The AFC East is still one of only two divisions in the NFL with all four teams being above .500, the other is the NFC East.
This past week the AFC East teams played two out-of-conference games and two out-of-division games but all four teams are headed towards games against each other setting up a race to the finish over the last six games.
The New York Jets got a win on Sunday that keeps them in the AFC East division chase and the NFL’s playoff picture.
New York Jets
- Record – 7-4
Last game – Chicago Bears
The New York Jets benched Zach Wilson in favor of Mike White heading into their week 12 game against the Bears. Wilson took no accountability for the horrendous play in week 11 that saw the Jets lose to the Patriots, putting only three points on the board.
With Wilson not only benched but inactive, the Jets took their chances with Mike White against a Bears team that was running with their backup quarterback as well. The Jets’ defense proved way too much for the inept Bears offense and White had a nearly perfect outing throwing for three touchdown passes.
White finished the game 22/28 for 315 yards and three scores. More importantly, he led his team on and off the field. Moving forward, it is quite easy to see White play out the rest of the year. Robert Saleh said that Wilson’s future is with the Jets and implied that at some point, he would return but after Sunday, that might be a little harder to do, and if White continues to play at this level, Saleh is going to have a big decision to make that really shouldn’t be all that hard.
Next game – at Vikings
The Jets are headed to Minnesota in a game that will test their new starting quarterback. Chicago is not a good football team but the Vikings are the 2nd seed in the NFC and have only two losses so far. Defensively, the Jets are playing great but their offense will need to do the same.
What’s on the line:
In the AFC East, every loss for any of the four teams could mean an end to their division title chances. The Vikings are going to be a tough opponent and we will find out how legitimate the Jets are. A loss won’t hurt the Jets too much as this is an out-of-conference game.
Remaining schedule:
- @ Buffalo
- Detroit
- Jacksonville
- @ Seattle
- @ Miami
The New England Patriots played their week 12 game against the Vikings on Thanksgiving and it didn’t quite go their way.
New England Patriots
- Record – 6-5
Last Game – Minnesota Vikings
The Patriots cruised into Minnesota as the final seed in the AFC playoff picture and the Vikings, who have lost only two games all year, and a Thanksgiving Thursday night stood in their way. Overall, the Patriots played good football. The back-and-forth contest between the two of them continued all game long.
Mac Jones threw for almost 400 yards and two touchdowns but the Patriots’ running game couldn’t generate much yardage. The biggest question of the game came late when Hunter Henry caught a pass on the goalline that originally ruled a touchdown. The replay reversed the call when it showed the ball hitting the ground and bouncing out of his hands. He still caught the ball but because the ball hit the ground, they ruled it incomplete. It would make a difference in the game.
The loss dropped the Patriots out of the “if the season ended today playoff picture”.
Next Game – Buffalo Bills
The Patriots and Bills will play for the first time in 2022 with the Patriots playing host again on a Thursday night. The Bills are currently a 1/2 game behind the Dolphins with an 8-3 record but this game is one that could have an impact on the division. For the Patriots, it is almost a must-win if they have any hopes of eventually getting a division lead but their own playoff future could take a big hit as well.
What’s on the line:
The Patriots’ post-season could be on the line this Thursday night. A loss could have big implications for the Patriots’ chances this season.
Remaining schedule:
- @ Arizona
- @ Las Vegas
- Cincinnati
- Miami
- @ Buffalo
The Buffalo Bills are 1/2 game behind the Miami Dolphins in the chase for the AFC East title.
Buffalo Bills:
- Record – 8-3
Last Game – Detroit Lions
The Bills should have walked all over the Detroit Lions in the early Thanksgiving game in week 12 but instead, it took another fourth-quarter comeback led by Josh Allen that ended with a game-winning field goal.
The Lions played the Bills very well and had several missed opportunities to win but the Bills didn’t waiver and despite the close game, 28-25, the Bills stayed atop the AFC East with Miami.
Josh Allen finished the game with 253 yards on 24 completions with two touchdowns and an interception. He added another 78 yards on the ground on 10 carries with a TD. Devin Singletary led the running backs with 14 rushes for 72 yards.
Next game – @ New England
The Patriots will play the Bills for the first time this year and as we said earlier, this is an almost must-win game for the Patriots if they have any hopes of staying in the division chase. A win by Buffalo will keep them at the top of the division either tied with Miami or holding it themselves.
What’s on the line:
For the Bills, it’s staying in the AFC East title race and seeding position in the NFL postseason chase.
Remaining schedule:
- @ New England
- New York Jets
- Miami
- @ Chicago
- @ Cincinnati
- New England
Tua Tagovailoa nearly had another 300-yard game coming up 1 yard short at 299. But he only played 2 1/2 quarters as the AFC East division leader.
Miami Dolphins:
- Record – 8-3
Last Game – Houston Texans
The Houston Texans were hosted by the Miami Dolphins on Sunday and it was a blowout by halftime. Miami led the game 30-0 at the end of the first half. Miami scored on the ground, through the air, on three Jason Sanders field goals, and a defensive touchdown.
The second half wasn’t as good for the Dolphins. Miami lost Terron Armstead and Brandon Shell couldn’t transition to the left tackle spot adequately. Tagovailoa was under constant pressure and midway through the third, the Dolphins, with a 30-point lead, pulled him.
The Texans made it at least interesting climbing back in with 15 points as the Dolphins’ defense moved into more of a prevention style but in the end, the defense stepped up and made the game-ending interception.
Next Game – @ San Francisco 49ers
For the Dolphins, this could be the biggest game of their year so far. The 49ers are playing great football and the Dolphins are traveling across the country for the first of three road games in a row. The story this week will be Dolphins HC Mike McDaniel returning to play his old team.
What’s on the line:
Like the Bills, a share or lead of the AFC East and postseason seeding is on the line.
Remaining schedule:
- @ San Francisco
- @ Los Angeles Chargers
- @ Buffalo
- Green Bay
- @ New England
- New York Jets