The New England Patriots lead the AFC East by two games with both the Bills and Dolphins still in the playoff hunt. This week’s matchups are crucial as the season winds down and the race for a playoff spot heats up.
Here’s a look at how the East matches up in Week 14.
Baltimore Ravens at Miami Dolphins, Sunday 1:05 p.m. EST
The Ravens are currently in second place in the AFC North with a 7-5 record after their heartbreaking 34-33 loss to the San Diego Chargers. Baltimore’s defense had to make a goal line stand in the fourth quarter and were unable to do so as the Chargers completed the comeback. With only three weeks left in the regular season, and several 7-5 teams among the AFC, every game is more important than the last.
For the Dolphins, they are also 7-5 and two games out of the division. Last week they beat the New York Jets 16-13, but this should have been a game dominated by the Dolphins. The Jets have struggled all season at 2-10, but Miami had trouble finding the end zone. This week they face a good Ravens team with playoff hopes on the line.
These two teams seem evenly matched this week, but homefield may play a factor in the outcome. The Dolphins have played well and won some games against tough opponents all season long, and with the year winding down, now is when they needs wins the most. The AFC playoff picture has created a lot of competition for these last few weeks, and the true contenders will prove their worth in key matchups such as this one.
Final Prediction
Ravens 27 Dolphins 28
Buffalo Bills at Denver Broncos, Sunday 4:05 p.m. EST
The Bills are 7-5 and two games out of the AFC East. They have won two in a row after a big 26-10 victory over the Cleveland Browns. Buffalo is still very much in the running for the playoffs after their third quarter rally last week, but will have to travel to Mile High and face Peyton Manning and the first place Broncos.
Denver is 9-3 and enter Week 14 looking to win their third consecutive. The Broncos beat the Chiefs last week and created some separation in the West, but they still have the Chargers on their heels. Led by Manning, the Broncos are one of the best teams in the NFL. They have an explosive offense capable of scoring quickly and efficiently, which is a huge advantage for them. This week they face a Bills team in the playoff hunt, and while the Broncos may already be a shoo in for the playoffs, they need to keep winning to take the division and seek the number one seed in the AFC for the second year in a row.
This is an important game for the Bills. They are in a tough division and with so many teams posting seven wins thus far, they need to keep pace in order to keep playoff hopes alive.
Final Prediction
Bills 17 Broncos 27
New York Jets at Minnesota Vikings, Sunday 1:05 p.m. EST
The Jets have had a tough season. They are 2-10 and coming off close 16-13 loss to the Dolphins. Their struggles have come from every aspect of the game, and they have yet to find a quarterback capable of running this offense. Geno Smith threw an NFL-low 13 times last week against the tough Miami defense. The Jets seem lost on all cylinders as this brutal season comes to a close. This week, however, they will face another struggling team in the Minnesota Vikings.
The Vikings are 5-7 after their 31-13 victory over the Carolina Panthers last week. The Vikings returned two blocked punts for touchdowns which aided in their dominant performance over the Panthers. Minnesota has struggled throughout the season, as has rookie quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, but this is another winnable game for them as they look to build for next season.
There is no playoff implications in this one. Both teams have had their share of struggles throughout the course of the season, and this is just another game on the schedule. The Jets played the Dolphins well last week, but still came up short. With this game being played in Minnesota, the Vikings will look to take advantage of this Jets squad.
Final Prediction
Jets 17 Vikings 30
New England Patriots at San Diego Chargers, Sunday 8:30 p.m. EST
Last week, the Patriots faced the Green Bay Packers in a potential Super Bowl preview, and neither team disappointed. It was an intriguing matchup that resulted in a close game, but a loss for the Pats as the Packers took this one 26-20. Aaron Rodgers outplayed Tom Brady in this high-profile matchup snapping New England’s winning streak. The Patriots are now 9-3 and lead the AFC East by two games. This week, they face a Chargers team that is playing well after winning three in a row.
San Diego has had many ups and downs this year, but have seemed to find their rhythm again after beating the Ravens in a very close 34-33 game. With 38 seconds left to play, Philip Rivers threw a touchdown pass to Eddie Royal to give the Chargers the lead and the win. The Chargers are now 8-4 and in second place in the West. Following their dramatic comeback win, they enter this matchup with some momentum, but the Patriots are always a tough team to play.
This a potential playoff preview between two of the better teams in the AFC. The Chargers are still looking to not only make the playoffs, but overtake the division and in order to do that, they need to keep winning and keep pace with the Broncos. Brady and the Pats are near unbeatable at home, but away they have struggled in the past. This should be another good matchup between two good quarterbacks.
Final Prediction
Patriots 28 Chargers 21