Outlook
The AFC East is shaping up to be a more intriguing division than many had originally thought. Once looked at as a foregone conclusion, due to the dominance of the Patriots, the path through the east is no longer so clear. At the quarter mark of the 2017 season a new contender seems to be emerging. At the same time a familiar juggernaut appears to have reached its appex.
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Buffalo Bills
The Bills won a back and forth game against the Atlanta Falcons. After a first half that saw three lead changes, the Bills seemed to settle down in the second half. In the end back to back Steven Hauschka field goals were the difference as Buffalo won 23-17. LeSean McCoy was also able to carry the ball 20 times for 76 yards. The Bills now sit at 3-1 a top the AFC East. They have soul possession of first place.
A Look Ahead
Next week the Bills take on a struggling Bengals team coming off its first win. This should be a fairly winnable game for the road team who surprisingly is an early 3 point underdog.
Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins were shut out in London by the New Orleans Saints. The 20-0 drubbing has made many question quarterback Jay Cutler‘s place at the top of the depth chart. Cutler struggled mightly as he could only muster up 164 yards and an interception through the air. If Miami is to keep pace with the rest of the division they have to improve their QB play plain and simple. Up next they face angry Titans squad coming off a crushing loss to Houston.
A Look Ahead
Week 5 sees the Fins tangling with a tough Titans squad. Tennessee will be looking to get back on track, after an epic beatdown in Houston. With Miami’s struggles behind center its not a surprise they’re a 2.5 underdog.
New York Jets
The Jets were able to pick up another hard fought victory. New York was able to nail a 41 yard field goal in the waining moments of overtime to edge the Jacksonville Jaguars. The brightest spot on the Jets offense was running back Bilal Powell. Powell ran for 163 yards on just 21 carries, and is hungry for more. With this win the Jets are now tied for 2nd place with the Patriots in the AFC East at 2-2.
A Look Ahead
Next up for the Jets is a showdown with the 0-4 Cleveland Browns. This should be a rather easy win for the Jets who have been rallying around a red hot Josh McCown. New York is an early 2 point favorite on the road.
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New England Patriots
The defending Super Bowl Champions lost yet another home game. This time they were edged by the Carolina Panthers. The Patriots defense struggled again giving up 33 points and 334 passing yards to Cam Newton. If New England is to have any hope of repeating as champions they have to sure up the defense. Otherwise, they could find themselves on the outside looking in come January.
A Look Ahead
The Patriots will look to right the ship next week when they travel to Tampa to take on the Bucs. The poor New England defense will have to contend with a Bucs offense loaded with weapons.