2018 Season: Wild Card Preview & AFC East Notes

NEW YORK JETS
After wrapping up their second consecutive AFC East crown and the AFC's top seed, the 15-1 New York Jets were able to spend some downtime together, resting up for what they hope is another Super Bowl run.
Head Coach Todd Bowles, who has been long rumored to step away from the club, regardless to how the season finishes, was seen on the Stanford football sideline during the New Year's Eve Sun Bowl game between the Cardinal and the PITT Panthers.
"I just love what David (Shaw) does here with his guys," Bowles said. "I know this (season) is the end for my time in the NFL, I'm itching to look at a bit of a slower pace and to plant some roots; Maybe at the college level."
Upon his return to team headquarters, Bowles and his squad will be watching to see which teams make it out of the Wild Card round before making their trek to the Gotham City.
"The road to the Super Bowl is through here," Lamar Jackson said. "I think we have proven we are up for any test - We welcome any challenge."

BUFFALO BILLS
After a Week #17 victory over the Miami Dolphins, the Buffalo Bills secured the AFC's #5 seed and a road matchup against the scuffling Jacksonville Jaguars on Wild Card weekend.
A top heavy AFC East feasted on all other AFC opponents allowing the Jaguars to limp into the playoffs with a losing record.
"We can't take anyone for granted," Aaron Rodgers said. "I know they gave up like 100 points the other week, but it's a new season now."
Leonard Fournette, who has been seemingly non-existent for the Jags the past four weeks, tried to pump his squad up with what seems to be an ill-advised guarantee.
"We're at home and we are going to win," Fournette said. "You heard it here first and I'll never waiver from that."
The -19.5 point underdogs would be the biggest dog in history to advance in a playoff game.
"A lot of times those barking dogs don't have no bite," Jamal Adams said. "He's my boy and all (both played at LSU), but man he's out there."

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
With a strong regular season finish, the Kansas City Chiefs, winners of the AFC West, earned the right to host the AFC's #6 seed from New England.
However, being more than a touchdown underdog at home, seems to be a bit of a slap in the face for a team boasting one of the better home field advantages in the NFL.
"Yeah it's a dig at us," Patrick Mahomes said. "I think we should be favored. But none of that matters once the game is on."
New England would have won any other AFC division this year, but being slotted in the strong AFC East put them as the last team in.
"Wild Card teams make runs all the time," Julio Jones said. "It starts Saturday and we'll see where the road takes us."

MIAMI DOLPHINS
The Miami Dolphins acted fast in their search for a new Head Coach. The team interviewed Don "Wink" Martindale (DC Baltimore Ravens), Rex Ryan (former New York Jets and Buffalo Bills HC) and Tony Dungy (former Indianapolis Colts and Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach) before announcing the hiring of Matt Campbell who has been the Head Coach of Iowa State from the Big 12 since 2016.
"I am thrilled at the opportunity," Campbell said. "Job number one is to build our staff and connect with our current players to ensure we are laying our foundation together."
Campbell also announced that Charles London would be his offensive coordinator and that Chris Hewitt would serve as the team's defensive coordinator.
London played runningback at Duke before spending time coaching RBs at Penn State University under Bill O'Brien. London then followed O'Brien to the Houston Texans before joining the Chicago Bears for the 2018 season.
Hewitt played collegiately for Rutgers before joining the New Orleans Saints for three seasons as a defensive back. In the professional coaching ranks, Hewitt has coached special teams and defensive backs for the Baltimore Ravens under John Harbaugh. He will be handed to the keys to a defensive backfield with good, young talent.

MVP Roundup: Week 15

This is when the season starts to get fun and the MVP voting starts to heat up. With 2 weeks remaining in the season it looks like the MVP discussion is down to 4 players. The Jets locked up back to back division titles in one of the most entertaining games of the season against the dynamic Texans and it gives their two main candidates a true boost. Dak continues to lead the NFL in passing yards and could account for 40TD’s this season. The two big time receivers both posted 300 yard games, Cooks in a game that saw him break the NFL record, and Hill in a game where he amassed 461 all purpose yards. Other candidates aren’t dead in the water either, with a 4 man panel voting and differing opinions, this season’s race will be decided on the 22nd.. just as it should be.


1. Dak Prescott, QB New England

He’s leading the NFL in passing yards, could come up with 40TD, almost every game he’s played has been tight, unlike the other 3 teams in the league, and even in his CPU loss Prescott put up over 400. He’s been very solid, spreads the ball around better than any other qb in the league, and also has 6 rushing scores. His team made the playoffs and he’s been very good. He’s had a couple duds in simulated games which is a big deal, don’t get me wrong. A dud in a game that certainly matters a ton week 16 likely will cost him major votes and maybe a plaque, if he goes out and posts big numbers against the Bills though, it’s his award from this voter.

2. Tyreek Hill, WR Jets

He has a big time chance to set the NFL receiving touchdowns record this season, which stood at 23, he has 22 now. The past few weeks he’s started returning kicks as well when his team needed a boost and he has 2 300 yard games this season. Hill has been the most important player on the NFL’s best team. His 2 touchdowns against the Bills early in the season and 460 yard all purpose games give him a boost over Cooks, as does the team record, but it’s close.

3. Brandin Cooks, WR Bills

Look he made what may be the biggest play of the year with his 88 yarder for a score in a sim. The game was tight and back and forth defensive battle until BC broke it open. He’s got a chance for the NFL yardage record by a receiver, and has put up more big time plays than anyone in the NFL. His team is a playoff team for the 3rd straight year and his consistency and big time plays are a big part. A big game against the Pats in what is shaping up to be a massively important game will be huge. He’s just below Hill because of team record, and the fact that in the huge matchup with the Jets he had as many penalties as catches, but it’s a tight battle now.

