The New England Patriots clinched the East with their win last week, and the Buffalo Bills look to keep their playoff hopes alive this weekend. Here’s a look at this week’s matchups.
Minnesota Vikings at Miami Dolphins, Sunday 1:05p.m. EST
The Dolphins are all but eliminated from the playoffs at 7-7. Last week, they lost to the Patriots 41-13, and have now lost two in a row. This Miami offense hasn’t been able to score or go downfield as they did in the beginning of the season, and the defense has dwindled. They were shutout in the second half of Sunday’s game, ultimately sealing their fate this year.
The Vikings have had a disappointing season, now at 6-8 on the year. They have struggled throughout the season, but have also been in close games with some of the better teams in the league. Last week, they lost a close one against the Detroit Lions, 16-14.
This matchup will feature two teams entering Week 16 behind poor play. With the season winding down, the Dolphins will look to get back on track and back in the win column.
Final Prediction
Vikings 17 Dolphins 24
New England Patriots at New York Jets, Sunday 1:05p.m. EST
New England clinched the AFC East for the sixth consecutive season with their win over the Dolphins last week. Led by Tom Brady, the Pats have been dominating and currently are tied for the top seed in the AFC. They have won two in a row, and will look to continue that streak this week against the Jets.
As for the Jets, this is a season they would like to soon forget. At 3-11, this team has been through the ringer and just haven’t been able to get a rhythm going. Last week they beat the Tennessee Titans by a score of 16-11, but Sunday could be a very long day for the Jets against this Patriots team.
There are no dier playoff implications in this game. The Pats are already in, but would like to have the top seed in the conference; fortunately for them they face the Jets while the Broncos face the Bengals.
With the Patriots fast paced offense, and the Jets struggles to put points on the board, this is a matchup that will be dominated by New England.
Final Prediction
Patriots 41 Jets 13
Buffalo Bills at Oakland Raiders, Sunday 4:25p.m. EST
This is a big game for the Bills. Like many AFC teams, the Bills are looking to make the playoffs, but will need some help doing so. The Bills defense is powerful and gets after the quarterback. Last week, the Raiders offensive line crumbled against the Chiefs pass rush, and Derek Carr paid the price; it could be another long day for the rookie QB.
The Raiders are 2-12 and coming off a loss in which they were dominated. The silver and black have had two big wins this season, both home games, and will look to play spoiler this weekend. Buffalo’s offense isn’t too flashy, but the Raiders defense struggled greatly last week.
There are several scenarios in which the Bills can make the playoffs, all consisting of them going 10-6 on the year. That being said they could be eliminated this weekend if the Steelers, Bengals, and Ravens all win this Sunday.
A boost for the Bills will be the return of C.J. Spiller who returns to the field just in time to help the Bills make a solid run for the playoffs.
The Bills will look to keep their playoff hopes alive, while the Raiders seek their third win of the season and an opportunity to ruin the Bills playoff aspirations.
Final Prediction
Bills 26 Raiders 20