EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — Rex Ryan’s return to the Meadowlands was a successful one.

Buffalo’s defense shut down Ryan’s former team for much of Thursday night, and the Bills scored on offense and special teams in a 22-17 victory over the New York Jets.

Duke Williams returned a fumbled kickoff 19 yards for the go-ahead points, rookie Karlos Williams had a 26-yard touchdown catch and Dan Carpenter kicked three field goals. Buffalo (5-4) moved into the wild-card playoff picture, while the Jets (5-4) have lost three of their last four games.

Ryan was fired by the Jets after six seasons and immediately hired by Buffalo last January. His pride and joy, the defense, had two interceptions, recovered a fumble and stopped the Jets inside the Bills 10 in the final minutes.

Buffalo’s offense made just enough key plays and held off a late surge by the Jets.