2017 Season - Week #17

New England Patriots @ Miami Dolphins

                                     1         2         3         4         FINAL

NEW ENGLAND      0         0          0         7          7

MIAMI                       3         14        3         6         26

MIAMI – With their division title hopes out of their personal control, the Miami Dolphins (14-2, 4-2 AFC East) took care of the staggering New England Patriots (8-8, 1-5) 26-7 Sunday morning.
In a game that was never in doubt, 3GML League MVP front-runner Chris Ivory paced the way for the balanced Miami attack that saw the team post 167 rushing yards and 168 yards through the air.
"This is how we've done it all year," Ivory said. "We would love to win the division, but we put ourselves in this spot. We are just happy to be in the playoffs be it as the #5 seed or the #1 seed."
Later tonight, in the 'Must See' flexed matchup pitting the 14-2 Buffalo Bills against the 9-6, and playoff hungry New York Jets, the Dolphins will be rooting for a New York victory to hand the Dolphins their second consecutive division title.

Buffalo Bills @ New York Jets

Live Forum Stream of NFL's Week #17 Sunday Night telecast to begin shortly.

@3GML-Moderator (8:27pm ET) - Welcome to Near the NFL's Live Stream of tonights epic clash between the visiting Buffalo Bills (14-2, 3-2 AFC East) and the New York Jets (9-6, 3-2). Storylines abound in this matchup as the AFC's #1 team (Buffalo) fired their head coach (Rex Ryan) earlier in the week. Anthony Lynn will be coaching his first ever game with a chance (based on today's final scores) to lock up the AFC East title and a first round playoff bye. The New York Jets will need to win to get in (based on Jacksonville's come-from-behind victory this afternoon). Beat writers from each market as well as former (and current) NFL greats are welcome to join in the fun as we watch this epic clash!

@Scoops.Caligiri (8:29pm ET) - Been waiting for this one all year - my 21st season covering the NFL and haven't felt this excited for a Week #17 game in a long time.

@JimKelly1212 (8:30pm ET) - Bring it home #12 - Rodgers for MVP!

@notthefakesvp (8:31pm ET) - Lynn declines penalty after block-in-the-back on kick return. Bold strategy Cotton...

@AdamSandler (8:33pm ET) - Jimmy for Prison

@RealPACMAN24 (8:33pm ET) - boy sucks for real man

@3GML-Moderator (8:34pm ET) - On first play from scrimmage, Jimmy Garoppolo pass intercepted by Clay Matthews and returned for touchdown. Buffalo leads 7-0.

@Scoops.Caligiri (8:45pm ET) - Both defenses settling in now. Expect a hard-hitting affair.

@RealJoeNamath (8:47pm ET) - Long game ahead of us. Jets are a slow-starting team - remember that folks.

@3GML-Moderator (8:49pm ET) - Jets kicker Nick Folk connects from 48-yards out to cut deficit to four. Bills lead 7-3.

@nbsmallbear (8:53pm ET) - Boy got rocked! That's my big brother yo!!

@AdamSandler (8:53pm ET) - Joey for President

@Scoops.Caligiri (8:54pm ET) - That's one of the hardest hits of the year! DE Joey Bosa rocks HB Todd Gurley for the fumble leading to DT Aaron Donald's scoop & score! crazy!!

@3GML-Moderator (8:55pm ET) - Jets take lead 10-7 after Joey Bosa's hit on Todd Gurley leads to 47-yard TD return by Aaron Donald.

@3GML-Moderator (9:01pm ET) - Aaron Rodgers leads his team back after Gurley's error, picking up a Dan Carpenter field goal. Game tied at 10-10 to end the first quarter.

@nyjets (9:22pm ET) - The calm before the storm - we like these defensive battles. @JimKelly1212 is getting nervous.

@star_island25 (9:25pm ET) - Go for it man! We want that Bye!

@KingJames (9:25pm ET) - David Johnson looking like Earl Campbell boy. Guts on that 4th-and-1 Todd Bowles.