4. Joey Bosa, DE Jets

The last player I believe can truly win the award is the ultra consistent Bosa. He leads the division by a mile in sacks with 17.5 and has coupled it with playing the run exceptionally well all season, minus the Texans game where he did give up the edge a couple of times. He’s picked up at least one sack in 12 of 14 games including 5 of 6 sims. He has forced fumbles, caused mayhem and been arguably the leagues most consistent player regardless of position. His defense has a chance to set the all time scoring record and Bosa has been its best player. I’m not sure he can win the award, but he’s going to get a number of high end votes.

5. Marshon Lattimore, CB Pats

This is where the voting gets a bit murky for me. Lattimore leads the division in picks and it’s not just that he’s leading in that category it’s that his team has played more tight games and he’s made big plays in those games. He’s been a consistent playmaker for a defense that needed him to be, and when you look at overall value, which is what the award is supposed to be, it’s really difficult to say that Lattimore hasn’t been one of the most valuable pieces in the league.

6. Geno Atkins, DT Bills

He’s the easiest player in league history to vote into the Hall of Fame. He’s had a quietly outstanding year, and while it’s certainly not his MVP caliber campaign, it’s a dynamic and solid season. His team was really good against the run all season, keeping the Jets record breaking run close and maybe overtaking them and he’s the biggest reason. He’s great against the run, had a couple of sacks against the Jets in a huge sim and consistently makes plays. Other players get more pub, but to be honest in 3GML history right now, Atkins is the GOAT.

7. Minkah Fitzpatrick, DB Dolphins

He’s the defensive rookie of the year, leads the division in tackles, has 6 picks and quite honestly maybe would have been in the MVP discussion if Miami makes the playoffs. It’s tough to put someone on this list from a team that is out of conisderation, but I think Miami’s team had one player you ABSOLUTELY had to prepare for week in and week out and his consistency in a difficult season was tremendous, great player, great start to a career.

Others in consideration at this point:

Myles Garrett, DE Buffalo

Kenny Stills, WR Miami

Alvin Kamara, RB New England

Julio Jones, WR New England

Shaq Thompson, LB Miami

Jamal Adams, LB/DB Buffalo

Lamar Jackson, QB Jets

2018 Season: Week #14 (Live Tweet)

Here at 3GML headquarters, we often like to invite the community and NFL insiders to chime in during big games. This week, with the AFC East all playing against themselves in critical matchups, we're live-Tweeting today's games.
Our staff writer, Scoops Caligiri, will be @scoops. Look for @MiamiDolphins, @Patriots, @nyjets, @buffalobills, and others to join us.

1:00pm (ET) @scoops - We are underway here in Miami as the Dolphins look to create chaos
1:01pm (ET) @dariusrucker - don't make me cry
1:07pm (ET) @Patriots - Look at that bad man!
1:07pm (ET) @dariusrucker - crying
1:08pm (ET) @scoops - 65-yard TD run by Alex Collins; Dolphins Swiss cheese D, 7-0 Pats
1:09pm (ET) @KingHenry_2 - tryin to be me..
1:14pm (ET) @RealSkipBayless - Derek Carr is not good
1:22pm (ET) @dariusrucker - Let's Goooo
1:23pm (ET) @MiamiDolphins - Reshad Jones with huge INT - time to wake up 'Phins
1:29pm (ET) @scoops - After the INT, quick 3-and-out; Missed Myers FG 7-0 Pats
1:38pm (ET) @scoops - Dan Bailey FG to end 1st, 10-0 Pats
1:45pm (ET) @RealSkipBayless - Derek Carr is not good
1:45pm (ET) @DCarr8 - Yikes baby bro
1:46pm (ET) @scoops - Derek Carr with bad INT to SS Morgan Burnett
1:52pm (ET) @Patriots - Alex Collins show continues
1:53pm (ET) @scoops - Collins immediately makes Dolphins pay with 26 yard TD 17-0 Pats
2:05pm (ET) @scoops - Miami grinds out a FG, 17-3 Pats
2:13pm (ET) @KingHenry_2 - They are both going OFF
2:13pm (ET) @dariusrucker - Too much crying
2:13pm (ET) @scoops - Alvin Kamara with 55 yard TD run, Pats running away 23-3 (PAT blocked)
2:22pm (ET) @MiamiDolphins - An answer!
2:24pm (ET) @scoops - Carr to Albert Wilson TD to put team back in; 23-10 Pats
2:30pm (ET) @scoops - Game still in doubt at halftime, Dolphins get ball in 3rd
3:13pm (ET) @scoops - Rough start for both, back-to-back-to-back missed FGs
3:17pm (ET) @Patriots - We made one!
3:19pm (ET) @scoops - Dan Bailey with 45 yarder, Pats up 26-10
3:27pm (ET) @RealSkipBayless - Lsat chance here for Miami, 4th and 4
3:27pm (ET) @dariusrucker - It's over
3:28pm (ET) @scoops - Carl Lawson sacks Derek Carr on 4th down
3:40pm (ET) @scoops - Eric Ebron TD, Pats up 33-10
4:00pm (ET) @scoops - Two more garbage time TDs added for each, Final: Pats 40-16
4:02pm (ET) @MiamiDolphins - Patriots are still cheaters
4:03pm (ET) @Patriots - Stay classy
4:05pm (ET) @scoops - We'll now turn to the Buffalo/NYJ matchup; Hopefully it's closer
4:10pm (ET) @buffalobills - Here we go boys!
4:10pm (ET) @nyjets - Not worried
4:11pm (ET) @AdamSandler - It's our night
4:12pm (ET) @scoops - Geno Atkins with sack on Tannehill's first drop back
4:22pm (ET) @nyjets - Worth that first rounder@
4:23pm (ET) @AdamSandler - WooooH!!
4:23pm (ET) @scoops - Dion Lewis with a 12-yard TD run, Jets up 7-0
4:27pm (ET) @RealSkipBayless - Rodgers looks like Derek Carr
4:28pm (ET) @scoops - Kevin Byard with huge INT at midfield; No Gurley hurting
4:44pm (ET) @scoops - Ho Hum slugfest for Jets OLine leading to FG; 10-0 Jets
4:47pm (ET) @scoops - Drake looks badly injured; Down to 3rd RB
4:55pm (ET) @buffalobills - That's what we needed
4:57pm (ET) @scoops - Rodgers leads team to much needed FG, 10-3 Jets
5:12pm (ET) @SHAQ - LSU Baby; Jamal Adams is the GOAT
5:13pm (ET) @scoops - Adams with big sack to end first half scoring chance for Jets
5:29pm (ET) @scoops - Bills chipping away with opening FG in 2nd half, 10-6 Jets
5:48pm (ET) @RealSkipBayless - zzzzzzzzz, Captain check down Tannehill
5:55pm (ET) @scoops - Jets with another FG; 13-6 Jets
6:14pm (ET) @AdamSandler - Is Rodgers hurt?
6:22pm (ET) @scoops - Rodgers has struggled
6:28pm (ET) @nyjets - Dagger?
6:30pm (ET) @scoops - Tannehill to Crowder, huge 33-yard gain early in 4th on 3rd and long
6:38pm (ET) @scoops - Fairbain FG, 16-6 Jets
6:44pm (ET) @nyjets - Yes, this was the Dagger
6:45pm (ET) @scoops - Myles Jack with INT in Bills red zone
6:55pm (ET) @scoops - Tyreek Hill with the 12 yard TD reception, 23-6
7:04pm (ET) @buffalobills - Sadly, speechless; Good win
7:06pm (ET) @scoops - Joey Bosa with strip sack of Rodgers, game is over
7:27pm (ET) @scoops - Final: Jets 30-6 over Bills. Not the scoreline we expected

