Keys to a Jets win over Buffalo in Week 17

(AFP Photo/Elsa)

Everyone knows the scenario by now. A Jets win equals a playoff berth.

It will not come easy as the Jets take their 10-5 record up to Buffalo to take on Rex Ryan and the Bills. Although the Bills are mathematically eliminated from playoff contention, Ryan will do everything possible to spoil the Jets playoff chances.

And for the Jets to win on Sunday, here are a few keys to the game.

Turnovers – The Jets cannot beat themselves on Sunday afternoon. When these two teams squared off earlier this season, the Jets turned the ball over four times between two interceptions from Ryan Fitzpatrick, and fumbles from Chris Ivory and Devin Smith. But the Jets have done a lot better in recent weeks in terms of taking care of the Football. Ryan Fitzpatrick just has to be careful and not force any throws. Turnovers and all around sloppy football could mean the end of the Jets season.

Sammy Watkins – Sammy Watkins is one of the best young receivers in the NFL. This season, he has 49 receptions, 911 receiving yards, and nine touchdowns catches. Although he did not fare too well against the Jets the first time around as he only had 14 yards on three receptions, he is still a very dangerous receiver. Watkins however is really the only receiving threat that the Bills have. So if the Jets can keep Watkins in check, then the Bills will have a lot of trouble passing the ball consistently.

Marshall/Decker – The team of Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker has been so dangerous in recent weeks. Ryan Fitzpatrick has done a great job of late distributing the wealth to these two and Marshall and Decker as a result have become the best receiving duo in Jets history for a single season. There is no reason that Fitzpatrick cannot or should not try to do the same on Sunday against the Bills defense.

Overall, the Jets should feel really confident going into Sunday’s game against the Bills because they are clearly a better team, and they are on a five game winning streak as a result of playing really good football. The Jets just have to play their game, and they should be in the playoffs at the end of the game. But they cannot take this game lightly or assume that they will win. Rex Ryan will pull out every trick in the book to keep his former team out of the playoffs. The Jets have to come out sharp.