Bills vs Jets Rivalry: A Look at the History and Key Moments Between Buffalo and New York

Introducing the Bills vs Jets Rivalry

The Buffalo Bills and the New York Jets are two of the oldest franchises in the NFL, with storied histories that date back to the founding days of the American Football League in 1960. As members of the AFC East division, these two teams face each other twice every regular season in hard-fought divisional matchups. Over the decades, a fierce rivalry has developed between the Bills and the Jets as they battle for supremacy in the Northeast.

Origins of the Rivalry

The origins of the Bills-Jets rivalry can be traced back to the early days of the AFL in the 1960s. As two of the original eight AFL teams, the Bills and the Jets were natural geographic rivals representing Buffalo and New York City. In those early years, the Jets (then known as the Titans) dominated the matchups, winning 13 of the first 15 games between the two squads. But the rivalry really took off when the AFL merged with the NFL in 1970, putting the two teams in the AFC East.

With NFL status came higher stakes, and the competitiveness between the Bills and Jets grew. During the 1970s, the rivalry started to even out, with neither team able to get the upper hand for long. The teams traded trash talk and late hits, much to the chagrin of their fans. This chippy play set the tone for the heated rivalry that exists to this day.

Key Moments in the Rivalry

While the Bills and Jets have played 117 times over their history, certain games stand out as seminal moments that helped define the rivalry:

• 1981 AFC Wild Card: The Bills entered the playoffs on a hot streak, but the Jets grounded their aerial attack for a 31-27 upset win on the road.
• 1998 Week 1: Bills rallied from a 30-7 third quarter deficit to stun the Jets 37-35 in the biggest comeback in Monday Night Football history.
• 2015 Week 17: With the playoffs on the line, the Jets got revenge with a 22-17 win to knock the Bills out of contention.
• 2017 Week 1: Bills bounced back from a 21-12 deficit to beat the Jets 21-12 and snap a six-game skid in the rivalry.

These see-saw moments and dramatic finishes have only heightened the animosity between these AFC East foes.

Notable Players in the Rivalry

The Bills vs. Jets rivalry has featured some of the biggest stars in the history of both franchises facing off. Here are some all-time greats who have left their mark on this feud:

• Jim Kelly vs. Ken O'Brien: The two QBs were drafted in 1983 and duked it out throughout the late 80s and early 90s.
• Thurman Thomas vs. Mo Lewis: Thomas was the Bills' versatile RB while Lewis was the Jets' hard-hitting LB throughout the 90s.
• Bruce Smith vs. D'Brickashaw Ferguson: Smith was the Bills' legendary pass rusher who tried to chase down Jets QBs protected by Ferguson's blindside.
• Tom Brady vs. Jets Secondary: Brady dominated the rivalry after joining the Bills in 2020, torching the Jets' DBs.

Stars and fan favorites have left an indelible mark on the long-running Bills-Jets feud over the past six decades.

Reviewing Notable Games in the Rivalry

With so much history between the Bills and Jets, it's worth looking back at some of the most memorable games that helped define this rivalry:

1981 AFC Wild Card: Jets 31, Bills 27

This playoff upset win on the road was an early signature moment for the Jets against their divisional rivals. Richard Todd threw for three touchdowns as New York held off a late charge from Joe Ferguson and the Bills to advance.

1992 Week 4: Bills 34, Jets 30

In a key early season matchup, Jim Kelly's three touchdowns led Buffalo to a come-from-behind victory. James Lofton caught two TDs, including the game-winner with just over two minutes left to stun the Jets.

1998 Week 1: Bills 37, Jets 35

The Bills engineered the greatest comeback in Monday Night Football history, scoring 30 points in the second half after trailing 30-7. Steve Christie's last-second field goal capped the miraculous rally.

2004 Week 13: Jets 37, Bills 14

The Jets defense dominated, forcing six turnovers from Drew Bledsoe including three interceptions returned for touchdowns. The blowout win was one of the most lopsided in the rivalry's history.

2015 Week 17: Jets 22, Bills 17

With playoff implications on the line, the Ryan Fitzpatrick-led Jets played spoiler, using a punishing running game to hand Rex Ryan and the Bills a devastating loss to end their season.

These clashes have added many unforgettable chapters to the heated Bills-Jets rivalry, with plenty more still to be written.