2018 Season: Week #14 Preview

MIAMI (FL) -- Week 14 of the NFL season has been circled on the calendars of many fans as Judgement Day in the AFC East. For the past three seasons, the Super Bowl champion has come from this division, and Sunday has a pair of matchups that have huge Super Bowl implications.

For starters, the New England Patriots (9-3, 1-2 AFC East) righted their ship with a victory over Minnesota last week and will look to bury their rivals from South Beach as the Miami Dolphins (8-4, 0-4) are staring the end of their season in the face.

"We know this is it for us," Minkah Fitzpatrick said. "If we want to continue our team's consecutive playoff streak, the playoffs start Sunday. It's win or be done for us."

Much-maligned QB and MVP candidate Dak Prescott opened up about the importance of Sunday's game for his team.

"I hear the chatter that some people believe we are not ready for prime time," Prescott said. "MVP, personal awards and things like that are meaningless. I believe in this locker room. We have a chance to separate ourselves from the field on Sunday and we aim to do just that."

Prescott will need to show that he can handle defensive pressure, which has caused him fits in his earlier AFC East games this season. The Dolphins are the NFL's top team as sacking the quarterback with 50 on the season. 

"We gotta be up in his face," Shaq Thompson said. "We want to make him (Dak) beat us."

Up in Buffalo, two teams who are clearly the top two teams in the NFL will wage war in an effort to secure the AFC's #1 seed and a clear path to the Super Bowl as the New York Jets (11-1, 4-0) take on the Buffalo Bills (10-2, 2-1).

Joey Bosa leads the NFL's #1 defense - A defense that may very well be remembered as the NFL's #1 defense of all time.

"All time means nothing if you can't win the whole thing," Bosa said. "We'll let history write our story after we do our job the rest of the way."

Buffalo also boasts a defense with all time potential, but have been overshadowed simply by playing in the same division as the much-heralded Jets defenders.

"You saw it last time we were at their house," Jamal Adams said. "Who was the better D that night? I can answer that for you. We got #12 back too. Just watch Sunday."

With the return of Rodgers, Buffalo has every right to be confident heading into a home matchup. Rodgers will look to mitigate the loss of All Pro Todd Gurley who looks to be out until the playoffs.

"Huge loss losing a guy like Todd," Rodgers said. "This is a playoff game for sure. The Jets are a strong team."

The curious case of Ryan Tannehill will play out on a main stage as the former Dolphin will look to continue his strong play in a hostile environment. 

"I'm just trying to keep us rolling," Tannehill said. "This is Lamar's team. I need to keep it going until he can get back out there."

2018 Season: Week #11

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS 6 @ BUFFALO BILLS 50

ORCHARD PARK (NY) -- Aaron Rodgers returned with a bang as he led his Buffalo Bills (9-2) to a resounding 50-6 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars Sunday morning.

For the game, Rodgers finished a cool 12-19 for 355 yards and 4TD. With a strong running game, led by Todd Gurley's 139 yards on the ground, Rodgers found big plays via play action.

"It's a weird stat line to only complete 12 passes for that many yards," Rodgers said. "But our O-line let us pound the ground attack and hit them over the top."

Brandin Cooks, surely in line for an AFC Player of the Week honor, finished with 268 yards receiving and four TDs.

"Crazy day," Cooks said. "It was just there for me today."

Safety Jamal Adams again shined with nine tackles and a sack. The 2nd year man out of LSU has quickly turned into the face of the Bills defense next to Myles Garrett.

"We just need to keep representing the Blue and Red and good things will happen," Adams said. "We are starting to peak at the right time."

The Bills will next head to Miami to take on the Dolphins.

MIAMI DOLPHINS 30 @ INDIANAPOLIS COLTS 13

INDIANAPOLIS (IN) -- The surprising Miami Dolphins (8-3) rode a physical ground attack and another strong defensive effort past the Indianapolis Colts 30-13 Sunday afternoon in Indy.

