By our Football Power Index, Thursday’s clash between the Buffalo Bills and New York Jets was determined to be the most impactful game of the week with regards to playoff chances.

The Bills’ playoff probability jumped to approximately 47 percent with the win. The Jets’ playoff probability fell to about 50 percent with a loss. Definitive numbers are updated each Tuesday morning.

Had the game gone the other way, the Jets’ playoff probability would have increased to 80 percent and the Bills’ would have dropped to 18 percent.

Why are the Jets’ chances still higher than the Bills when both teams have the same 5-4 record?

Buffalo’s schedule is a big factor. The Bills play four of their next five games on the road, with the Patriots (on Monday Night Football, Nov. 23) and Chiefs up next. Entering Thursday, the Bills’ chance of winning those games were 20 percent and 40 percent, respectively.

Though this may seem troublesome, it should be noted that the Bills are 3-0 in road games played in the United States this season (they lost to the Jaguars in London).

The Bills schedule is also favorable at season’s end. They close with home games against the Cowboys and the Jets.

That last one could be for a playoff spot. And the Bills have had the Jets' number, winning the past four meetings.

The difference-maker, whether it be for Rex Ryan or anyone else, is defense. The Bills have forced 15 turnovers in those four games. The Jets have no takeaways in that span.