@3GML-Moderator (9:27pm ET) - Jets take 17-10 lead after David Johnson trucks three Bills defenders on his way to the end zone after head coach Todd Bowles goes for it on 4th-and-1 near mid-field.

@RealJoeNamath (9:32pm ET) - I know we're up, but not picking that ball up may come back to  haunt us - could have ended this one right there.

@Scoops.Caligiri (9:32pm ET) - Aaron Donald nearly misses scooping up his second fumble recovery after Rodgers is blind-sided by Dante Fowler Jr. The ball ended up 30-yards behind the line of scrimmage, with neither team getting a grip on the ball before TJ Lang saved his squad by falling on the ball.

@Earl_Thomas (9:35pm ET) - 68-yard punt. sure

@3GML-Moderator (9:44pm ET) - After forcing another fumble to stall a Buffalo drive (Myles Jack), Jets unable to convert turnover into points. Dan Carpenter ends half attempting desperation 65-yard field goal attempt and miraculously converts to cut the Jets lead to 17-13 at the half.

@jtuck9 (9:45pm ET) - Great kick there. Carp has been clutch all year. Congrats on the NFL record.

@MileyCyrus (9:59pm ET) - The green team is ahead of the blue team

@Scoops.Caligiri (10:10pm ET) - This writer's halftime thoughts: If Jets pick up that loose ball and turn it into 6, Bills pull Rodgers and Gurley and play for next week. Now, with game close, they will go all in for the division crown. Compelling stuff here.

@JimIrsay (10:29pm ET) - Game really getting nervy now here in the 3rd. Congrats to Lockett on breaking Gurley's record of 150 (previously held by our own #88 Marvin Harrison!)

@3GML-Moderator (10:30pm ET) - WR Tyler Lockett breaks teammate Todd Gurley's record of 150 catches in a season in the middle of the 3rd quarter. Both teams now settling in, not willing to make the next mistake as the score remains 17-13 in favor of the Jets.

@3GML-Moderator (10:39pm ET) - A quick 3-and-out with great field position leads to another Nick Folk field goal for the Jets who push their lead to 20-13 with 3:18 left in the 3rd.

@notthefakesvp (10:44pm ET) - That gamblin' man Lynn at it again. We may need to invite him on the late SC if they end up winning this thing.

@Scoops.Caligiri (10:45pm ET) - I like the Bills' gamble on 4th-and-short there even at their own 34-yard line. They've been doing this all year. Rodgers picks it up to keep drive alive.

@AdamSandler (10:52pm ET) - Anybody else ready to puke? Playoffs please...

@3GML-Moderator (10:56pm ET) - Score is 20-13 at the end of the 3rd with the Bills methodically driving into New York territory. Anyone's ballgame now.

@buffalobills (11:01pm ET) - It's that man again! TG30 back!!

@RealPACMAN24 (11:02pm ET) - corners not wanting to tackle - won't see that in Cincy boy

@3GML-Moderator (11:02pm ET) - Todd Gurley, after a fumble earlier in the game, makes emphatic statement with 7:47 remaining with his 28-yard TD reception to tie the game up at 20-20.

@RealJoeNamath (11:17pm ET) - We just aren't ready for primetime. Not a time to fake it there Todd. Trust your D.

@AdamSandler (11:17pm ET) - Sad Panda

@Scoops.Caligiri (11:18pm ET) - Questionable decision there by Bowles to fake the punt deep in his own territory. Bills have easy field goal in the bag to take their first lead since early in the game.

@3GML-Moderator (11:30pm ET) - Carpenter converts again to put the Bills back on top 23-20 after John Kuhn fails to pick up 3-yards on a fake punt attempt. 6:38 to go.

@AdamSandler (11:37pm ET) - Jimmy for Prison

@star_island25 (11:38pm ET) - sucks

@Scoops.Caligiri (11:40pm ET) - Garoppolo crumbling before our eyes - Attempt to hurt his former team in Miami (not a serious thought, but he's killing Miami's chances at a bye nonetheless).

@3GML-Moderator (11:49pm ET) - After New York's defense again stands tall, team will have the ball at their own 14-yard line, down 23-20, with 1:14 to play (no timeouts left) in a chance to extend their season.

