AFC East standings after Week 15: New England’s lead shrinks
The New England Patriots entered Week 15 with a chance to maintain a two-game lead in the AFC East, but their Saturday night loss to the Indianapolis Colts means their lead is just a single game now.
Bill Belichick’s team was simply upstaged on Saturday night, as they allowed Jonathan Taylor to run for 170 and a touchdown. Carson Wentz completed just five passes, and the Colts were able to come out with a 27-17 win. With the Bills on the schedule this upcoming week, Week 16 should essentially decide the division.
Speaking of the Bills, they played the Carolina Panthers on Sunday and walked away with a 31-14 victory. Josh Allen played despite dealing with a foot injury, and he threw for 210 yards and three touchdowns. However, it was interesting that he only ran three times. If he hadn’t had that injury, that probably would’ve made this game more one-sided.
The Miami Dolphins continued their winning ways, as they beat the New York Jets 31-24. Brian Flores’ team got down early after a very slow start before their defense led them back in a big way. It almost seemed like they were nervous to play aggressively without Jevon Holland, but when they turned on the pressure they got to Zach Wilson.
From the Jets’ perspective, they are eliminated already, so they are just trying to see things from their rookie quarterback. That’s a tough ask right now, as he’s playing without his left tackle and top two wideouts. If there’s any growth at the end of Wilson’s first season, Robert Saleh and Joe Douglas would be happy.
Week 16 AFC East matchups:
Miami Dolphins (7-7) vs. New Orleans Saints (7-7)
New England Patriots (9-5) vs. Buffalo Bills (8-6)
New York Jets (3-11) vs. Jacksonville Jaguars (2-12)