D'Onta Foreman averaged 6.3 yards per carry to finish with 158 rushing yards on a day that saw his Dolphins defensive teammates again win the turnover battle 3-0.

Rookie Safety Minkah Fitzpatrick ended two Colts drives deep in Miami territory with interceptions while OLB Shaq Thompson sacked Andrew Luck four times.

"It's a true team out here," Thompson said. "That #29 kid is going to be special. I just want him to see the some postseason action too."

Miami has feasted on lesser opponents this season while falling flat against their AFC East foes with an 0-3 record in their division.

The team will hope to upend the surging Buffalo Bills next weekend at home. 

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS 19 @ NEW YORK JETS 42

MEADOWLANDS (NY) -- The much anticipated first place matchup between the New York Jets (10-1, 4-0 AFC East) and the New England Patriots (8-3, 1-2) ended up as a blowout with the Jets winning 42-19.

Newly acquired QB Ryan Tannehill was electric with 348 yards passing and four TD passes.

"It's great to help this team," Tannehill said. "I was on the wrong side for most of my career; It's just nice to help out our guys."

Head Coach Todd Bowles called an aggressive gameplay that frustrated Dad Prescott throughout. Bowles also continued to throw late in the game in, what looked like an effort to run up the score. 

"It's a division game," Bowles said. "We want to leave no doubt."

The Jets will now have a short turnaround and will take on the Tennessee Titans.

The Pats will try to right their ship with a game against the Minnesota Vikings.

2018 Season: Week #10

BUFFALO BILLS 14 @ NEW YORK JETS 19

MEADOWLANDS (NY) -- With time running out late in the 4th, the Buffalo Bills (8-2, 1-1 AFC East) looked poised to close out the first place New York Jets (9-1, 2-0) to take over the division's top spot.

But a blocked punt off of the foot of Marquette King deep in Buffalo territory led to two late Jets scores and the eventual home team's 19-14 victory.

The main reason the Jets struggled was the tough loss of their MVP candidate signal caller as Lamar Jackson was forced to exit with a fairly significant injury in the 3rd quarter. Jackson is rumored to be out until Week #17 at the earliest.

"It hurts man," Jackson said. "We were clicking and I want to be out there with my guys."

Backup Ryan Tannehill did just enough to push his team over the finish line in this game with a pair of TD passes and an INT in the 4th quarter, but will he be enough to help the team earn their second consecutive AFC East crown.

For the Bills: They are expected to get their field general, Aaron Rodgers, back after the team's bye week.

Safety Jamal Adams, who has been outspoken through the season, was seen shouting and hyping teammates up in the locker room following the game referencing the team's upcoming Week #14 rematch as a chance to get back into the AFC East lead.

The Jets will also head into their bye week along with the rest of the division. 

MIAMI DOLPHINS 29 @ GREEN BAY PACKERS 26

GREEN BAY (WI) -- With overtime looming and following an embarrassing opening game with his new team, Derek Carr rallied his troops with a game-winning drive to lead his team past the Green Bay Packers 29-26 at Lambeau Field.

The Dolphins (7-3) battled back several times throughout behind the strong play of Carr who picked up 388 passing yards and a pair of TD strikes for the game.

"After last week, I wanted to show the guys I was here for them," Carr said. "Kenny (Stills) got open and I was fortunate enough to hit him in stride to put us in place at the end."

Stills finished the game with 174 yards receiving with six receptions and a TD.

Defensively, Rookie of the Year candidate Minkah Fitzpatrick was stellar with six tackles and two interceptions.

"We just want to get in the playoffs," Fitzpatrick said. "It's winning time now."

The Dolphins head to their bye week a game out of a playoff spot.

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS 30 @ TENNESSEE TITANS 38

NASHVILLE (TN) -- In a slight shocker, the Tennessee Titans upended the New England Patriots (8-2) 38-30.

Wesley Woodyard and company harassed the New England offense all night while Marcus Mariota led his troops over, around, and through what had been one of the NFL's best defenses through nine weeks of the regular season.

"It's a tough one to swallow," Dak Prescott said. "But we've got some resilient guys out here; We'll be OK."

To his credit, Prescott, a strong MVP candidate, kept his team alive throughout until his ill-fated INT on the final drive. For the game, Dak finished with 404 yards passing with 4TD.

The Patriots will now head into their bye week to prepare for a first place showdown with the New York Jets.

2018 Season: Week #9

NEW YORK JETS 34 @ MIAMI DOLPHINS 6

MIAMI (FL) -- We've grown accustomed to some great matchups over the years between the New York Jets (8-1, 2-0 AFC East) and the Miami Dolphins (6-3, 0-3). Sunday's game was not one of them as the Jets dismantled the Dolphins 34-6 in front of a silent Hard Rock Stadium crowd.

Derek Carr, rushed onto the field after an in-season trade from these same Jets, looked lost and confused against the Aaron Donald led pass rush. 

The Fresno State product finished with only 89 passing yards and was sacked twice by the afore-mentioned Donald.

"It was a statement game for us," Donald said. "This division is ours and we need to start putting these other teams away."

Without much need to get aggressive, rookie quarterback Lamar Jackson continued his MVP caliber season with 289 yards passing and 3 TDs to go along with his 131.4 passer rating.

For his efforts, Jackson earned yet another AFC Player of the Week award.

"It's go time," Jackson said. "The team made it loud and clear that it's my team moving forward by moving Derek (Carr). It's my job to show them they were right."

With Tyreek Hill facing double teams throughout, WR Jamison Crowder had his best game as Jet with 12 catches for 140 yards and a TD.

The Jets will now head home to take on the Buffalo Bills, who are still without Aaron Rodgers.

Miami will travel to the frozen tundra of Lambeau Field to take on the 1-7 Green Bay Packers. 

