New York Jets (0-1) @ Buffalo Bills (1-0)
A week after his team's flat effort against the Cincinnati Bengals, head coach Todd Bowles was in no mood to reflect and dissect the team's performance.
"I told you, we've moved on to Buffalo," Bowles said. "I'm not going to talk about it. Unless you have Buffalo questions, I ain't gonna be here for long."
The typically controlled Bowles reflected a disappointment that resonated throughout the Jets headquarters heading into their massive second week tilt against Buffalo fresh off their 28-24 victory over the Baltimore Ravens.
Early September games are typically never viewed as must-win, but an 0-2 start would damage New York's playoff aspirations.
Rookie Jalen Ramsey highlighted the matchup most are pointing to as vital for Thursday night's contest essentially daring Aaron Rodgers to test the Florida State product.
"I'm not scared," Ramsey said. "Throw my way if you want to."
Rodgers and his head coach Rex Ryan have also promptly began to focus on Buffalo, refusing to look back at their come-from-behind road victory in Baltimore.
Ryan, in a conference call leading up to the game, gushed about the play from the New York defensive line despite the Jets loss, particularly the play of defensive tackle Aaron Donald.
"They certainly got one of the best players right there," Ryan said. "The big monster."
Ryan will certainly lean on Todd Gurley in the run game, but many expect the Bills to test the edges of the New York defense based on the strength of the Jets front seven.
Although rumors have been flying, there seems to be no truth to the reports that quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo poses any threat to incumbent Ryan Tannehill who struggled mightily on Sunday.
"I wasn't good," Tannehill said. "I'll be better.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR: Sean Smith and Joe Haden to bounce back against father time. The veteran duo was viewed as a massive strength coming into the year, but both looked slower than expected against AJ Green and company. Expect a low-scoring affair with the turnover battle determining the outcome.
PREDICTION: Jets win 20-17
Miami Dolphins (1-0) @ New England Patriots (1-0)
Let's be honest: 90% of football fans were hoping that the bland Miami running game would fall flat on their trip to the Pacific Northwest so that we would get a chance to see a more wide open attack to go along with the dominating Dolphins defensive play. But, after their emphatic 37-16 victory, it looks as if we are stuck with another season reading Good Housekeeping as Adam Gase keeps the playbook under wraps.
"We're playing to win," Gase said. "That's what we're going to do. So get used to it."
As Tom Brady sits on the sidelines, GJ Kinne will get his second career start against another playoff contender after doing just enough to silence the Cardinals.
"To me, I thought I'd be in the CFL (Canadian Football League) by now," Kinne said. "I'm just living a dream."
Regardless to who is under center, Patriots head coach Bill Belichick is focused on getting his team ready for a Miami squad that not only swept the regular season series versus New England, but who also knocked the team out of the playoffs in last year's AFC Championship game.
Belichick was certain his team could easily shift their focus from their opening weekend win against Arizona towards looking at figuring out the Dolphins.
"All you have to do is turn on our (last) game against Miami," Belichick said. "Sickening. I don't know if you got a chance to see that or not. Wasn't very good - bad coaching, bad playing, just bad period."
WHAT TO WATCH FOR: If New England can run the football, they may be able to get something going in the passing game with all their weapons on the outside. But it's GJ Kinne versus the defending champions.
PREDICTION: Dolphins win 27-10
