Buffalo Bills vs. New York Jets: 5 Players to Watch

Jan 3, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; New York Jets free safety Marcus Gilchrist (21) tries to tackle Buffalo Bills wide receiver Sammy Watkins (14) after he makes a catch during the second half at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Bills beat the Jets 22 to 17. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; New York Jets free safety Marcus Gilchrist (21) tries to tackle Buffalo Bills wide receiver Sammy Watkins (14) after he makes a catch during the second half at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Bills beat the Jets 22 to 17. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports /
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Buffalo Bills
Jan 3, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; New York Jets free safety Marcus Gilchrist (21) tries to tackle Buffalo Bills wide receiver Sammy Watkins (14) after he makes a catch during the second half at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Bills beat the Jets 22 to 17. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports /

As the Buffalo Bills prepare to host the New York Jets on Thursday Night Football, we look at five players who will have a pivotal role in the outcome.

Well, that didn’t go quite as planned for the Buffalo Bills last weekend. While losing the season opener is always tough, any defeat is magnified for a franchise with an NFL-leading 16-year playoff drought.

In fairness, there were some positives to take away from the 13-7 loss in Baltimore. In particular, the defense looked very impressive and may well be on the way to helping restore Rex Ryan’s reputation. (At least as much as you can do for the guy.)

Of course, the offense will have to improve considerably, if the Bills are to avoid what would be a disastrous 0-2 start. And all that stands in their way is Ryan’s former team, the New York Jets.

The Jets find themselves in a perilously similar situation, after losing a heart-breaker last week against the Cincinnati Bengals. Even this early in the season, this AFC East matchup on national television takes an added importance.

One thing which helps the Bills is that the game will be at

Ralph Wilson Stadium

New Era Field, where they have a four-game winning streak dating back to last season. With that said, here are five players who will go a long way towards determining who wins.

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