In a dramatic Week 6 Monday Night Football clash, the Buffalo Bills held off a resilient New York Jets team led by Aaron Rodgers, earning a 23-20 victory and taking command of the AFC East. The game was defined by big plays, missed opportunities, and a relentless battle between division rivals at MetLife Stadium.
Coming off a two-game losing streak, the Bills (4-2) leaned on their star quarterback Josh Allen, who delivered a clutch performance when they needed it most. Allen completed 19 of 25 passes for 215 yards, throwing for two touchdowns and adding another on the ground. His steady play kept Buffalo in control for much of the night, while rookie running back Ray Davis stepped up in a big way, rushing for 97 yards on 20 carries and catching three passes for 55 yards, filling in for the injured James Cook.
The victory was crucial for Buffalo, as they avoided a three-game losing streak—a streak they’ve never experienced with Allen under center. With the win, the Bills solidified their position atop the AFC East as the only team in the division with a winning record.
Despite the loss, the Jets (2-4) put up a strong fight, highlighted by a thrilling play at the end of the first half. With time expiring, Aaron Rodgers launched a Hail Mary into the end zone, finding Mike Williams for a stunning touchdown. The play sent the Jets into halftime with momentum, cutting Buffalo’s lead and energizing the home crowd.
Rodgers, who finished the game 23 of 35 for 294 yards with two touchdowns and one interception, showcased the big-play potential that has made him a future Hall of Famer. Running back Breece Hall contributed significantly to the Jets’ offense, amassing 113 yards on the ground and adding 56 receiving yards, keeping the Bills’ defense on its heels.
While Rodgers’ heroics kept the Jets in the game, missed opportunities ultimately cost them. Normally reliable kicker Greg Zuerlein struggled, missing two critical field goals that could have changed the game’s outcome. Both misses struck the left upright, leaving the Jets unable to capitalize on their late-game drives.
The loss capped off a turbulent week for the Jets, who parted ways with head coach Robert Saleh. Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich stepped in as interim head coach, while offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett was demoted from play-calling duties, a responsibility that was handed over to Todd Downing. Despite the changes, the Jets couldn’t find a way to overcome their struggles, dropping their third consecutive game.
After a tightly contested second half, Buffalo found itself in a position to clinch the game late in the fourth quarter. Tyler Bass, who had earlier missed a field goal, redeemed himself by drilling a go-ahead 22-yard kick with 3:43 left on the clock. The kick put the Bills up 23-20 and set the stage for a tense finish.
The Jets had one final chance to mount a comeback, but Rodgers’ deep pass intended for Mike Williams fell short, intercepted by Taron Johnson. Johnson, who returned to action after missing time with a broken right forearm, made a pivotal play to stop the Jets’ last gasp. With the ball back in their possession, Allen and the Bills offense ran out the remaining time, sealing a critical win.
The Bills‘ victory on Monday night gives them a firm grip on the AFC East, providing a much-needed boost in a competitive division. Meanwhile, the Jets face an uphill battle as they navigate a tough stretch of games under a new interim coach. With a 2-4 record, they’ll need to regroup quickly if they hope to turn their season around.
For the Bills, this win offers a chance to build momentum as they aim to stay on top of the AFC East and compete for a high playoff seed. With Allen leading the charge and a defense that continues to make timely plays, Buffalo appears poised for a strong push in the weeks ahead.
As the division battle intensifies, this Monday night thriller could prove to be a pivotal moment in the 2024 season, with Buffalo now in the driver’s seat in the race for AFC East supremacy.
