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?
