AFC East Report: Week 10

The AFC East is the best division in football. While the Patriots and their 9-0 record steal most of the spotlight, the other three teams have also had relatively successful seasons so far (at least compared to most other NFL teams). Due to this, the division is the only one in the NFL with currently three teams above .500.

That being said, let's take a look at this week's edition of the AFC East Report.

2. Buffalo Bills (5-4)

Week 10: win (22-17 against the New York Jets, in East Rutherford NJ)

Rex Ryan's return to New York's MetLife Stadium was a successful one for him. After the game started as a defensive battle, the Bills began to take control in the second quarter. An interception by Corey Graham led to a 47-yard Dan Carpenter field goal. On the subsequent kickoff, Duke Williams recovered a Jets fumble and returned it 19 yards for the game's first touchdown. Buffalo entered the locker room with a 12-3 lead, which became a 19-3 lead after the team's first possession of the third quarter: Tyrod Taylor (17/27, 158 yds, 1 TD) connected with running back Karlos Williams (8 touches/50 total yds) from 26 yards out. Another field goal widened the gap even more but the home team fought back and made it a five-point game in the fourth quarter. Safety Bacarri Rambo, however, ended the Jets' hopes for a comeback with a late interception – one of three turnovers that had his fingerprints on them (he forced two fumbles, recovered one, and had a pick). Overall, the teams were statistical equals but New York's turnovers tipped the scales in favor the Buffalo Bills. The team now holds the sixth AFC playoff seed heading into its Monday Night matchup in New England.

To watch highlights of the game, click here.

3. New York Jets (5-4)

Week 10: loss (22-17 against the Buffalo Bills, in East Rutherford NJ)

In the first 37 minutes of their Thursday Night game against the visiting Bills, the Jets' offense had only five plays in opposing territory – all on the same drive leading to a 29-yard Randy Bullock field goal to put New York ahead 3-0. The next time the team reached the other side of the 50-yard line, it was down 22-3. While the Jets outgained the Bills in total yards (318-280), they could not stop shooting themselves in the foot. Kick returner Devin Smith lost a fumble, which was returned for a touchdown. Running back Chris Ivory (18/ 99 yds) lost a fumble, which led to a Buffalo field goal. Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (15/34, 193 yds, 2 TDs, 2 INTs)  threw two interceptions; the first led to three points, the second ended the Jets' comeback. It took until midway through the third quarter before New York's offense found any rhythm – and began fighting back. However, while the team would go on to score two late touchdowns, it was too little too late. Despite the defense playing a solid game (holding the Bills to 280 yards, 31% on 3rd down, registering four sacks), New York lost 22-17 and falls to third place within the division.

To watch highlights of the game, click here.

4. Miami Dolphins (4-5)

Week 10: win (20-19 against the Philadelphia Eagles, in Philadelphia PA)

After losing their last two games, the Dolphins are back in the win column thanks to a one-point win over the Eagles. While the end result was positive for Miami, the game didn't start that way. After taking a 3-0 lead, the Eagles went on to score on the next three possessions to take a 16-3 lead. One of those scores was a safety, after Ryan Tannehill (21/36, 217 yds, 2 TDs) was sacked in the endzone – it was the third straight game that Miami's offense had to give up a safety. The team was able to regain some momentum, though. In the second quarter, special teamer Zach Vigil blocked a Eagles' punt attempt to set up the team's first touchdown of the day, a 13-yard pass from Tannehill to Lamar Miller (23 touches/95 yds, 1 TD). The third quarter was scoreless but saw arguably the key play of the game: linebacker Chris McCain sacked Sam Bradford (19/25, 236 yds, 1 TD) and the Eagles quarterback had to leave the game with a shoulder injury. With Bradford out, Miami regained the lead early in the fourth quarter via a touchdown pass to Jarvis Landry (7/52 yds, 1 TD). Led by backup Mark Sanchez (14/23, 156 yds, 1 INT), the Eagles were only able to score one more field goal. While the Dolphins were outgained by the home team (436-289), they were able to limit their mistakes and thus improved to 4-5.

To watch highlights of the game, click here.