Analyzing Key Stats and Records

In their long rivalry history, the Bills and Jets have produced some notable stats and records that give insight into the matchup:

• The Jets lead the all-time series 65-56 through 2021.
• The Bills biggest win was a 45-3 blowout in 2018.
• The Jets won six straight meetings from 2015-2017.
• No game in the rivalry has ever gone to overtime.
• The Bills have outscored the Jets 2,163 to 2,026 overall.
• The Bills' 37-35 comeback win in 1998 is tied for the 5th biggest comeback in NFL history.
• Jim Kelly had 33 TD passes in the rivalry series, most all-time.
• Bills RB LeSean McCoy has 10 career TDs vs. the Jets, his most vs. any team.

As these stats show, the matchup has been close and competitive, with plenty of memorable moments sprinkled throughout.

Reviewing Matchups Between the Teams' Stars

The Bills vs. Jets rivalry has featured many great players facing off over the years. Here is a look back at some of the key matchups between the teams' biggest stars:

Jim Kelly vs. Ken O'Brien

The two quarterbacks were drafted in the legendary QB class of 1983 and faced each other twice a year for a decade. Kelly led the Bills to four Super Bowl appearances while O'Brien led the Jets to the postseason in 1985 and 1986 behind his prolific passing numbers. Their shootouts defined much of the rivalry in the late 80s.

Andre Reed vs. Darrelle Revis

Reed was the Bills' Hall of Fame wide receiver while Revis was the Jets' shutdown cornerback. Their matchups in the late 2000s and early 2010s were must-see battles between some of the game's best. Reed was a matchup nightmare while Revis stranded many receivers on "Revis Island."

Thurman Thomas vs. Mo Lewis

Thomas was the Bills' do-it-all running back and a major cog in their high-powered offense in the 90s. Lewis was the Jets' intimidating linebacker who terrorized running backs. Thomas had some big days, but Lewis got his licks in too, in this clash between two AFC stars.

Bruce Smith vs. D'Brickashaw Ferguson

Smith, the Bills' all-time sack leader, was an elite pass rusher who dominated many Jets offensive linemen. But Ferguson proved to be up to the task, holding his own by protecting the blind side in matchups against the Hall of Famer.

The Bills and Jets have had many legendary players face off over the years in pivotal games that have shaped the rivalry.

Why the Rivalry Matters to the Fans

The Bills-Jets rivalry matters greatly to the passionate fan bases of both franchises. Here's why it's so important:

• Regional Pride: As the two main AFC East teams representing New York, there is inherent pride on the line. Bragging rights in the Northeast are up for grabs.
• Playoff Implications: Due to being in the same division, these games often have a direct impact on the playoff race down the stretch.
• Generational Bonding: Long-time fans pass down the rivalry to new generations, keeping it alive through families.
• Personal Bragging Rights: With both teams in the same region, friends, coworkers and family members are often split between Bills and Jets fandom.
• Bad Blood: There is genuine animosity between these teams and fan bases, adding high stakes to each matchup.

The Bills and Jets are sworn enemies, and defeating the other means everything to their diehard fans.

Predicting the Future of the Rivalry

As two of the AFL's original franchises, the Bills and Jets seem destined to battle for supremacy for years to come. Here are some predictions for the future of the rivalry:

• Close Games: Games will remain tight as both teams field competitive squads, continuing the tradition of nail-biters.
• Impact on Division Race: The AFC East looks to go through Buffalo and New York for the near future, with head-to-head matchups deciding the title.
• New Star Power: Young standouts like Bills QB Josh Allen and Jets RB Breece Hall will become the next generation of rivalry legends.
• Playoff Implications: These matchups will likely continue to directly influence the playoff picture every year.
• National Spotlight: With young star power on the rise, the Bills-Jets rivalry may become a primetime ratings draw.

If the past is any indication, Bills vs. Jets matchups will continue to be must-see TV with high stakes for seasons to come.

FAQs

How did the Bills vs Jets rivalry start?

The rivalry originated when the Bills and Jets were two of the eight original franchises in the American Football League (AFL) in 1960. As divisional opponents representing upstate New York and New York City, a natural geographic rivalry formed.

Who has won more head-to-head matchups, the Bills or the Jets?

Through the 2021 season, the Jets lead the all-time series 65-56. However, the Bills have had more success historically, with four Super Bowl appearances in the early 1990s.

What was the biggest comeback in the rivalry?

The Bills overcame a 30-7 third quarter deficit to beat the Jets 37-35 in Week 1 of the 1998 season. It remains tied for the fifth biggest comeback in NFL history.

Which player has the most passing TDs in the rivalry?

Bills Hall of Fame QB Jim Kelly threw 33 career passing touchdowns against the Jets, the most of any player in the rivalry's history.

When was the last playoff matchup between the Bills and Jets?

The Jets defeated the Bills 31-27 in the 1981 AFC Wild Card playoffs. It was an upset victory for the Jets, who moved on while ending the Bills' season.