AFC East Notebook: Fitzpatrick and Co. lifting Jets toward playoffs
After starting the year 4-1, the New York Jets dropped four-of-five and fell to 5-5 after 10 games. Since then, they've done nothing but win. They're currently on a three-game win streak, and it's not the defense that's done the heavy lifting -- it's the offense carrying the team.
The newly-trimmed Ryan Fitzpatrick has been lights out during the team's three-game win streak, having thrown nine touchdowns and zero interceptions in that span. Without his stellar play, the Jets may not be sitting where they are now, holding a wild-card berth in the AFC. But he hasn't done it alone.
Brandon Marshall has seven touchdowns in his last six games and has recorded at least 100 yards in each of the three games since Fitzpatrick trimmed his beard. He's in the midst of a record-breaking season -- his first with the Jets -- and has paired with Eric Decker to give New York one of the best wide receiver duos in the league. And speaking of Decker, all he's done is catch nine touchdowns and 66 passes this season and been a red zone nightmare for teams to cover.
Chris Ivory hasn't been the dominating back that he was early in the season, but he topped 100 yards on Sunday and has already rushed for 914 yards in 12 games.
The Jets aren't a sure bet to make the postseason, but they certainly have a good shot. The Dolphins are eliminated from playoff contention, and the Bills will likely follow suit fairly soon. It'll likely come down to the Jets, Kansas City Chiefs and Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC. New York will need their defense to improve, but the offense is capable of carrying them for the time being.
Up next, the Jets visit the inept offense of the Dallas Cowboys on Saturday night. If New York can score at least 21 points, it should come away with the win. The defense won't need to do much to limit Matt Cassel and the Cowboys offense.
Bills need to win out to match 2014 record
The Buffalo Bills look like a completely different team than the 2014 squad, having new faces at quarterback, running back and head coach. After starting the year 3-2, including a statement win over Andrew Luck and the Indianapolis Colts, it looked as though the Bills would be improved from last season.
However, now 13 games in, the Bills have to win the rest of their games just to match last season's 9-7 record. That's surprising for two reasons: The Bills were a solid team last year, and Rex Ryan hasn't met expectations just yet.
Tyrod Taylor and LeSean McCoy have greatly benefitted the offense, but Ryan's defense has struggled. They have one of the worst pass rushes in the NFL and dropped from having the fourth-best defense in 2014 to having the 20th-best this season. Personnel hasn't changed much on defense, aside from adding stud rookie corner Ronald Darby. But they still seem to struggle for some reason.
They close out the season against the Washington Redskins, Cowboys and Jets, all of which could be tough to win. The Cowboys' offense is one of the worst in the league, but it may be the only winnable game going forward for the Bills.
Patriots' offense getting healthy, defense hurting
The New England Patriots got back to their winning ways on Sunday night, beating the Houston Texans 30-8. It was Rob Gronkowski's first game back after a one-game absence due to a knee injury, and he provided a much-needed boost to the offense. Julian Edelman also returned to practice last week, indicating that he could be on track to return fairly soon.
The offense is slowly getting healthier, but the defense is going in the opposite direction. Safety Devin McCourty reportedly has a high ankle sprain and could miss some time, while linebacker Jonathan Freeny has a hand injury. Additionally, defensive lineman Dominique Easley left Sunday's game with a thigh injury, and could also be sidelined for a game.
The defense is still playing extremely well, but they'll need to stay healthy now that the Patriots have clinched a playoff berth. With three games to go, a first-round bye is on the line, which is something the Patriots would love to lock up.
