Bettors should favor Matt Forte, New York Jets against Buffalo Bills

By BRUCE MARSHALL Special to the LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL

8 years ago

FILE – In this Sunday, Jan. 3, 2016 file photo, Buffalo Bills head coach Rex Ryan talks to his team before an NFL football game against the New York Jets in Orchard Park, N.Y. Offseason workouts, training camp and preseason games are supposed to supply answers for the 32 NFL teams. Sometimes, they do. More often, the questions remain when the real stuff kicks off. (AP Photo/Gary Wiepert, File)

Two weeks into his second season in Buffalo, Rex Ryan might already be wearing out his welcome.

It could be worth a look at around 18-1 odds to bet on Ryan being the first NFL coach dismissed. The Bills host the New York Jets, Ryan’s former team, on Thursday night. The Jets are 1-point favorites, and the total is 40½. Both teams are in danger of the dreaded 0-2 start.

The Jets’ upcoming slate — Kansas City, Seattle, Pittsburgh and Arizona are on deck — suggests things could get dicey very quickly.

Ryan kept the Jets out of the playoffs last season with a pair of 22-17 wins, the final meeting coming in Week 17 when New York desperately needed to win in Buffalo.

The Buffalo offense flatlined by totaling only 160 yards in a 13-7 loss at Baltimore in Week 1.

Veteran running back Matt Forte, who rushed for 96 yards in a 23-22 loss to Cincinnati, looks like he’ll give the Jets and quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick a solid infantry diversion after Chris Ivory left in free agency.

Sheldon Richardson returns from suspension to further strengthen the Jets’ defensive line.

The Gold Sheet pick: Jets, 23-16

Las Vegas handicapper Bruce Marshall is editor of The Gold Sheet (Goldsheet.com).