In a highly anticipated Week 2 divisional clash, both the Buffalo Bills and New York Jets have announced their final active rosters ahead of Sunday’s matchup. Medical staff from both teams worked through the night to evaluate starters, with several impact players receiving final clearance just hours before kickoff.
Buffalo Bills Medical Updates:
Wide receiver Keon Coleman, who limited participation in practice this week with an ankle injury, has been officially cleared to play. Team physicians confirmed he will not face snap restrictions. Linebacker Matt Milano, returning from last season’s significant injury, will be available but is expected to share reps with backup Dorian Williams as he continues building game fitness.
New York Jets Health Status:
Left tackle Tyron Smith, who appeared on Thursday’s injury report with a veteran rest designation, is active and will start. However, sources indicate the Jets plan to rotate Smith frequently with rookie tackle Liam O’Brien. Wide receiver Mike Williams, who suffered a season-ending injury in 2024, has been cleared for full contact but will be monitored closely throughout the game.
EXPERT ANALYSIS: TACTICAL IMPLICATIONS
ESPN NFL Analyst Louis Riddick breakdown: “The Bills’ ability to pressure Rodgers will determine this game. With Buffalo’s defensive front at full strength and the Jets potentially rotating at left tackle, look for defensive coordinator Bobby Babich to dial up creative pressure packages.”
“Offensively, Buffalo must establish the run early to create play-action opportunities for Josh Allen. The Jets’ secondary, featuring All-Pro cornerback Sauce Gardner, presents the toughest possible test for Buffalo’s young receiving corps.”
OFFICIAL INACTIVES
Buffalo Bills:
· S Damar Hamlin
· RB Reggie Gilliam (hip)
· DE Kingsley Jonathan
New York Jets:
· TE Jeremy Ruckert
· CB Isaiah Dunn
· OL Brady Latham
WEATHER CONDITIONS & FIELD STATUS
MetLife Stadium groundskeepers report ideal playing conditions for Sunday’s contest. Temperatures expected around 68°F (20°C) with minimal wind and no precipitation in the forecast. The natural grass playing surface underwent complete resodding this week and is rated “perfect” by NFL field inspectors.
BROADCAST INFORMATION
Primary Broadcast: CBS (Jim Nantz, Tony Romo, Tracy Wolfson)
International: ESPN International, Sky Sports (UK)
Streaming: Paramount+, NFL+, YouTube TV
Radio: Bills Radio Network, Jets Radio Network
Betting Line: Jets -2.5, Over/Under 46.5
HISTORICAL CONTEXT
This marks the 126th meeting between these AFC East rivals, with Buffalo holding a 68-57 all-time advantage. The teams have split their last 10 meetings 5-5, with the average margin of victory being just 4.2 points.
FINAL PREDICTIONS
ESPN Expert Picks:
· Mike Greenberg: Jets 24-20
· Dan Orlovsky: Bills 27-24
· Laura Rutledge: Jets 23-21
The consensus among analysts suggests a one-score game that will likely be decided in the final possessions.
Stay with ESPN throughout Sunday for complete coverage of Bills-Jets and all NFL Week 2 action. Download the ESPN app for real-time updates and analysis.
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