We had an exciting Week 10 in the AFC East. The division went 2-2 in the standings.
Here is how those games could impact our latest NFL Power Rankings:
New England Patriots (6-3)
Last week's ranking: No. 12
Result: W, 37-16 against Jets
Analysis: The Patriots picked up their most important win of the season. They trounced the New York Jets to complete the season sweep. It most likely sealed the AFC East and a home playoff game for New England. The Patriots have the NFL’s easiest remaining schedule. I expect them to get hot and reel off several consecutive wins to pad their record. The Patriots, in my opinion, were rated too low last week. With several teams above New England losing, the Patriots should be back in the top 10 where they belong.
Projected vote: No. 7-9
New York Jets (5-4)
Last week's ranking: No. 11
Result: L, 37-16 against Patriots
Analysis: The Jets had their three-game winning streak snapped by New England. But it doesn’t mean the Jets are a bad team. The Patriots simply have their number. New York is out of the AFC East race but still has a chance for a wild card in the AFC. New York doesn't have much time to hang its head. The Jets will play on Thursday against Tim Tebow and the Denver Broncos.
Projected vote: No. 12-14
Buffalo Bills (5-4)
Last week's ranking: No. 14
Result: L, 44-7 against Dallas
Analysis: The bandwagon is getting empty in Buffalo. The Bills are crashing hard and fast after their 3-0 start. The Bills were a fixture in the top 10 in October, but they will be hard-pressed to get up there again unless they start winning. The Bills lost their fourth game in six tries. Confidence also may be an issue after getting trounced 71-18 the past two weeks. There were plenty of Bills doubters to begin with. Buffalo certainly isn't doing much to quiet those critics.
Projected vote: No. 17-19
Miami Dolphins (2-7)
Last week's ranking: No. 31
Result: W, 20-9 against Washington
Analysis: The Dolphins didn't move up after their first win last week. But Miami certainly will move up after getting its second win in a row. The Dolphins outplayed the Washington Redskins and won their first home game of the season. Miami seems to be ready to embrace its role of "spoiler." The Dolphins have another interesting matchup at home this week against Buffalo that looks pretty even the way both teams are playing.
Projected vote: No. 26-28