong RB1 play with 20+ touch potential. Justin Fields is a top-10 quarterback option thanks to his dual-threat skill set. Garrett Wilson and Mike Williams remain weekly WR2/flex plays.

• Bills: Allen is an auto-start, while Keon Coleman is a boom/bust flex. James Cook remains a volatile RB2 with uncertain usage near the goal line.

Expect Hall to be the fantasy standout, as Buffalo hasn’t shown an ability to stop explosive backs.

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Betting Breakdown: Spread, Total, and Props

• Spread: Bills -6.5. This feels like too much. Jets at home with a strong run game and improved QB play should keep it close. Lean Jets +6.5.

• Total: 44. Historically, Bills-Jets matchups trend low-scoring, but with defensive vulnerabilities on both sides, this could sneak past the number. Slight lean over.

• Props to Target:

  • Breece Hall rushing yards over: A prime matchup against a struggling Buffalo front.

  • Josh Allen anytime touchdown: His legs remain Buffalo’s best weapon near the goal line.

  • Garrett Wilson receptions over: High-volume safety blanket for Fields in a likely tight game.

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Final Word

The Bills remain a contender, but Week 1 showed cracks—particularly on defense. The Jets, meanwhile, look far more competitive with Hall fully healthy and Fields injecting playmaking into the offense.

Prediction: Bills 27, Jets 24. New York covers the spread, and the over sneaks through.

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