One day after the New England Patriots faltered in Indianapolis, their two primary AFC East competitors both notched victories.
The Buffalo Bills defeated Cam Newton and the Carolina Panthers 31-14 on Sunday, and the Miami Dolphins outlasted the New York Jets 31-24. With the Patriots losing to the Colts 27-17 on Sunday, the three division rivals now are separated by just two games in the AFC East standings:
1. Patriots (9-5)
2. Bills (8-6)
3. Dolphins (7-7)
4. Jets (3-11)
The Patriots won their first matchup with the Bills, prevailing 14-10 two weeks ago in a Monday night windstorm. Those teams will square again next Sunday at Gillette Stadium, with the winner taking a significant step toward the AFC East title.
New England can clinch the division crown with a win over Buffalo and a Miami loss to the New Orleans Saints, or by beating the Bills and then taking down the Jacksonville Jaguars the following Sunday.
The Dolphins, who will host the Patriots in Week 18, are making a late push for a playoff spot after opening the season 1-7. They’ve now won six straight and have a Week 1 win over New England on their résumé.
Other notable scores from Week 15:
Kansas City Chiefs over Los Angeles Chargers, 34-28 in overtime (Thursday night)
Pittsburgh Steelers over Tennessee Titans, 19-13
Green Bay Packers over Baltimore Ravens, 31-30
Cincinnati Bengals over Denver Broncos, 15-10
Here’s an updated look at the AFC playoff standings, with the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders set to play Monday afternoon:
1. Kansas City Chiefs (10-4; AFC West leader)
2. New England Patriots (9-5; AFC East leader)
3. Tennessee Titans (9-5; AFC South leader)
4. Cincinnati Bengals (8-6; AFC North leader)
5. Indianapolis Colts (8-6; first wild card)
6. Los Angeles Chargers (8-6; second wild card)
7. Buffalo Bills (8-6; third wild card)
In the hunt: Baltimore Ravens (8-6), Cleveland Browns (7-6), Pittsburgh Steelers (7-6-1), Miami Dolphins (7-7), Denver Broncos (7-7), Las Vegas Raiders (6-7)
