NY Jets: Top 3 keys to earning a spot in NFL Playoffs

For the NY Jets to earn a spot in the NFL Playoffs, they must continue their momentum and make a statement against the Buffalo Bills.

Nov 12, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets head coach Todd Bowles looks on in the 1st quarter against the Buffalo bills at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Hauser-USA TODAY Sports

The Jets head to Buffalo on Sunday in a scenario in which all they have to do is win or tie against Buffalo to earn a playoff birth.  Even though Todd Bowles said that he wouldn’t use facing Rex Ryan as motivation, the players probably will.

The players also still have the sting of losing to the Bills in MetLife Stadium 22-17 as motivation from early November.  They are riding a five-game winning streak as well and can’t realistically expect help from the Cleveland Browns or San Diego Chargers. The Jets have to come into this game ready for anything and go the extra distance to ensure victory straight into the playoffs.

Here are the three keys to the Jets defeating the Bills on Sunday.

Next: 3. Confidence

Nov 29, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson (96) celebrates his sack of Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17)(not shown) during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

3. Confidence

You would expect a team riding high on a five-game winning streak to be high on confidence.  However, they did lose to this team the last time they played them.

On one hand, the mistakes they made are almost completely correctable.  On the other hand, in the last game against Buffalo, they managed to only lose by five while turning the ball over four times.  That means this team is very beatable.

The Jets are also top-ten in the league in scoring (10th), total offense (8th), defensive scoring (7th), total defense (6th) and rush defense (1st).  This is a recipe for success late in the season.

Next: 2. Protect the football and force mistakes

Oct 4, 2015; London, ENG; New York Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis (24) catches an interception during the second half of the game against the Miami Dolphins at Wembley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Flynn-USA TODAY Sports

2. Protect the football and force mistakes

Forcing mistakes is just as big as not making mistakes, because in the NFL turnover margin has become a key stat.  According to Football Nation, from 2008-2013 teams with at least a +1 turnover margin had a record of 882-337-2 (.723).

The Jets have 18 interceptions, which is fifth in the NFL.  They also have forced 13 fumbles (14th) and recovered 11 (T-7th).

During the five-game winning streak, they only have one turnover.  They also have a +6 turnover margin.  This has led to 22 points, including scoring a touchdown off of the only Patriots turnover last week.

Next: 1. Win time of possession battle

Dec 13, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets running back Chris Ivory (33) runs the ball against the Tennessee Titans during the fourth quarter at MetLife Stadium. The Jets defeated the Titans 30-8. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

1. Win time of possession battle

Time of possession is a key stat in the NFL. According to the website Team Rankings, only two teams that are currently holding playoff spots are under 30 minutes (1/2 the game) in TOP, on average, for the season.

The time of possession margin for the Jets in the last five games is 6:30, having held the ball for an average of 34:24 to their opponents’ 27:54.  That’s why against the Bills, the Jets must establish the run and use their talented running back corps to plow through the defenders of the Bills and eat up clock.

More jets: 5 ways the Jets can bash Buffalo and make the Playoffs

All the Jets have to do this weekend in upstate New York, is not lose the game.  A win or a tie gets the Jets the playoff spot.