The AFC East put together a pretty strong performance in week 15, with the Patriots and Dolphins doing what they had to in order to remain in their respective playoff races, while the Bills found a way to beat the great Cleveland Browns.
1. New England Patriots (12-2)
Week 15: win (16-3 over the Denver Broncos)
Remaining games: Jets, @Dolphins
The Patriots weren’t necessarily pretty on offense, but they also played the game exactly how they wanted to, with a mix of strong defense and offensive ball control. The Patriots have been able to run the ball at will against two-straight fantastic defenses with the Ravens and Broncos and it’s clear New England is establishing the run in ways they were unable to in 2015.
The Patriots need to take care of business at home against the Jets and hope that the season finale against the Dolphins won’t impact the conference standings.
2. Miami Dolphins (9-5)
Week 15: win (34-13 over the New York Jets)
Remaining games: @Bills, Patriots
The Dolphins overcame the loss of QB Ryan Tannehill and hammered the Jets. Four of Dolphins back-up QB Matt Moore’s 12 completions went for touchdowns, including 52- and 66-yard deep passes down the field. The Jets just seemed to give up and their 32nd ranked pass defense didn’t help at all.
Can the Dolphins expect an encore performance against Rex Ryan and the Bills? The Dolphins have forced an astounding 19 turnovers since their week 8 bye, and their turnover margin of +10 ranks 1st in the NFL.
3. Buffalo Bills (7-7)
Week 13: win (33-13 over the Cleveland Browns)
Remaining games: Dolphins, @Jets
Bills head coach Rex Ryan is expected to be fired in the coming weeks, unless he wins the final two games of the season. The Patriots would welcome that outcome if it meant the Dolphins were out of the playoffs and Rex Ryan remained in Buffalo for another year.
RB LeSean McCoy and the Bills rushing attack have averaged 5.52 yards per carry, the highest rate since the merger. Can the Bills use that to their advantage against the Dolphins 22nd rushing defense?
4. New York Jets (4-10)
Week 13: loss (34-13 to the Miami Dolphins)
Remaining games: @Patriots, Bills
The Jets are competing for a top 5 pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. The Patriots will hopefully pick apart New York’s league-worst passing defense.