With only one week to play in the 2015 NFL regular season, we know which team will finish the AFC East race in which place. What we do not know yet is whether the New York Jets will join the New England Patriots in the playoffs. Their chances to do that certainly grew in week 16.
That being said, here's this week's edition of the AFC East Report.
2. New York Jets (10-5)
Week 16: win (26-20 against the New England Patriots, in East Rutherford NJ)
Pats Pulpit is already in the process of analyzing this game.
To watch highlights of the game, click here.
3. Buffalo Bills (7-8)
Week 16: win (16-6 against the Dallas Cowboys, in Orchard Park NY)
The 2015 Bills still have a chance to avoid finishing their season with a losing record thanks to their 16-6 victory over the Dallas Cowboys. The visiting Cowboys took an early 3-0 lead, which could have become a 6-0 lead if not for a missed field goal attempt. The Bills took advantage of the good field position and drove the ball 62 yards for the game's first touchdown; a one-yard Karlos Williams (17/76 yds, 1 TD) run. Late in the second quarter, with a 6-6 score, Buffalo had a chance to take another lead but Tyrod Taylor (13/18, 179 yds, 1 INT) was intercepted in the Dallas end zone. Thus, the teams headed into halftime tied at six. On their second drive of the third quarter, the Bills eventually took a 9-6 lead and saw momentum shift even more their way when A.J. Tarpley intercepted Kellen Moore (13/31, 186 yds, 1 INT) on the ensuing Dallas drive. However, three plays later, Karlos Williams fumbled the ball back to the Cowboys, who couldn't capitalize. Late in the forth quarter, Mike Gillislee's (9/93 yds, 1 TD) 50-yard touchdown run put the nail in the coffin. Statistically, the Bills dominated the contest, gaining more yards (408-207) and first downs (19-14). Even two giveaways didn't stop Buffalo, which registered two takeaways itself. The team finishes its season against head coach Rex Ryan's former team, the Jets.
To watch highlights of the game, click here.
4. Miami Dolphins (5-10)
Week 16: loss (18-12 against the Indianapolis Colts, in Miami FL)
The Dolphins, who host the Patriots next week, have lost their third consecutive game on Sunday. The contest against the visiting Colts started bad for Miami, which gave up a safety on its third offensive play when Ryan Tannehill (26/38, 329 yds, 1 INT) was sacked in the end zone. To make matters worse, the defense gave up a touchdown on the ensuing Colts possession before Tannehill threw an interception. Still, Miami was able to make it a 8-6 game midway through the second quarter thanks to a one-yard Lamar Miller (15/31 yds, 1 TD) touchdown run. However, Indianapolis scored another touchdown to take a 15-6 halftime lead. Both teams would go on to score nothing but field goals in the second half, which effectively ended on yet another sack of Tannehill; on 4th and 5 with 27 seconds left in the 18-12 ballgame. Despite out-gaining the Colts by almost 100 yards (361-268), the Dolphins lost their 10th game of the season because the team made too many mistakes - the difference in a game this close.
To watch highlights of the game, click here.