Curtis Martin Rolls North as Jets Chase 8–0 in Buffalo

The undefeated New York Jets roll into Buffalo on Sunday with a perfect record and a chance to tighten their grip on the AFC East. At 7-0, New York has looked like the most complete team in football — balanced on offense, disciplined on defense, and clutch in every key moment.

The Buffalo Bills, meanwhile, are fighting to stay alive. Sitting at 3-4, they’ll need a statement win at home to keep their playoff hopes afloat. Expect a fired-up crowd and a physical game — these two teams don’t like each other, and it shows every time they meet.

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Jets: Perfection Built on Balance

The Jets lead the AFC East in total offense (3,521 yards) and yards per play (7.6), blending precision passing with punishing ground work. Vinny Testaverde continues to run the show with veteran calm, throwing for 1,504 yards, 16 TDs, and an 89.4 passer rating.

His favorite target, Wayne Chrebet, has been a red-zone nightmare for defenses — 28 receptions, 451 yards, and 8 TDs. But the heart of this offense is Curtis Martin, who’s putting together an MVP-caliber campaign. Martin’s racked up 1,151 rushing yards, 12 touchdowns, and a bruising 6.0 yards per carry behind one of the league’s most consistent lines.

Defensively, the Jets have been just as strong. They’ve allowed only 513 rushing yards all season, holding opponents to just 5.3 yards per pass attempt. Bryan Cox (28 tackles, 2 sacks) leads the charge up front, while Aaron Glenn has anchored the secondary with 3 interceptions and 10 knockdowns. The formula is simple — dominate the line of scrimmage, win on third down, and let John Hall handle the rest. (He’s 10-for-10 on field goals, by the way.)

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Bills: Searching for Stability

The Bills have talent but can’t seem to get out of their own way. Quarterback Rob Johnson has thrown for 1,553 yards and 10 TDs, but his 10 interceptions and 48% completion rate have been drive-killers.

Buffalo’s running game has been respectable, with Jonathan Linton (400 yards, 3 TDs) and Antowain Smith (341 yards, 3 TDs) sharing the load. However, injuries are starting to take their toll — fullback Larry Centers and defensive tackle Ted Washington are both sidelined, the latter for 11 weeks with broken ribs. That’s a massive loss against a run-first Jets team.

If there’s a bright spot, it’s Eric Moulds, who continues to dominate opposing corners. He leads Buffalo with 37 receptions for 658 yards and 5 TDs and will see plenty of Glenn in a battle that could decide how competitive this one gets.

On defense, Sam Cowart (41 tackles, 2 sacks, 1 INT) remains the heartbeat of the front seven, and Marcellus Wiley continues to create pressure off the edge. But without Washington plugging the middle, Buffalo’s going to need a near-perfect game plan to slow down Martin.

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Key Matchups

• Curtis Martin vs. Bills Front Seven – No Ted Washington means a soft middle for New York to exploit.

• Eric Moulds vs. Aaron Glenn – Strength on strength. Moulds’ big-play ability vs. Glenn’s elite coverage skills.

• Jets O-Line vs. Buffalo Pass Rush – Testaverde’s been sacked 14 times; Wiley and Holecek must bring pressure to have a chance.

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Keys to Victory

New York Jets

1. Feed Curtis Martin early and often. The path to victory goes through No. 28.

2. Protect Testaverde. With G Randy Thomas out, blitz pickup will be a focus.

3. Force Rob Johnson into mistakes. The Jets’ defense thrives when the quarterback presses.

Buffalo Bills

1. Win on first down. If Martin’s running wild, it’s over early.

2. Protect Johnson. He’s been sacked 15 times — that can’t continue.

3. Take deep shots. Moulds is their X-factor and must make splash plays downfield.

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What to Watch

• Jets lead the division in third-down conversions (55%).

• Buffalo ranks near the bottom in red-zone TD rate (54%).

• New York has scored 232 points through seven games while allowing just 133.

• The Jets’ turnover margin sits even at +0, but Buffalo’s mistakes (13 giveaways) have been costly.

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Prediction

Buffalo will come out swinging in front of the home crowd, but without Ted Washington anchoring the middle, the Jets’ rushing attack should take control by halftime. Expect another heavy dose of Curtis Martin and a steady hand from Testaverde, while the defense picks off Johnson at least once.

Final Score: Jets 27, Bills 13

The perfect season marches on in New York.

 

Watch the game:

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Around the Division

The Colts (5-2) remain New York’s closest challenger, powered by an efficient offense that’s quietly keeping pace in the standings. The Dolphins (4-3) are hanging tough thanks to a stingy defense that’s kept them in nearly every game. Meanwhile, both Buffalo (3-4) and New England (3-5) are trying to stop the bleeding as midseason approaches.

For now, it’s the Jets’ division to lose — and at 7-0, they’re showing no signs of slowing down.