@Scoops.Caligiri (11:52pm ET) - Jimmy's crossroads moment: Lead team to score, hero. Fail to do so, those Tony Romo rumors prove to be true and your days in New York are over.

@MileyCyrus (11:55pm ET) - The blue man hurt the green man. Mean

@3GML-Moderator (11:55pm ET) - Braxton Miller hit hard on 3rd down with team looking to get into field goal range by Luke Kuechly. Injury timeout. 4th-and-season after delay.

@3GML-Moderator (12:01am ET) - Jimmy Garoppolo unable to find open receiver as 4th down pass sails in-and-out of the hands of Coby Fleener. Bills win 23-20 to take home the AFC East crown. Jets will stay home for the playoffs. Aaron Rodgers finishes with 254 yards passing and a TD. Jimmy Garoppolo finishes a brutal 10-21 for 60 yards with 2 INT. Bills win despite rushing for only 36 yards. Tyler Lockett is player of the game with 10 catches for 128 yards.

@Scoops.Caligiri (12:03am ET) - Thrilling for Buffalo fans, soul-crushing for Jets faithful. The AFC East has been the best league in football this season and it would have been great to see this game again in the AFC Championship round. Hats off to Anthony Lynn picking up the W. Jimmy Garoppolo beside himself emotionally as he trudges off the field. Defense played their hearts out for the Jets. Kam Chancellor looks very upset.

(Potential) Off-Season Trades Continued...

BUFFALO BILLS

2017 1^st Round Pick (Cleveland - #1) 

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS 

2017 1^st Round Pick (Oakland)

2017 1^st Round Pick (Buffalo via Oakland)

2017 3^rd Round Pick (Oakland)

MLB Darron Lee

OAKLAND RAIDERS

2017 1^st Round Pick (LA via Tennessee - #5)

2017 4^th Round Pick (Tennessee)

CB Joe Haden 

NEW YORK JETS

2017 1st Round Pick (Jacksonville - #4)
2017 1st Round Pick (Tennessee - #18)
2017 2^nd Round Pick (Oakland)

2017 3^rd Round Pick (LA via Tennessee)

TENNESSEE TITANS

MLB Luke Kuechly

Additional Deals...

BUFFALO BILLS
LB Su'a Cravens
2017 2nd Round Pick (Washington)

WASHINGTON REDSKINS
LB Clay Matthews
2017 5th Round Pick

- - - - -

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS
WR Tyrell Williams
2017 3rd Round Pick (Miami via Chicago)

MIAMI DOLPHINS
MLB Reggie Ragland
2017 6th Round Pick (San Diego)

- - - - -

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
WR DeVante Parker
2017 5th Round Pick (Miami)

DT Christian Covington

NEW YORK JETS
2017 2nd Round Pick (Indianapolis)

MIAMI DOLPHINS
WR Phillip Dorsett

- - - - -

NEW YORK JETS
QB Drew Brees

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
QB Jimmy Garoppolo
CB Sean Smith

- - - - -

NEW YORK JETS
2017 2nd Round Pick (NYJ via MIA)

MIAMI DOLPHINS
2017 3rd Round Pick (LA via NYJ)
2017 4th Round Pick (CHI via NYJ)

We'll keep you posted as more details emerge.

Week #17 AFC East Preview

New England Patriots @ Miami Dolphins
The Patriots fell flat in their effort to keep their playoff dreams alive against the New York Jets last week. Now, facing a team from Miami which has won their past four meetings (including last  year's AFC Championship Game) against New England, Bill Belichick and company are all but playing for pride when they face last year's Super Bowl Champions.
"You get up for any game in the NFL," Belichick said. "We haven't done well versus Miami lately."
Last week in Buffalo, Miami proved they still have championship aspirations as they took care of the Bills late.
They will need to avoid a letdown when they take on a wounded Tom Brady in South Beach.
"We all know what is at stake," Bobby Wagner said. "We are fortunate to play New England this week. They are champions and you can never overlook this squad."
WHAT TO WATCH FOR: Adam Gase to let his team "RUN Miami." As the team threw only four (yes four!) passes last week in their win against the Bills, the unconventional coach is fine playing Georgia Tech football in the NFL. 
"Stats and trends are for fantasy football players," Gase said. "Don't draft Jacoby Brissett if you want to win $50 from your buddies in a fantasy league. But we'll take him to help us make checks at the line and to hit a deep shot with the game on the line."
PREDICTION: Dolphins win 33-31

