(AP)

Before this 2011 season started, the Jets' game this week at Buffalo appeared to have all the makings of a trap game. A game against the perennial AFC East champion Patriots looms next week, and the Bills have given the Jets—and almost all other teams—no trouble in recent years. But the Bills—not the Patriots and not the Jets—sit in first place in the division, and this week's game in Orchard Park, N.Y., may be as important as the home game against New England next week.

With their season in a downward spiral following a three-game losing streak, the Jets bounced back with home wins against Miami (not that impressive) and San Diego (the Jets' best game this season). Then they had a bye and now will try for their first road win in their fourth away game this season. The Bills, led by Harvard-educated and wedding-ring-wearing Ryan Fitzpatrick, have catapulted to the top of the division thanks to some timely takeaways and the play of Fred Jackson.

The biggest matchup in this game will be the Jets' inconsistent offense vs. the Bills' porous defense. The Jets go as their quarterback and offensive unit go. They'll have chances to score points, and they can shut down the Bills. Darrelle Revis has called this a must-win. It's not, but it would be a good game to have.