Jets vs Bills Playoff Series
The 2015 Jets went 10–6 but missed the playoffs after a Week 17 loss to the Bills.
The New York Jets and Buffalo Bills have faced each other in the NFL since 1960. One notable meeting occurred in Week 17 of the 2015 season, when the Bills defeated the Jets, contributing to the Jets missing the playoffs despite a 10–6 record.
Quick Facts
- Division
- AFC East
- League origins
- American Football League (AFL)
- Playoff frequency
- Once (1981 AFC Wild Card)
- Notable era
- 1960s AFL through Modern NFL
- Rivalry status
- Active
Lore & Background
In 2015, the Jets finished 10–6, their first winning season since 2010, but missed the playoffs after losing to the Buffalo Bills in Week 17. The Pittsburgh Steelers also finished 10–6 and clinched the final AFC playoff spot over the Jets based on a better record vs. common opponents. The Jets were the only team with a winning record to not make the playoffs that season.
Reader's Guide
The 2015 Jets improved from 4–12 in 2014 under new head coach Todd Bowles. They started 4–1, regressed to 5–5, then won five straight to reach 10–6. Their playoff hopes ended with a Week 17 loss to the Bills and the Steelers' win over the Browns.
Did You Know?
- As of 2025, the 2015 Jets were the last Jets team to post a winning record.
- The 2015 season was tied with the 2020 Miami Dolphins season as the closest quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick came to making the playoffs in his 17-year career.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Jets vs. Bills Playoff Series?
This series refers to the rare postseason matchups between two founding members of the original American Football League who now compete in the AFC East. Unlike their frequent regular-season battles, these playoff games are infrequent but high-stakes encounters where only one team can advance toward the Super Bowl.
How often do the Jets and Bills meet in the playoffs?
Postseason meetings between these division rivals are notably rare compared to their intense regular-season history. While they have clashed frequently for division supremacy over decades, actual playoff series games remain a scarce occurrence in franchise lore.
When did the Jets vs. Bills rivalry begin?
The conflict originated in the 1960s when both teams were founding members of the American Football League before merging into the NFL. Their shared history as original AFL competitors established a deep, active rivalry that has persisted through every era of modern football.
What is the ultimate outcome of their playoff meetings?
In every postseason clash, the series ends with one team being eliminated and the other advancing to the next round or potentially the Super Bowl. These cold-weather battles serve as a decisive filter where divisional pride translates directly into tournament survival.
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