Buffalo Bills @ New York Jets
Each time staffers at 3GML's main studios discuss the upcoming Bills/Jets tilt, memories come up of the classic 2007 game between the then-undefeated New England Patriots and the Wild Card playoff-bound New York Giants.
Although the Giants ended up losing that game 38-35 (keeping the Patriots undefeated regular season alive), the tough loss propelled the Giants towards a Super Bowl title run (ending with their victory over the 18-0 Patriots).
Although the stakes are different and playoff positions are not fully finalized, this feels like a game that may be replayed in January regardless to the outcome Saturday.
If the Bills win, they most likely lock up the AFC's #1 seed and could see the hot Jets (if they win tie-breakers) in the Divisional Round.
If the Jets win, Buffalo may end up as the #5 seed which would set up a potentially epic rematch between the Jets and Bills in the AFC Championship Game. 
Now the Dolphins, Chiefs, Bengals, and Texans may have a lot to say about all of this, but we can all dream right?
WHAT TO WATCH FOR: A classic to unfold. The AFC East has given us the NFL's best games and storylines all year. The earlier matchup between these two gave us a 19-point comeback after a miraculous 4th-and-19 prayer. Last week the Bills were edged out by the Miami Dolphins in a back and forth affair after the Jets, just a week earlier, out-slugged the same Miami squad in a compelling street fight.
PREDICTION: Bills win 38-35 (same as NE/NYG in 2007)

Breaking: Bills Fire Head Coach Rex Ryan

ORCHARD PARK (AP) - The Buffalo Bills (13-2) have abruptly fired head coach Rex Ryan following the team's 30-24 loss to the Miami Dolphins (13-2) less than a week ago.
Ryan called the loss "as painful of a loss as I can remember," admitting multiple coaching "mistakes."
The Bills also fired defensive coordinator, and Rex's brother, Rob.
Buffalo enters Week #17 with the NFL's #1 rated defense.
Many NFL Insiders have attributed this ranking to Aaron Rodgers' ability to efficiently manage the clock to protect the defense.
Defensive leaders Geno Atkins and Luke Kuechly have repeatedly called the defense a 'player-run' unit, often hinting as discord between the All-Pros and the overly-emotional Rob Ryan.
Offensive coordinator Anthony Lynn will serve as interim head coach for the Week #17 matchup against the hard-charging New York Jets (10-6) and into the playoffs.
Sources told 3GML Insiders that Ryan had lost support of the locker room in recent weeks, despite the team's ability to pull games out late.
The team found out about Tuesday's move via Twitter as no formal announcement was made internally.
"There were too many cooks in the kitchen. Guys were pissed," one player told 3GML. "He lost the offense."
Coaching changes are not rare during these late stages of the NFL season, but the moves are typically reserved for teams with losing records and not a team with a good chance to still earn the AFC's #1 seed.
"This is a statement for the entire organization," one source told 3GML. "Ryan and the team had soured and the team was winning despite their coach."
There had been rumors that the Bills, under Ryan, were considering 'punting' the Week #17 game to focus on the playoffs (settling for the #5 seed in the AFC).
Under Lynn and with the competitive input of Aaron Rodgers, many expect the Bills to come out firing on Saturday with a chance to earn the AFC East crown and to potentially knock the Jets out of the playoffs.

