The Buffalo Bills will host the New York Jets at Highmark Stadium in Week 17.
For this AFC East battle between Sean McDermott’s Bills (12-3) and Jeff Ulbrich’s Jets (4-11), it will be the games, within the game, that will make all the difference.
Here are three key matchups to watch during Sunday’s Bills-Jets contest:
CB Christian Benford vs. WR Garrett Wilson
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With Rasul Douglas (knee) back in the lineup, he’ll likely cover Davante Adams for the Bills defense. That leaves Benford against Wilson. The two had a great battle earlier this season in Week 6 and the Jets’ playmaker might have won that with his toe-tapping touchdown.
RB James Cook vs. LB Jamien Sherwood
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The rushing attack is a team effort for both the offense and defense. However, these two will lead that area for their respective sides.
Sherwood has filled in for CJ Mosley (neck) for most of the year and has been productive for the Jets. The Bills have leaned on Cook in certain games, especially when the weather is a factor, like they did last week against the New England Patriots.
Can Cook provide a positive running game for the Bills? He did not play in the first matchup between these two rivals because of a knee injury.
WR Khalil Shakir vs. CB Isaiah Oliver
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Speaking of the weather, Bills quarterback Josh Allen will want a better showing in Orchard Park than he did against the Pats. His go-to man is usually Shakir out of the slot regardless of Mother Nature.
In his own right, Oliver has had a solid year. Pro Football Focus grades him a positive 68.8 overall mark according to their metrics this season.