The AFC East has become an intriguing division, with two teams only a game and a half behind the first place New England Patriots. Both the Bills and Dolphins have had success this season, and will look to gain a half game in the standings with the Pats on the bye.
Here’s a look at the AFC East matchups for Week 10.
Kansas City Chiefs at Buffalo Bills, Sunday, 1:05 pm EST
The Chiefs have won three in a row to reach a record of 5-3 entering Week 10. While some believed the Chiefs to show some regression this season, they have in fact come up with some big wins against a few of the better teams in the league.
Last week, the Chiefs defeated the Jets 24-10 behind another strong performance by Alex Smith and a great defensive effort. KC has won three in a row, and will look to make it four this Sunday.
The Bills have also been a good story this year with a 5-3 record of their own. Buffalo is coming off the bye, but dominated the Jets in Week 8 for a final score of 43-23. In that game, Kyle Orton threw for 238 yards and four touchdowns; one of which was to rookie Sammy Watkins, who has been impressive in his first year. On the injury front, Watkins was not at practice Friday, and has been listed as questionable for this week’s matchup, as is Fred Jackson.
Buffalo is currently tied with the Dolphins for second place in the East, but this is a big matchup for them. KC has the best passing defense in the league, which could cause havoc for Orton and company, but the Bills defense is ranked sixth against the run, which is an advantage when facing Jamaal Charles.
This matchup will feature two teams with playoff hopes and talented rosters. Neither team was expected to be where they are right now, in the standings or on the field, so this makes for an intriguing game. With the Pats on the bye, they can gain some ground while proving they are the real deal in the AFC.
Final Prediction
Chiefs 24 Bills 17
P.S. For what it’s worth, “football baby” chose the Buffalo Bills, and he’s 8-0 with his picks entering this week’s games.
Miami Dolphins at Detroit Lions, Sunday, 1 pm EST
The Dolphins are 5-3 and have won three in a row keeping pace with the Bills and Patriots in the division. Last week, they absolutely dominated the San Diego Chargers in shutout fashion, as they won 37-0. The Miami defense won the turnover battle as Philip Rivers threw three picks in that game, as the Dolphins cruised to their fifth win on the year.
Ryan Tannehill is on a roll right now after a three touchdown performance in Week 9, but has shown struggles against defenses who attack the quarterback, which is what the Lions defense will try to accomplish this week. Defensively for Miami, they are ranked second in pass defense, which will be an advantage going against Matthew Stafford and Calvin Johnson, who is expected to return to action this week.
For the Lions, they are 6-2 and in first place of the NFC North despite being without Megatron due to injury. This week, he is expected to play, which will be beneficial for the Lions as Stafford now has Golden Tate and Johnson to throw to. While the Dolphins have the second best pass defense in the league, it could be a long day for them against this Lions offense.
This is another intriguing matchup in the AFC East as two teams playing great football will go head-to-head. The Dolphins will look to continue their win streak on the road, while the Lions, who have also won three in a row, will look to do the same thing. Expect this to be a close game between two teams with playoff aspirations.
Final Prediction
Dolphins 24 Lions 27
Pittsburgh Steelers at New York Jets, Sunday, 1:05 pm EST
The 6-3 Steelers are coming off a big Sunday Night Football win against division rival Baltimore Ravens, as they dominated 43-23. The first place Steelers have been great as of late with their red hot quarterback leading the way. Ben Roethlisberger is the first quarterback in NFL history to throw for six touchdowns in back-to-back games. This week, he faces the New York Jets and a depleted secondary that has been exposed throughout the season, so look for Big Ben to have yet another big game this Sunday.
As for the Jets, they are 1-8 and have lost eight in a row after starting the season 1-0 with their win over the Oakland Raiders. The quarterback drama continues for the Jets with Michael Vick now taking over for Geno Smith. Vick was 21/28 with 198 yards and one touchdown last week against the Kansas City Chiefs. It could be a long day for the Jets with the Steelers coming to town.
The Jets have disappointed all season and are in last place in the AFC East. Rex Ryan is in the hot seat once again, and this week’s matchup will be another tough one for the Jets. The Steelers are in a tough division, and will look to dominate this game and maintain their spot in first place of the AFC North.
Final Prediction
Steelers 41 Jets 21
Football baby also chose the Steelers in this matchup.