2016 Season - Week #16

New York Jets @ New England

                                     1         2         3         4         FINAL

NEW YORK               0        21        7         7         35 

NEW ENGLAND      3         7          3         0         13

FOXBORO – In a game the team had to have, the New York Jets (9-6, 3-2 AFC East) sprinted past the New England Patriots (8-7, 1-4) 35-13 Sunday morning in Boston.
Trailing 3-0 early in the 2nd, the game seemed destined to become yet another close Jets game.
But, facing an obvious punting situation deep in their own territory, head coach Todd Bowles dialed up a perfectly timed fake punt that caught Bill Belichick and his team flat-footed.
"They made a play there," Belichick said. "It hurt us."
Punter Brandon Fields lobbed a wobbly ball 30-yards downfield to a streaking Jalen Ramsey who made Julian Edelman miss on his way for a 70-yard TD.
"I love coach's confidence in our defense," Ramsey said. "That fake was the spark we needed man."
Later in the eventual 21-point 2nd quarter, Defensive Player of the Year candidate Dante Fowler Jr. picked up a Brady fumble and raced 65-yards for a TD of his own.
The Jets never looked back.
"We are hungry," Fowler said. "This team ain't going out easy I'll tell you that."
David Johnson did his best to pound the rock and to grind the clock during his impressive 12-carry, 109 yard performance.
New York, although currently sitting comfortably in the AFC's 6th position, still needs a win next week at home against Buffalo to lock up a playoff berth. 
Although the Jets hold tie-breakers over the Patriots, Jaguars, and Steelers, a multi-team tie at 9-7 that includes San Diego and/or Houston could be problematic for the Jets (although that scenario is unlikely).

Miami @ Buffalo

                                    1         2         3         4         FINAL

MIAMI                       0        20        0       10        30

BUFFALO                 10        0         0        14        24

BUFFALO – In easily one of the most anticipated match-ups of this amazing NFL season, the Buffalo Bills (13-2, 3-2 AFC East) fell to their hated rivals from Miami (13-2, 3-2) 30-24.
In a game that swung back-and-forth with both teams making uncharacteristic mistakes at inopportune moments, the Miami ground game and turnover-creating ability allowed their team to come out on top.
"This AFC East is brutal," Chris Ivory said. "Just like last week, both teams are very strong. If we played a 5th quarter you might just be over there talking to them about their victory."
The Dolphins defense harassed Aaron Rodgers all day forcing five turnovers (including four interceptions) while yielding only 173 yards through the air.
"They mixed it up well," Rodgers said. "But I made some bad throws - we can get it corrected."
With the Miami defense showing up to play, it was up to their offensive line to get back to the team's DNA of running the football.
As Jacoby Brissett seemed nervous and incapable of pushing the ball downfield, Adam Gase essentially scrapped his passing play sheets and gave the ball to Ivory and Thomas Rawls.
The duo didn't disappoint.
The Miami rushing attack finished with 309 rushing yards against the NFL's #1 rated defense (based on yards allowed).
"It felt great," Rawls said. "Our o-line deserves all the credit. It was great to have LJ (Lane Johnson) back out there for sure."
Rawls, who finished the game with, 154 yards rushing on only 13 carries, put the team ahead for good with his 77-yard TD run with just over 2-minutes remaining.
Ivory shouldered much of the heavy lifting with his 21-carry, 134 yard, and 2 TD performance.
Much-maligned corner Bashaud Breeland, newly moved to the slot, finished with two INTs and six tackles.
The Dolphins will head home to take on the Patriots with a chance to win their second consecutive AFC East crown (but only if the Jets defeat the Bills along with a Miami win over NE). 

3GML Pro Bowl Tracker (NFL)

Below are the 3GML players voted in as 2016 NFL Pro Bowlers!!

Buffalo Bills (7)
QB Aaron Rodgers
WR Amari Cooper
C Rod Hudson
G TJ Lang
DT Geno Atkins
MLB Luke Kuechly
CB Casey Hayward

Miami Dolphins (5)
G David DeCastro
DE Khalil Mack
MLB Bobby Wagner
K Justin Tucker
RET Cordarrelle Patterson

New York Jets (8)
RB David Johnson
C Travis Frederick
G Marshal Yanda
G Zack Martin
G Brandon Scherff
DT Aaron Donald
DE Vic Beasley
RET Tyreek Hill