CHICAGO BEARS 10 @ BUFFALO BILLS 17

ORCHARD PARK (NY) -- When the 70,000 plus fans piled into New Era Field Sunday morning to watch their Buffalo Bills (8-1, 1-0) take on the Chicago Bears, they were not expecting to watch a rock fight, but that is what they got as the Bills squeaked out a 17-10 win over the visiting side.

Josh McCown improved upon his 4-pick night from last week with a turnover free game. 

Buffalo's defense led the way, stifling the Chicago attack throughout.

Sophomore Jamal Adams picked up a pair of INTs, including the game-clincher, to earn the AFC's Defensive Player of the Week honors.

"We just needed to get through today to get to the Jets next week," Adams said. "They have no idea who's coming for them. Be ready. You know what, I'm feeling like Broadway Jamal right now. We will win that game. I guarantee it."

Late in the third, with his team controlling the game, despite the score differential, head coach Sean McDermott inexplicably called for a fake field goal at mid-field with the Bears playing a base defense. It did not work.

"We tried to get too cute there," McDermott said. "It ended up not being cute at all."

The Bills will now take their winning streak on the road to battle the New York Jets. It's too early to tell if Adams' proclamation will help his team or provide extra motivation for the defending champs. 

GREEN BAY PACKERS 10 @ NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS 24 (SNF)

BOSTON (MA) -- Dak Prescott and his squad did just enough to get past the reeling Green Bay Packers 24-10 on Sunday Night Football. The Patriots (8-1, 1-1) needed this win to get past last week's demoralizing first loss of the season. 

"We want to win every game," Prescott said. "Last week didn't work out, but we got one tonight and we hope to keep it moving next week."

Prescott finished with 234 passing yards and a pair of TDs on the night.

Defensively, the Patriots mixed up their coverages and confused rookie Josh Allen all night.

"Our coaches always put us in the right places," Morgan Burnett said. "Tonight it worked real well."

Burnett notched a clutch 2nd half INT to end a promising GB drive.

New England will now eagerly watch the Buffalo/New York game next week with an eye on regaining the top spot in the division down the line. The Pats will also head to Tennessee to take on the Titans.

Mid-Season MVP Race

1. Dak Prescott, QB New England

Of course the loss last night to the Bills stung and hurt his chances but he was ahead in this race by a long ways and you can’t discount what he had done in his other sims. He wasn’t even bad last night, not turning it over and still putting up a couple hundred yards. He’s leading the NFL in passing yards at this point in the season, managing the games well and picking up some with his feet. Last night he wasn’t the reason the Patriots lost, they lost to the Bills because they couldn’t run the ball or stop the run. Prescott is still in the lead through 8 weeks, but his gap has shrunk to virtually zero.

2. Lamar Jackson, QB New York

Jackson is hurt not by how he played last night, which was pretty well in a loss, with 2 TD 0 picks and a couple fumbles. He had an explosive run and made some big plays in the pass game when he was out there. This issue was he wasn’t out there much because his defense absolutely could not stop the Bears. Jackson is hurt more by the fact he didn’t play in a week 2 win over the Dolphins. He’s the MVP in the Madden Award center, leads the NFL in QBR, has won 3 player of the week awards, and has now run for 550 yards with 18TD and only 4 INT. The loss hurts, like they all do but he played well and helped his chances.

3. Todd Gurley, RB Buffalo

Has anyone been better lately in the league than Gurley? The quick answer is no. He’s been dominating games on the ground for the Bills. They had to have a ground attack to help when Rodgers went down, which doesn’t look like it’s hurt the Bills at all to this point, by the way, and he’s stepped up. He leads the 3GML in rushing, has run with power and decisiveness, and has slowly and surely gotten better each week. Gurley is making the case for his second 3GML MVP award.

4. Shaq Thompson, LB/S/DE Miami

There hasn’t been a more important player to the Dolphins and their scrappy 6-2 start than Thompson. He’s been everywhere for them defensively and his playmaking ability has kept them in games that they’ve been tight in. He’s forced turnovers, created sacks, chased backs and covered in the slot. There aren’t many guys in the league who can do what Thompson’s done through half a season.

5. Marshon Lattimore, CB New England

He’s been spectacular this season for the Pats. Three interceptions including 2 in the Red Zone this week created an expected 6.77 points for the Patriots, according to football Outsiders. He’s a star on the outside and right now is the defensive player of the year in the league. He needed to help slow down Brandin Cooks and Cooks was quiet throughout the entire game for the Patriots.

6. Tyreek Hill, WR New York

Hill has been ridiculous and is on pace for a 2000 yard season. He had close to another 100 yard game against the Bears and made a huge catch to set up a scoring drive. While he hasn’t been asked to return punts yet, if he keeps up even close to his pace throughout the rest of the season, it could be a historic year for the Jets wideout, as he could set records in both TD’s and yards in a season. 

7. Myles Garrett, DE Buffalo

Garrett’s impact is enormous for this team. He was quiet against the Patriots in the sim but it was the first game all year that Garrett didn’t dominate from the outset. He is so much better against the run than people give him credit for and he helped set the edge in holding the Patriots to -1 rushing yards in an entire game. He’s a huge part of the Bills success this year and he looks to be on the path to another stellar campaign.

To be honest there really aren’t any other players who are close to grabbing this award at this time. These are the 7 guys with the best shot to make it. At the Midway point the odds go like this. Per the MGM Grand Sports Book:

Prescott: 4:1

Jackson: 5:1

Gurley: 11:2

Thompson: 12:1

Lattimore: 12:1

Hill: 12:1

Garrett: 15:1

2018 Season: Week #8

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS 7 @ BUFFALO BILLS 28 (MNF)

BUFFALO (NY) -- On a night when backup quarterback Josh McCown threw four interceptions, the Buffalo Bills (7-1, 1-0 AFC East) defense dominated the New England Patriots (7-1, 1-1) 28-7 to take over first place in the AFC. 

