The Buffalo Bills are just days away from beginning what feels like one of the most important seasons in franchise history. Now, you could have said the same last year and the many years to come in the Josh Allen era, but the sense of urgency surrounding the 2023-24 campaign cannot be underestimated.

They must take that next step. After being stifled at home by the Cincinnati Bengals in the AFC divisional round of the playoffs back in January, a conference title game appearance is the bare minimum fans will demand. Honestly, this is another Super Bowl or bust year. The talent and depth are there to finally deliver the city a championship. It all begins next Monday night.

Buffalo heads to the Meadowlands for what is the most hyped-up game in the NFL's opening week of action. Just like the Bills, the New York Jets have massive expectations for 2023. That drastic change in energy, brought on by the addition of Aaron Rodgers and the presence of a dominant defense, should make for an exhilarating but emotionally-charged (takes place on Sept. 11) Monday Night Football showdown.

Both teams are desperate to make a strong first impression. The winner will likely be showered with Super Bowl-sized praise, while the loser could immediately be given a rude awakening. The stage is set.

Let's dive a little deeper into this AFC East battle. Here are three bold Bills predictions for Week 1 versus the Jets.

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3. RB James Cook has big impact on game

Despite Devin Singletary signing with the Houston Texans and Nyheim Hines suffering a devastating season-ending injury, Buffalo's backfield remains uncertain. Damien Harris' arrival could mean another year of employing a running back by committee, but James Cook is poised for a breakout.

He won't waste any time in taking that second-year jump. The 2022 second-round draft pick had just 11 touches against New York across two games during his rookie season. He could surpass that total in one night. Though, Cook will have to make those opportunities count. The Jets were vulnerable at times against the run last year, so the 23-year-old could find some holes to exploit in the opener.

Harris will command his fair share of work and could even grab the goal-line carries, but Cook has big-play potential. With an average of 5.7 yards per carry in 2022-23, the former Georgia national champion might also just be the superior runner. And if he needed any more motivation to have a big game, his older brother Dalvin Cook will be on the other side.

Josh Allen should not be looking to take so many hits from this defense, which could lead to more carries for the RBs. I could see James Cook totaling over 80 yards from scrimmage and finding his way into the end-zone in this one.

2. Bills hold Jets to under 100 rushing yards

Buffalo allowed just 104 rushing yards per game last season, but holding the Jets' group to that number will be no easy task. And yet, I believe this team will do even better than that in Week 1.

Bills head coach Sean McDermott (also taking over defensive coordinator duties) will devise a game plan that smothers both Cook and the dynamic Breece Hall. The former carved up Buffalo in last year's meeting with the Minnesota Vikings, and the latter could have competed with teammate Garrett Wilson for Offensive Rookie of the Year honors had he not suffered a torn ACL.

But that injury rust, as well as an unpredictable offensive line, should enable Buffalo to contain the duo. Expect third-year defensive end Gregory Rousseau to continue to progress and be a difference-maker. While New York will have a chunk play or two, the team will not dictate the pace on the ground like they may prefer. Aaron Rodgers must step up instead, which will create plenty of intrigue, as noted below by Dov Kleiman.

1. Bills score 25 points vs. Jets defense

In their season split, Josh Allen and company scored a combined 37 points against the Jets in 2022. The Bills did not surpass 20 in either contest, as the star quarterback was forced to do his damage with his legs instead of his arm. This offense is more versatile and dangerous in 2023, however.

We have already discussed the firepower James Cook can bring, but one must not overlook rookie tight end Dalton Kincaid. Rarely do players at that position produce right away, but the organization made a first-round investment in the Utah alum. He has great hands and control, which could quickly make him a favorite target for Allen. Dawson Knox can transition to more of a blocking role, while this new weapon operates in space.

Though, the Jets might not leave many windows of opportunity open. In fact, one player believes this unit compares to the terrifying 1985 Chicago Bears defense. So how can the Bills possibly reach the 25-point mark on the road? Well, Stefon Diggs will have something to say on the matter.

The former All-Pro has secured 100 receptions or more in three consecutive seasons, but he managed just eight in two games versus New York last year. Offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey should be more comfortable in his second season calling plays, which will better prepare him for this daunting challenge. The Allen and Diggs connection will be more effective this time around.

Most importantly, though, the Buffalo Bills should be completely locked-in. As stated before, these next several months will be monumental for the franchise, its QB, coach and the entire city. This highly-anticipated Monday Night Football matchup must reflect that.