Week #16 AFC East Preview

Miami Dolphins @ Buffalo Bills
All season long, after their emphatic victory over the Miami Dolphins (12-2, 2-2 AFC East) in Week #7, the road to the AFC's #1 seed always seemed to go through New Era Field (formerly Ralph Wilson Stadium). 
The Buffalo Bills (13-1, 3-1) have had their share of close games of late, but quarterback Aaron Rodgers sees the narrow victories as a sign of what's to come.
"In the playoffs, nothing is easy," Rodgers said. "Sure, we'd love to win every game by double-digits, but this team is proving they can win many different ways."
The Dolphins have played 2016 with a bullseye squarely pointing at their backs after last year's Cinderella Super Bowl run.
The team, for the most part, has answered the call. But their pair of AFC East blemishes in losses to Buffalo and last week versus the Jets have kept the team from looking too far ahead.
"We are still a young team, regardless how last year finished," Bobby Wagner said. "Last week (against New York) was a great game for us to be a part of despite the final score. We are the fifth best team in the AFC at this point and we can't take any games off."
WHAT TO WATCH FOR: The weather factor. Aaron Rodgers has proven he can handle any and all conditions as he's willed his team towards consecutive victories in the snow. If Mother Nature intervenes on Saturday, expect the veteran signal-caller to have the upper hand against his rookie counterpart Jacoby Brissett.
PREDICTION: Bills win 24-16

New York Jets @ New England Patriots
All the so-called smart-money in Las Vegas is now being thrown at the New York Jets (8-6, 2-2 AFC East) as this year's 'sneaky' Super Bowl choice.
Sitting in last place in their division, the New England Patriots (8-6, 2-2) are sitting in unfamiliar territory as the league's forgotten team.
"This happened to us last year as well," Tom Brady said. "I was sitting on the sidelines with the injury and everybody counted our guys out. Then we ended up 2-plays away from reaching the Super Bowl - count us out if you'd like."
With their five consecutive victories, the Jets have started a run similar to their rivals from Miami who won seven of their last eight a year ago before winning Super Bowl 50.
Despite all the hype and talk surrounding the team, Jets players want none of the championship talk.
"How many games have we lost at the one-yard line?" Kam Chancellor said. "This team has no business getting ahead of ourselves - we gotta go at it one game at a time."
WHAT TO WATCH FOR: Tom Brady is old. Tom Brady is washed up. Tom Brady can't do it anymore. Right?
PREDICTION: Patriots win 28-27

2016 Season - Week #15

Miami @ New York Jets

                                     1         2         3         4         FINAL

MIAMI                       0         3         3         0          6 

NEW YORK               0        10        0         3         13

NEW YORK – In a year filled with primetime duds, NFL purists were certainly rejoicing as the New York Jets (8-6, 2-2 AFC East) kept their postseason hopes alive with a 13-6 victory over their bitter rivals from Miami (12-2, 2-2).
Both teams equally characterized the game a must-win, playoff-type event in the build up prior to the Saturday Night affair - and the game played out as such.
With both teams opting to play the game in a phone booth, the respect for each opposing defense was evident.
"It's obvious we both had the exact same game plan," Aaron Donald said. "You play that game 100 times and I honestly think it each team wins 50 - this time we got it."
With both teams finishing the games with eerily similar stat lines (and neither cracking 200 yards of total offense) the game was setup to hinge on whomever made critical errors at the wrong time.
This time, the typically stoic Miami squad, blinked and ended up losing.
Midway through the second quarter, head coach Adam Gase sent out his All-World kicker Justin Tucker to attempt a 68-yard field goal (with the wind).
Although Tucker's boot fell inches short, a punt in that situation is more the 'Miami-way.'
David Johnson took the ball on the very next play and scored the game's only touchdown on a 42-yard run.
"I love that coach trusts me," Tucker said. "It would have been good from 67, so not too bad of a choice if you ask me."
Early in the 4th quarter, trailing only 10-6, Earl Thomas had a wide open break on a well-designed punt block attempt. Thomas narrowly missed the ball, crashing into the vulnerable Jets punter for a 15-yard penalty that led to 3-more Jets points.
Ten points off two Dolphins mistakes.
Ball game.
"The better team won tonight," Earl Thomas said. "I think they executed our gameplan to perfection. It kills me that my penalty hurt us, but there were missed plays on their side as well that could have put them even further ahead. We will use this, grow from it, and hopefully see them again in the playoffs."
Calvin Pryor, who had amped up his trash-talking in anticipation of both of his team's matchups with the Jets this season, was visibly dejected after the loss.
"It hurts man," Pryor said. "I agree with Earl (Thomas) though for real. That's a real team over there - much respect. I don't think my talking helped them, they are pros and don't need made up motivation, I was just trying to get it amped up. But it's playoff time now man, I'll button it up and hopefully we'll get another crack at them."
Miami gets no rest as they now travel to Buffalo (13-1, 3-1) for a shot at getting back into the AFC's #1 seed race with the Bills. 
The Jets, now in control of their own playoff destiny, will face the New England Patriots (8-6, 1-3) in what is essentially a playoff game to earn the AFC's #6 seed.