McCown rebounded with a trio of TD passes while HB Todd Gurley was steady with 105 rushing yards and a TD of his own.

"It's back to where it should be," Gurley said. "We don't plan on giving up this top spot again."

The Patriots looked out of sorts all night.

For a team that looked like world-beaters through seven weeks, this squad resembled a bumbling circus more than a Super Bowl contender.

The Pats finished with negative rushing yards and, despite winning the turnover battle by four, could muster only a garbage time TD to avoid a shutout.

Wideout Jermaine Kearse almost scored a safety for the Bills by inexplicably running a route the wrong way before correcting his mistake for an 11-yard loss.

"I just don't know man," Kearse said. "This is a wakeup call for sure."

New England will have no time to reset as they now face a strong Green Bay squad at home.

The Bills also take on an NFC North foe as they remain home to take on the Chicago Bears. 

NEW  YORK JETS 21 @ CHICAGO BEARS 23

CHICAGO (IL) -- On a night when the New York Jets (7-1) could have put themselves in sole possession of first place in the AFC, the team laid an egg at Chicago with an embarrassing 23-21 road loss.

The vaunted Jets defensive line was non-existent and All Pro Aaron Donald will have to endure yet another week of Albert Haynesworth comparisons for not producing at the $20 million level that his contract suggests.

"It's a long season," Donald said. "Nobody was complaining when we (were) undefeated, now we are trash? Come on."

Jordan Howard and Tarik Cohen ran through the New York defense throughout while Mitchell Trubisky did just enough to keep his team on top.

"We had a tough go with our first two AFC East games," Trubisky said. "But it's nice to take out the so called 'Super Team.'"

To make matters worse: The Jets also lost HB David Johnson for the second consecutive year to a season-ending injury.

"I'm devastated," Johnson said. "I can't even talk to be honest."

The Jets will now head to Miami to try to recapture their early season magic against the Dolphins.

MIAMI DOLPHINS 33 @ HOUSTON TEXANS 16

HOUSTON (TX) -- With trade rumors swirling around their starting quarterback, the Miami Dolphins (6-2) held it together with a strong ground attack to stifle the Houston Texans 33-16 on the road. 

D'Onta Foreman and Kalen Ballage each rushed for over 100 yards, with Foreman closing with a career high 183 yards rushing.

"It was a strong day for our O-line," Foreman said. "I'm not trying to be negative here, but we only want guys who want to be here. We are a running team, if a change is made under center, whoever they bring in is going to understand we are a ground-and-pound team first."

Rookie defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick had another strong game with 13 tackles to boost his Defensive Rookie of the Year candidacy. 

The Dolphins will head home to take on the New York Jets next week in a crucial AFC East matchup.

New York Jets Trade QB Derek Carr to Miami Dolphins

MIAMI (FL) -- Rumors had been swirling that quarterback Derek Carr's time in New York was coming to an end. Many believed he'd be shipped across town to wear the blue and red for the Giants, but no one saw the 27-year old heading to South Beach.
Carr, who had been benched in favor of rookie Lamar Jackson, fetched the Jets a 2019 1st rounder, a 2021 2nd round pick (the Jets own), and a backup plan of Ryan Tannehill for the remainder of this season.
"I'm shocked," Carr said. "But I can't tell you I'm not excited. I want to give my all to the Dolphins franchise to show them their belief in me was warranted."
Early in his career, with the Oakland Raiders, Carr looked like a league MVP candidate. But after an injury-ravaged 2017 with his new team (the New York Jets) winning the Lombardi Trophy despite his lack of availability, Carr was on borrowed time.
"This is an impressive haul for New York and completely clears up their 2019 cap issues," one NFC Executive said. "This is a home-run for the Jets and an Incomplete for Miami who has too many holes to be giving up a 1st rounder in my opinion. If Carr gets back to 2015 form, it's a win, if not, it could set this team back a decade."
This trade will definitely be talked about for years to come and a true 'winner' of the deal will be determined looking down the line.
However, when the Jets head to Miami to take on Derek Carr and the Miami Dolphins next week, we will get our first bit of data as to who got better end of the deal in the short term.
"I plan on playing next week, absolutely," Carr said. "I will be ready. I will be out there. And our fans will catch a glimpse of what's in store for our franchise moving forward."

12 Players Who Will Determine a Champion

Now that we are almost halfway through the 2018 season, the 4th in 3GML history, there are some important players who will likely determine the rest of the season and some that have already had a gigantic impact. Here are the dozen players who will play the biggest role in the remainder of the year and will determine the 3GML universe.

1. Dak Prescott, QB New England

So far Prescott has been the hands down MVP of the league. He has two very solid simulated games, throws for a ton of yards and has helped with his feet as well. He was mediocre last year but skyrocketed up to the top of the charts for an undefeated team. If Prescott can continue to play at an All-League or MVP level the Patriots have a chance to hoist the Lombardi and make it 4 teams in 4 years from the AFC East.

2. Josh McCown, QB Buffalo

He’s not Aaron Rodgers, but with A-rod missing a few weeks McCown needs to be solid and not turn the football over during the next 3 simulated games. Through 2 weeks there has been no let down with McCown at the helm but the next 3 games could very well determine the season for the Bills in the tightly contested division. If McCown plays well enough to win at least 1, and especially if he plays well enough to win 2 or 3 the Bills will likely make the playoffs and they have as good of a chance as anyone of winning a championship if they get in.

3. Aaron Donald, DT New York

Maybe this should be Lamar Jackson who is on fire with 3 player of the week awards for an undefeated team, but Make no mistake, this team runs through the defense and the league leading scoring defense is on pace to break the NFL record for points allowed. The only way that’s possible though is if Aaron Donald begins to play like the superstar he is. Constantly double teamed and occasionally dropping into coverage means Donald’s production is way down. If he doesn’t produce like a superstar in the sims, the Jets, who are riding a 79 ranked rookie toward the promised land, won’t be winning the division let alone repeating as Champs.

