National Football League

Bills vs. Jets highlights: Jets win in OT despite Aaron Rodgers' injury

Updated Sep. 11, 2023 11:29 p.m. ET

Aaron Rodgers' much-anticipated debut with the New York Jets went sideways in a hurry on Monday night.

The Jets were hosting the Buffalo Bills as the AFC East rivals closed out Week 1 action. But Rodgers, expected to provide a boost to take the Jets to the next level, left with an injury in the first quarter. Rodgers was seen leaving the team's X-ray room with a boot on his foot. X-rays were negative, but Rodgers did not return to the game.

Nonetheless, Zach Wilson and company rallied behind a massive performance from the Jets' defense, which used four turnovers to propel the squad over the top. And in the biggest play of his life, Xavier Gipson stunned MetLife Stadium with a dazzling punt return TD to win it OT.

Here are the top plays from the Monday night contest.

New York Jets 22, Buffalo Bills 16, OT

House call!

Rookie WR Xavier Gipson just found out he made the Jets a couple of weeks ago. Now, he's going home as the team's hero for Week 1, after making a beeline to the end zone on a resounding walk-off punt return.

Precision passing

Stefon Diggs and Josh Allen hooked up for several tough completions, before Tyler Bass knocked a 50-yard field goal off the left upright and in to force overtime.

Another turnover!

In what was New York's fourth takeaway of the night, the Jets' defense forced Josh Allen to relinquish the football after he mishandled the snap. It gave N.Y.'s offense the ball back near the 25-yard line, and helped it take a 16-13 lead with just under two minutes to play in the fourth quarter.

The play had Mark Sanchez reminiscing about a particular fumble in his past.

Unbelievable!!

Garrett Wilson finally reared his head in the fourth quarter, making a nifty sliding catch to put New York in the red zone, before elevating on a back shoulder fade for what may be the best catch you'll see all week.

Make that three!

Jordan Whitehead oh my goodness! Whitehead continued to make a case for Defensive Player of the Week with his third pick in a huge spot for New York. It's the first three-interception game by a player since Andrew Adams in 2018.

Taken away!

Jordan Whitehead came up with his second takeaway of the night on another Josh Allen deep ball, seizing a shot intended for Stefon Diggs over the middle.

Ballhawk

Matt Milano just knows how to rally to the football. The first-team All-Pro in 2022 began his 2023 in a big way, sliding in front of this Zach Wilson pass attempt to collect his first interception of the season. He put his squad in plus territory with the massive takeaway, which led to another Buffalo FG. The Bills led 13-3 at the half.

Improvisations

Stefon Diggs was the man on this scoring drive for Buffalo, making defenders miss on this grab for a first down, before hauling in Buffalo's first TD of the season. On the TD play, it was Allen who pulled some signature scrambling, before finding Diggs in the end zone.

Go Breece go!

83 yards! That's how far Breece Hall traveled after busting through the middle of the line, and zooming off down the sideline. The Jets were held at bay in the red zone though, and settled for a chip shot field goal to even the score at three.

Picked!

The Bills began taking deep shots in the second quarter, but the Jets' D came up big again, courtesy of this interception by Jordan Whitehead.

Not in our house!

You could've heard a pin drop in MetLife after Rodgers' injury, but the Jets' defense rallied in a major way to help hold Buffalo to three points on its next drive.

Rodgers goes down

Aaron Rodgers left the game five minutes into the first quarter after being sacked by Leonard Floyd. Rodgers was carted off the field with an ankle injury, and is questionable to return.

He's back!

Jets fans absolutely loved this one. On the first play from scrimmage, Breece Hall made his mark with a 26-yard scamper.

Pregame scene

Ode to America

MetLife Stadium was perhaps as loud as we've heard it as Rodgers entered the field, and gave way to a momentous national anthem.

Celebs are out!

Multiple stars, including Justin Timberlake, Method Man and Sexxy Red were on the sidelines for the big matchup.

Hearts for No. 3

After nearly losing his life last season, Damar Hamlin is back for the Buffalo Bills. Hamlin is listed as inactive for the game.

We will remember

On the 22nd anniversary of 9/11, several tributes were conducted to honor those affected by the events.

Enter Mr. Rodgers