AFC East Preview: Buffalo vs. Indianapolis, Seattle vs. Miami
This week’s AFC East games kicked off with Thursday night’s matchup between the New England Patriots (8-3) and the New York Jets. Looking for a way to keep their pride and gain another win, Jets came up short thanks to a 49-19 rout by the Patriots.
After taking its turn last week against New England, the Colts (6-4) will look to regroup this week against the Buffalo Bills (4-6).
The Seattle Seahawks (6-4) will travel to play the Miami Dolphins (4-6).
Buffalo vs. Indianapolis
Colts QB Andrew Luck
The Colts entered last week’s game against the Patriots with some momentum and expectations of a competitive game but it didn’t turn out that way with the 59-24 win by New England.
But it’s been a season full of battles for Indianapolis and at 6-4, they’re not giving up now.
Rookie quarterback Andrew Luck is proving to be the real deal and with last week’s 27 for 50, 334 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions (a first since Week 1), he topped predecessor Peyton Manning’s rookie league record with passing game No.5 with 300 yards.
Luck could see a sixth week since Buffalo’s defense is near a league bottom for yards (401.1) and points allowed (29.9).
Factor in its AFC-worst run defense (153.3 yards per game allowed) and it may be ok for the Colts’ erratic running game.
As for Buffalo, a win could help them stay in the playoff race.
This week, Bills running back Fred Jackson will return but fellow back C.J. Spiller gets the starting nod for Sunday. Last week was a good one as he had 22 carries for 91 yards. He is the team’s leader with his 723 yards rushing and four touchdowns; this type of play has been vital to the team’s success this year.
Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick is having an o.k. season. For the season to-date, he has 2,179 yard, 17 touchdowns and a 62.5 completion percentage.
The Colts will recover after last week’s spanking and have odds at -2.5 with a 50.5 over/under to do so.
Seattle vs. Miami
Dolphins QB Ryan Tannehill
In another battle of the rookie quarterbacks, this should be an interesting matchup.
For the 6-4 Seahawks, they’re looking toward the playoffs while the Dolphins are trying to snap a four-game losing streak.
Rookie quarterback Russell Wilson has had an inconsistent season but he keeps leading his team to wins.
He has been helped by running back Marshawn Lynch. He is No. 2 in the league with 1,005 rushing yards and in four straight games has hit the century mark; in his last two games, he’s had two season highs of 124 yards.
Lynch could fare well against the Dolphins who have gave up an average of 83.9 rushing yards per game in their first eight but the wheels have fallen off in the last two at 148.5 yards.
Sidney Rice is the team’s leading receiver with 475 yards and six touchdowns.
The Dolphins’ offense is built around rookie quarterback Ryan Tannehill.
He’s been battling turnovers lately with seven coming in the team’s last two games including five from the quarterback’s picks.
Tannehill said of his recent turnover issues via ESPN, “It’s really frustrating. Especially with some of the success we had earlier in the year being able to move the ball.”
He currently sits at No. 30 in the NFL with his 70.8 passer rating.
Not helping matters is poor play by running back Reggie Bush. He set his sights high for the season and has fallen very short.
He got off to a great start in the season’s first two weeks, running for 241 yards but since then, the last time the Dolphins ran for 100 yards on a Sunday was September. In his last six games, Bush has a 3.0 yards per carry average.
The Miami offense has accounted for one touchdown over the last 10 quarters.
Even with their lack of road success the bettors see a tight game but the winning nod goes to Seattle at -2.5 with a 37.5 over/under.
