Jets vs Bills preview: Week 18 showdown closes the regular season
The Buffalo Bills face the New York Jets in their final regular-season game, with the Bills aiming for playoff readiness at 11-5, while the Jets seek a competitive conclusion to a tough 3-13 season. Key matchups include Josh Allen against a depleted Jets defense, with significant implications for both teams.
The regular season comes to a close at Highmark Stadium with two franchises heading in opposite directions. The Buffalo Bills welcome the New York Jets on Sunday afternoon looking to fine-tune their lineup ahead of the playoffs, while the Jets arrive simply trying to end a difficult year on a more competitive note.
Kickoff is set for 4:25 p.m. ET, with Canadian fans able to watch live through DAZN NFL Season Pass.
Different stakes heading into Week 18
Bills balancing momentum and preservation
Buffalo enters the final week at 11-5, having already secured its seventh consecutive playoff berth. While the Bills can no longer climb higher than the fifth seed in the AFC, head coach Sean McDermott faces a delicate balance: keeping his team sharp while protecting key players before the postseason.
There is also an emotional layer to Sunday’s game. This could be the final regular-season matchup at Highmark Stadium before the franchise moves into its new venue next season, adding significance to what might otherwise be considered a low-stakes contest.
Josh Allen is expected to start despite dealing with a sore foot, which would extend his active starting streak to 135 games, the longest in the NFL. James Cook also has history within reach, as he leads the league in rushing and could become Buffalo’s first rushing champion since 1976.
Jets searching for positives after a brutal stretch
For the Jets, Week 18 represents one last opportunity to show progress under first-year head coach Aaron Glenn. New York is 3-13 and riding a four-game losing streak, having been outscored 153-46 over that span.
Rookie quarterback Brady Cook is set to make his fourth straight start. After beginning the year on the practice squad, Cook has handled a difficult late-season promotion with composure, though the Jets’ offense continues to struggle against playoff-caliber opponents.
New York also enters the game on the brink of unwanted history. The Jets have gone 16 consecutive games without an interception, and another turnover-free outing would make them the first team to finish an entire season without a pick.
Key matchups to watch
Josh Allen vs a battered Jets defense
Allen continues to be the engine of Buffalo’s offense. He has posted over 200 passing yards and multiple touchdowns in every home start this season, and his ability to extend plays remains a nightmare for opposing defenses. The Jets arrive with multiple injuries in the secondary, making containment a major challenge.
James Cook chasing history
Cook remains the focal point of Buffalo’s ground game and has already torched New York once this season with 132 rushing yards and two touchdowns. With the rushing title within reach, his workload will be one of the most closely monitored storylines.
Jets offense under pressure
With Breece Hall sidelined and limited options at receiver, the Jets’ offense leans heavily on Cook’s development and short passing concepts. Sustaining drives against a disciplined Bills defense has been an issue all season.
Injury outlook entering Week 18
Buffalo is expected to manage several players cautiously, including Josh Allen and Joey Bosa, while remaining without key defenders such as Terrel Bernard and Jordan Poyer.
New York enters significantly shorthanded, missing multiple starters across the offensive line and secondary, further complicating an already difficult matchup.
Picks and betting outlook
Moneyline
Pick: Bills (-426)
Buffalo enters with an implied win probability of just over 80 percent. The Jets have won only three times as underdogs this season and none as heavy underdogs.
Against the spread
Pick: Bills (-8)
While Buffalo has struggled to cover large spreads this season, New York’s recent losses by wide margins suggest another difficult afternoon.
Over/Under
Pick: Over 37.5
Both teams’ games have consistently gone over this total, and their combined scoring averages comfortably exceed the number.
Projected score: Bills 36, Jets 13
Where to watch Jets vs Bills in Canada
Canadian viewers can watch New York Jets vs Buffalo Bills live on DAZN NFL Season Pass.
Subscriptions are available from $34.99/month, with full access across mobile, desktop and smart TV platforms.