4. Adam Gase, Coach Miami

So far though the sims, Gase hasn’t had the best game plans going in and despite valiant efforts from the team they have fallen short in two simulated games. They were too pass happy in a handful of cpu games and the throwing around of the football and slow starts may have cost them both sims. Not to mention the fake field goal that had no shot. If Gase can get back to Dolphins football there is a chance this team sneaks into the playoffs and knocks a top dog from the perch.

5. Marshon Lattimore, CB New England

This might come as a bit of a surprise that he’s this high but hear me out. Lattimore is a top 10 corner in the league and while there are maybe better defenders on his team he’s the most important. Right now there’s a huge case to be made that Tyreek Hill is the most dangerous madden player on the planet. Brandin Cooks has been dynamic for the Bills. Devante Parker has done nothing to stop being a top 10 fantasy wide receiver this season and Lattimore will have to try to slow them all down. While we are enamored with stopping the run, these madden teams run through their stud receivers. If Lattimore can hold them down, the Patriots will win the AFC East and likely the Super Bowl.

6. Lamar Jackson, QB New York

We’ve touched on him already but he hasn’t played in a simulated game yet. If he can play anything close to what he’s played like through his 5 normal starts the Jets will be ecstatic. The issues here in simulated games are his accuracy and turnovers. He’s a big play waiting to happen every time he touches it, but he has to learn to take the checkdown. If he does that in the sims, the Jets will dominate the division. If he tries to be a homerun hitter every time he touches the ball, the turnovers and losses could add up to an early exit.

7. Casey Heyward, CB Buffalo

As much as Lattimore needs to play well, so does Heyward, whose start to this season was an abject disaster. He’s improved over the past couple games but he goes into a matchup with Julio Jones this week and it’s a gigantic game. If he can even slow down Jones and Hill the Bills could at worst split those matchups before Rodgers returns. If he can’t and they have 3 losses by then, that might be too much to overcome even with a superstar coming back to the helm.

8. Mike Gesicki, TE Miami

I don’t actually think Tannehill is that important to the Dolphins but I do think getting production out of their offense can happen given the right circumstances. Tannehill has been fine at QB for them this season. He has two player of the week awards and his numbers are very solid. That said though one of the things this team needs is balance offensively and they get that through running and play action which is where the potential all league tight end Gesicki comes in. If he can continue to play well in the pass game, and make big strides as a run blocker, where so far in the games watched he’s been better than advertised, this team could make some noise.

9. Tavon Austin, RB/KR/WR Buffalo

He’s been great for them so far and he was awesome in a sim, but moving forward he’ll continue to have to carry a big load. Gurley has played well but now the team needs its ancillary players to make plays while Rodgers sits out. If he can keep making people miss and taking 5 yard gains and turning them into 20 the Bills could continue to put up points, and do what they do better than any team over the past 3.5 seasons, control the clock on offense.

10. Shaq Thompson, LB/DE Miami

Thompson has been all over the place for the Dolphins this year and with the absence of Jones in the back half of this defense Thompson has had to pick up the slack. The Dolphins need playmakers on a team that doesn’t have the same talent the other trio in the division has. If Thompson can keep playing sideline to sideline and making plays in the run and pass games then those splash plays could steal a few simulated wins. If he can’t get that done, there’s a shot that the Dolphins miss the playoffs for the first time in team history.

11. Andrew Norwell, G New England

While this division does post a bevy of ridiculous pass rushers on the edge in Garrett, Quinn, Bosa, Wake, Thompson among a half dozen others, its the interior domination of Donald and Atkins that is the scary thing. If the Patriots want to win the division and the championship they have to control the interior and doing so against two of the best interior disruptors has to be priority one. If Norwell and company can contain those guys it gives this team an excellent opportunity. Right now they have the best record at 7-0 with 2 simulated wins and a head to head victory over the Dolphins, they have the MVP, and they are relatively healthy. If Norwell can start their push by beating up on Atkins this week the Patriots will get a plaque.

12. David Johnson, RB New York

Hill has been the most dynamic offensive skill player in the league so far with 13 touchdowns through 7 games, but the most important moving forward will be 2017 MVP David Johnson. The jets have ran all over the place so far this season splitting carries with 4 players other than Johnson but to win, they want to ride DJ to a league title. If he can be the player he was before his injury last season the Jets can have a trio that can rival any in the league with Gronk, Hill, and Johnson. If he’s only mediocre and the team becomes one dimensional offensively, Lamar Jackson will have to play excellent football for 7 more simulated games as a rookie. It’s a tall order for any player, let alone one with 5 career starts.

Others receiving votes:

Jake Matthews, Ryan Tannehill, Tyreek Hill, Damon Harrison, Julio Jones, Hunter Henry, Minkah Fitzpatrick

2018 Season: Week #7 Power Rankings

As we head into Week #8, the 3GML staff writers want to handicap the field and review each team's progress thus far as we head into a slew of critical AFC East matchups.

#1: New England Patriots (7-0, 1-0 AFC East) NEXT: @ Buffalo
The conventional money is on the defending champions from New York, but Dak Prescott has looked every bit an MVP candidate and the Patriots' secondary has played lights out to give the team our top spot.
In a division where four out of the NFL's top five offenses live, the Pats own the #3 ranked offense and top passing attack.
But, despite all their offensive success, the New England secondary has truly shined.
With their own version of a 'No Fly Zone,' CBs Rashaan Melvin, Ronald Darby, and Marshon Lattimore each have three interceptions on the season. Opposing QBs have struggled to find many openings against the Patriots, often relying on dunk and dunk attacks.
Can Josh McCown and the Buffalo Bills surprise the Pats on Monday Night Football?

