Week 12 AFC East predictions: Bills keep playoff hopes alive by knocking off Eagles

The Miami Dolphins aim to build upon their division lead against the sliding New York Jets, while the Buffalo Bills attempt to remain in the playoff hunt. Meanwhile, the New England Patriots are set to battle for draft position. Here are our predictions for the AFC East in Week 12. 

Miami Dolphins (7-3) at New York Jets (4-6)

Rather than its top-ranked scoring offense, Miami’s defense led the way in last week’s 20-13 win over the Las Vegas Raiders, forcing three turnovers, including two interceptions by All-Pro CB Jalen Ramsey. The Jets, coming off a 32-6 beatdown from the Buffalo Bills that may have shattered their playoff hopes, are finally shaking things up at quarterback, turning to veteran Tim Boyle after benching Zach Wilson.

Although Boyle has thrown for 607 yards, three touchdowns and nine interceptions in 18 career games while posting an 0-3 record as a starter, he doesn’t need to do much to be considered an upgrade over Wilson. After all, the Jets have scored just one touchdown in their last 15 quarters of action. 

With an average of 17 points over the last two contests, there is cause for concern regarding Miami’s offense, even more so entering a matchup against a Jets defense allowing the 11th-fewest points per game (20.4). Nonetheless, considering the Dolphins defense appears to be turning a corner, coupled with the Jets’ offensive woes, Miami should prevail in the NFL’s inaugural Black Friday game.

PREDICTION: Dolphins, 24-14 

New England Patriots (2-8) at New York Giants (3-8)

It’s unclear whom the Patriots will start at quarterback on Sunday after benching Mac Jones late in the fourth quarter of their Week 10 loss to the Indianapolis Colts in favor of Bailey Zappe. New York cruised to its third win of the season last week with a 31-19 win over the Commanders behind a strong defensive effort and undrafted rookie QB Tommy DeVito’s three touchdown passes. 

Despite the Giants’ encouraging performance, they’re still a flawed football team, and their shortcomings might play a role in New England snapping its three-game losing streak. No team has allowed more rushing yards (467) and touchdowns (seven) over the last three games than the Giants. Given its lackluster receiving corps and uncertainty at quarterback, New England’s game plan should feature plenty of RB Rhamondre Stevenson, who has been on a roll after setting back-to-back season-highs in rushing over his last two games. 

Don’t expect many points in this matchup between the league’s two worst offenses in terms of scoring, but as long as New England wins the turnover battle, it should escape the Meadowlands with a win.   

PREDICTION: Patriots, 17-13

Buffalo Bills (6-5) at Philadelphia Eagles (9-1)

The Bills broke out of their slump against a typically formidable Jets defense in the first game under interim offensive coordinator Joe Brady, scoring 32 points and amassing 393 total yards of offense. While the recurring inconsistencies on offense don’t instill much confidence that the Bills will carry momentum into Lincoln Financial Field, playing against an inferior defensive unit than the one they just blew out provides some optimism.

While they boast an NFL-best 9-1 record, the Eagles struggle against the pass. While they kept Patrick Mahomes in check during their rainy Week 11 win over Kansas City, they still allow the fourth-most passing yards per game this season (268.8). Bills QB Josh Allen just exploited the fifth-best pass defense in the NFL for 275 yards and three touchdowns and should have similar success this week, especially if star WR Stefon Diggs can get more involved.  

Throwing statistics out the window, the Bills need this win to keep their season alive as they’re set to face Kansas City and Dallas Cowboys following their Week 13 bye. Philadelphia, on the other hand, might overlook this matchup a bit as it eagerly awaits its highly anticipated NFC Championship Game rematch with San Francisco next week. 

PREDICTION: Bills, 28-24