These are not the same old Jets.
Their 5-3 record clearly indicates that, but I'm basing it more on the talent on the roster.
There is definitely a question at quarterback still, but there's plenty of weapons on that offense.
Defense is this team's strength, with first rounds picks leading the charge.
Of course the Bills are arguably the best team in the NFL, even after arguably their worst half of football this season against the Packers last Sunday night.
Typically a trip to the Meadowlands would be looked at as a "get right" afternoon, but I'm not so sure that's in store this time around.
Let's dive into what's on tap.
Will Tre Play?
The progress of Tre'Davious White's rehab from a torn ACL has been a top storyline since day one of training camp at St. John Fisher College.
It's been slow and steady, but with White's activation off the PUP list earlier this week, he's now able to finally make a return to game action.
The question is when will he?
Sean McDermott continues to simply call White "day to day" while adding that the former All-Pro CB will need to crawl before walks in terms of being re-inserted into the Bills defense.
To me that might indicate at least another week on the sideline as White's body continues to ramp up to football movements and contact.
If he does play, I expect some sort of snap count/rotation.
New Guys Involvement
Bills made two moves before Tuesday's NFL trade deadline, acquiring RB Nyheim Hines and S Dean Marlowe.
It's a return for Marlowe, who made seven starts as a back-up between 2018-2020.
I assume Jaquan Johnson will slide into the starting line-up for the injured Jordan Poyer, but Marlowe definitely familiar enough with the system to play right away if needed.
The same can't be said for Hines, who told me Friday that learning the Bills playbook has been "chaotic" and "hard" through the first few days.
He added that he didn't know how much playing time he'll see against the Jets beyond likely assuming at least the punt return duties.
That doesn't mean a handful of plays aren't in the cards for Hines, but his true added impact likely won't be felt with the Bills offense for at least another week.
No Pushover D
As I said earlier, the Jets defense is solid.
They rank sixth in the NFL by allowing 311.6 yards per game.
Both the pass (10th at 203.4 YPG) and run (ninth at 108 YPG) are strong, but it's their overall yards per play allowed that show it's tough on a down to down basis.
4.74 total yards allowed per play (third)
5.83 passing yards allowed per play (fifth)
3.84 rushing yards allowed per play (second)
Quinnen Williams is the beast in the middle of the defensive line, entering with six sacks and 17 quarterback pressures. Williams has at least half a sack in six of the Jets eight games. He's added two+ QB pressures in six-straight, including four last week.
He's joined by Carl Lawson (for sacks), John Franklin-Myers (2.5 sacks), Sheldon Rankins (two sacks), and Jermaine Johnson (1.5 sacks) as a strong DL.
C.J. Mosley is second in the NFL in tackles with 82. He had a memorable pick-six off Josh Allen in the 2019 opener.
The secondary is headlined by Sauce Gardner, the fourth overall pick in the NFL Draft this past April.
While Gardner only has one interception to this point, his coverage skills have produced 12 pass break-ups, tied for most in the NFL.
According to Pro Football Reference, the rookie has allowed more than 25 receiving yards in just two of the Jets eight games and one TD grab.
As high-powered as the Bills offense is (tops in the NFL in total offense and passing), there might be more resistance than normal from this Jets unit.
Winning With Wilson
For those who believe wins are a quarterback stat, Zach Wilson is doing well at 4-1 as the starter.
Stats and the eye test will tell a different story about the second year QB.
In five games, Wilson is averaging just 209.6 passing yards per game on 54.9% completion, tossing three TDs to 5 INTs.
Two of those TDs and three of those INTs came a week ago against the Patriots, plus a career-high 355 yards.
The earlier starts seem to have Wilson more in 'game-manager' mode, limiting production as well as mistakes, with no TDs or INTs for three-straight weeks.
Whether they are growing pains or simply mistakes from a QB 'not the guy,' the Bills defense should have chances to get sacks and turnovers.
On the Line
Bills (-11)
O/U 46
Josh Allen O/U Passing Yards: 277.5
Stefon Diggs O/U Receiving Yards: 80.5
**DraftKings Sportsbook**
Injury Report
BILLS
OUT: S Jordan Poyer (elbow)
QUESTIONABLE: T Spencer Brown (ankle), LB Matt Milano (oblique)
JETS
OUT: WR Corey Davis (knee)
QUESTIONABLE: RB James Robinson (knee)
The Bills and Jets kick-off from MetLife Stadium at 1 p.m. Sunday.
**Be sure to tune into Spectrum News 1 once the game ends for "Buffalo End Zone." Our LIVE postgame show brings you instant reaction from the team, with Sean McDermott and players at the podium plus those inside the locker room. Join host Kevin Carroll along with Bills beat reporter Jon Scott and former Bills running back Fred Jackson as they go through the highlights and give their thoughts on what went down on the field. That's "Buffalo End Zone" after the game only on Spectrum News 1.**