#2: New York Jets (7-0, 1-0 AFC East) NEXT: @ Chicago
Perhaps this ranking will offend Jets faithful, but rankings are often subjective, so this can easily change next week. Lamar Jackson has been the league's newest and brightest star with his electric runs and pinpoint passing accuracy. The rookie passer has completed 79% of his passes for an astounding 144.3 QBR to go along with 16 TDs and only 4 INT. The Louisville product also had 504 rushing yards and six TD runs to his ledger.
If Jackson can show up in the team's AFC East showdowns (he was held out of the Miami game in Week #2), Jackson can upend Dak in the MVP race.
Will the Jets reclaim the top spot with a win over the Chicago Bears this weekend?

#3: Buffalo Bills (6-1, 0-0 AFC East) NEXT: vs New England
An early season blemish against the Los Angeles Chargers and the loss of Aaron Rodgers have hung over this team like a dark cloud most of the season. However, with a victory over the unbeaten New England Patriots Monday, the Bills will shoot up these rankings.
Todd Gurley quietly leads the AFC East with 555 yards rushing and will continue to get a bulk of the work while Rodgers works to return.
The sensational Myles Garrett is tied for the division lead with 7.5 sacks. But that number does not truly tell the story of his dominance. Garrett has been unblockable throughout the season, causing many QBs to panic throughout games against the Bills.
Is it time for Buffalo to jump back into the AFC East championship race by upending the Pats on MNF?

#4: Miami Dolphins (5-2, 0-2 AFC East) NEXT: @ Houston
Everyone's pick for the cellar remains in our bottom spot for Week #7, but not for the team's lack of effort. Losses to the Patriots and Jets earlier in the season (on the road no less) are to be expected. The team has done enough to stay in games and to keep their playoff hopes alive in the loaded AFC East.
The Dolphins lead the NFL in turnover differential (+6) and sacks (30).
The team also is 31st against the pass and has struggled to find a consistent running game which has traditionally been a hallmark of the good Dolphins teams we've come to adore.
Can the Dolphins survive a road test at Houston to keep their slim playoff hopes alive?

2018 Season: Week #5

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS 3 @ NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS 31 (TNF)

FOXBORO (MA) -- The undefeated New England Patriots (5-0, 1-0 AFC East) continued their march toward the postseason with a 31-3 romp over the hapless Indianapolis Colts Thursday Night in Foxboro. 

QB Dak Prescott continued his torrid start to the season going 23-25, for 308 passing yards, with 3TD and an INT. 

"One week at a time," Prescott said. "We missed postseason last year, so we're not taking (anything) for granted."

A week after his strong performance against the Dolphins, Alex Collins seemed strong throughout until coughing up a late fumble.

"We can't have that," Bill Belichick said. "Look for a change there."

Indy was banged up in the secondary, and All-World wideout Julio Jones exposed the unit with 187 receiving yards to go along with 3TD.

The Patriots will now take on the Kansas City Chiefs from the AFC West. 

TENNESSEE TITANS 13 @ BUFFALO BILLS 37

BUFFALO (NY) -- Aaron Rodgers was on fire early, starting the game 11-14, for 218 yards and 2TD en route to his team's 37-13 triumph over the Tennessee Titans. But, early in the 3rd quarter, the walls came crashing down as rookie Rashaan Evans hit Rodgers low on a deep throw.

The Bills (4-1, 0-0) leader was carted off the field with torn knee cartilage, putting his season in doubt.

"I am confident I can come back from this," Rodgers said. "They better not consider IR. I'll be back, you watch."

The rest of the game must have seemed like a bad dream for the Bills Mafia, despite the final scoreline, with Josh McCown handing the ball off to Toddy Gurley (who had his best game of the season).

"It's rough," Sean McDermott said. "But we're battle tested. I'm confident our guys will take our frustrations out on the Texans next week."

There will be more on the Aaron Rodgers injury soon. 

DENVER BRONCOS 13 @ NEW YORK JETS 56

EAST RUTHERFORD (NJ) -- Call Skip Bayless. Text Stephen A. Smith. Tweet (or @ Someone) the following: Lamar Jackson is for real.

Jackson led his Jets (5-0, 1-0) to a runaway 56-13 romp over the hapless Denver Broncos Sunday at MetLife Stadium.

For the day, Jackson finished with 318 yards passing to go along with 2TD passes and an INT. Jackson also rushed for 44 yards.

"I'm hot," Jackson said. "Not in a cocky way, but it's rolling time - Gotta stay at it."

Defensive leader Kevin Byard turned around a Case Keenum pass 93 yards for a pick six to go along with the team's five sacks.

WR Tyreek Hill also scored a pair of TDs to run his season total to six.

New York will now take on a reeling Colts team back home at MetLife Stadium. 

MIAMI DOLPHINS 54 @ TENNESSEE TITANS 9

CINCINATTI (OH) -- A week after dropping a heartbreaker to the Patriots, the Miami Dolphins (3-2, 0-2) righted their ship for the time being with an emphatic 54-9 road win over the Cincinnati Bengals. 

Ryan Tannehill, who was named the AFC's Offensive Player of the Week after the game, finished 13-21, with 305 passing yards, and 4TD (no INT). 

Second year HB D'Onta Foreman, who was recently acquired from the New York Jets, was on fire with 154 rushing yards and a pair of TDs.

But, despite the team's fantasy-like output on offense, defense ruled the day for Miami.

The team's emotional leader, Reggie Ragland, finished with nine tackles, four sacks, and a safety on the day.

"I feel like we're back playing the Miami way," Ragland said. "We've dug ourselves a hole in the division. Gotta keep digging."

Like Tannehill, Ragland was named the AFC's Defensive Player of the Week as well.

Miami will now head back home to take on the Chicago Bears to try to keep pace in their loaded division.