From the moment the 2015 NFL schedule came out, this seemed almost inevitable.
Of course Rex Ryan is the Jets' gatekeeper to the playoffs. Of course their regular season has to end by facing their old coach in Orchard Park. And so the drama is heightened even further for a game that already has the Jets' postseason hopes riding on it.
Ryan was asked Wednesday if this week's contest is just another game for him.
"Absolutely," the coach responded with obvious sarcasm.
Nobody's buying that. Because the Bills "failed miserably" -- Ryan's words -- this season, the only consolation left for the Buffalo head coach has to be stopping his old team from getting to play past Jan.