Cleveland @ Buffalo

                                    1         2         3         4         FINAL

CLEVELAND           0         7         0         14       21

BUFFALO                  7         7         7         3         24

BUFFALO – Aaron Rodgers and his Buffalo Bills (13-1) teammates kept the undermanned Cleveland Browns at bay throughout their snowy contest with a 24-21 victory.
Despite their two late, garbage-time scores, the Browns were never truly in a contest that saw the Bills dominate time of possession while setting the stage for their AFC East championship showdown next week.
"You never overlook any team in the NFL," Rodgers said. "But we are here at Miami week now."
Rodgers finished 20-24 for 216 yards and a pair of scores.
Leading 24-7 heading into the 4th quarter, the Bills offense relied on steadily improving James White to grind down the clock.
The Todd Gurley stand-in has performed admirably as Buffalo has waited to get their bell cow back.
White finished with 112 yards rushing and a TD on the day.
"Next man up," White said. "I'm excited for 30 (Gurley) to get back too for this playoff run."
Buffalo will stay home to face their rivals from Miami in a de-facto AFC East Championship game.
Despite Miami's loss yesterday to the Jets, tiebreakers (with a Miami win) could still give the Dolphins the East title if both teams end up with the same record.

Week #15 AFC East Preview

Miami Dolphins @ New York Jets
Five weeks ago, Miami's (12-1, 2-1 AFC East) Calvin Pryor tweeted that he and his Dolphins teammates intended to celebrate a "funeral" for the 2016 New York Jets (7-6, 2-2) season.
Although Miami handily won the matchup, the Jets were far from done as they have since won four straight and have circled their calendar for revenge on Miami - specifically the brash-talking Pryor.
"Dude tried to bury us and he (isn't) even starting anymore over there," David Johnson said. "Let them do the talking - sure they won last time, but we are going to do everything it takes to defend our home turf Saturday Night."
Pryor had been demoted to rotational play after a stretch of rough play, but is now expected to start back in his familiar safety role.
"You think the way they are talking they won the Super Bowl getting four straight," Pryor said. "You beat the Rams, Colts, and 49ers bro, congratulations."
With their defense stepping up by recording multiple scores during their season-saving win streak, the Jets have been able to overcome shaky play by their rotating quarterbacks.
To avenge their 45-15 loss in Miami, coach Todd Bowles knows he'll need better ball security under center.
"They (quarterbacks) know what's expected," Bowles said. "It's time to put together a complete game."
WHAT TO WATCH FOR: The rookies to become professionals. Jalen Ramsey, Joey Bosa, and Myles Jack have been impressive of last along with inspiring play by their sophomore teammates in Dante Fowler Jr. and Vic Beasley Jr. Expect big games from the speedy and inspired freshman class as the Jets pull off the home victory. 
PREDICTION: Jets win 22-20

