Miami Dolphins: AFC East week 12 recap

The Miami Dolphins finished week 12 and moved up a notch in the AFC conference standings. Like the Dolphins themselves, no one is using the “P” word.

More from Phin Phanatic

• Tua Tagovailoa practicing with teammates is everything a leader does
• 4 offensive tackles Miami Dolphins could draft at 51
• Miami Dolphins don’t need CB help but these 5 could be available at 51
• 4 players that could replace Wilkins if Miami Dolphins don’t re-sign him
• Miami Dolphins have a starting point with Wilkins after Simmons deal

With only five games left in the regular season the Dolphins road ahead is going to be tough. Miami will face the Ravens in week 13 before facing the Arizona Cardinals and the wrapping up their season with games against each of their division rivals.

Which brings us to the week 12 AFC recap.

New England Patriots:

The Patriots are still sitting atop the AFC East after they beat the New York Jets on Sunday. In the division race they still hold a two game lead which will not be easy for any team to reduce.

The Patriots have a cake walk on Sunday when they face the Rams but the Denver Broncos are still ahead on the schedule and the Dolphins are as well. While the Patriots will likely take yet another division title in 2016 there are a couple of teams ahead that could open a door for another team in the AFC East.

Miami Dolphins:

The Dolphins are becoming the 2016 version of Cleveland’s “Cardiac Kids”. Miami has needed fourth quarter comebacks against the Chargers, Rams, and on Sunday needed a 00:01 stop of the 49’ers from the 3 yard line. They did and increased their winning streak to six games. Their longest since the 2005 season when Nick Sabans Dolphins finished the season with six wins in a row.

Miami will face a very tough road trip to Baltimore this week. The Ravens are first in their division but the battle for the AFC North is far from over. The Dolphins are hoping to have two of their three unhealthy lineman back for the game. Mike Pouncey is still expected to be out.

Buffalo Bills:

The Bills entered the week with a one game winning streak after a three game losing streak. The Jacksonville Jaguars couldn’t take the game over despite coming close losing by seven points. The Bills however will have a tough game ahead of them this week as they try to keep pace in the division and the hunt for a wild-card spot.

Buffalo will travel to the West coast to face the Raiders who are currently sitting on top of the AFC West.

New York Jets:

The Jets are one of the more dangerous teams heading down the stretch to finish the 2016 season. While they are out of any hopes regarding the post-season, the Jets have nothing but pride to play for to finish out the season and three of their remaining five games are against the AFC East including another game against the Patriots.

On Sunday, the Jets lost to the Patriots 22-17 in a contest that was far closer than anyone would have thought.