Cleveland Browns @ Buffalo Bills
The moneyball-inspired re-building Cleveland Browns take their traveling road show to the northeast as they battle the AFC East leading Buffalo Bills (12-1, 3-1 AFC East).
Buffalo has survived a brutal 4-game stretch that saw them squeak out consecutive 1-score victories (all requiring late heroics by MVP candidate Aaron Rodgers).
Although a team should never overlook an NFL opponent, the woeful Cleveland Browns may be just what the doctor ordered before the Bills finish their schedule with vital division games against the Miami Dolphins and New York Jets. 
"We are focused on this game and this game only," Rex Ryan said. "Stop trying to distract my guys."
Despite his team's 12-1 start to the season and Super Bowl aspirations, many around the league astoundingly expect Ryan and the team to part ways regardless to how the 2016 season finishes.
"Crap," Ryan said. "What are you guys up to man, you just make this crap up to sell papers. We are 12-1. Are you serious with all this talk?"
WHAT TO WATCH FOR: If the weather is a factor you could potentially see a competitive game at least into the 2nd quarter.
PREDICTION: Bills win 30-14

(Potential) Off-Season Trades

BUFFALO BILLS

LB Su'a Cravens
2017 2nd Round Pick (Washington)

WASHINGTON REDSKINS
LB Clay Matthews
2017 5th Round Pick

- - - - -

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
WR DeVante Parker
2017 4th Round Pick (Miami)
DT Christian Covington

NEW YORK JETS
2017 2nd Round Pick (Indianapolis)

MIAMI DOLPHINS
WR Phillip Dorsett

We'll keep you posted as more details emerge.

2016 Season - Week #14

Pittsburgh @ Buffalo

                                    1         2         3         4         FINAL

PITTSBURGH          3         0         0         7         10

BUFFALO                  0        10        0         7         17

BUFFALO – The Buffalo Bills (12-1) yet again proved they could win any type of game with their 17-10 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers (7-6) in blizzard-like conditions. 
With the Steelers fighting to keep their playoff hopes alive, Ben Roethlisberger committed a pair of atrocious interceptions, one in the end zone on a well-timed jump by cornerback Damarious Randall, to lead his squad towards their second consecutive defeat.
"That's a great defense over there," Roethlisberger said. "They made plays and we did not."
Aaron Rodgers, no stranger to clutch-performances, orchestrated what may end up being the signature play of the 2016 season if his Bills are able to make a Super Bowl run.
Up 10-3, early in the 4th quarter, with Pittsburgh gaining momentum, Rodgers faced a 3rd-and-14 from his own 17-yard line.
With no receivers open and his pocket collapsing, Rodgers was set to collide head on with a hard-charging James Harrison which would have resulted in a sack deep in his own territory.
Rodgers instead pivoted with Houdini-like quickness, shoving aside Harrison, before unleashing a sure-to-be intercepted pass towards a well-covered Tyler Lockett 30-yards down the field near the sideline.
The ball made it through the smallest of available windows into Lockett's arms. 
Five plays later, Buffalo was back in the endzone, up 17-3, on their way to their 12th victory of the season.
"You guys (writers) keep talking about destiny and all that stuff," Rodgers said. "We'll just happy to have clinched a playoff berth."
Rodgers finished 22-27 with 242 passing yards and a TD.
In addition to Lockett's steady play, tight end Luke Willson contributed nine catches for 93 yards and a TD.
The Bills next host the Cleveland Browns. 

Arizona @ Miami

                                    1         2         3         4         FINAL

ARIZONA                  0         3         7         0         10

MIAMI                       0        14       10        0         24

MIAMI – The Miami Dolphins (12-1) clinched their second consecutive playoff berth with their 24-10 victory over the Arizona Cardinals Sunday.
Rookie quarterback Jacoby Brissett out-paced his counterpart from Arizona with a 13-14, 187 yard, two TD afternoon that yielded a perfect 158.3 passer rating.
"At the end of the day, we're all just trying to do our jobs and to do what it takes to get the win," Brissett said. "I've said it all year: This is a team that will rely on running the football first to support our amazing defense. Our ground game makes it possible for our passing game to take flight."
In a game that lacked drama, Miami's defense held Arizona to 42 yards rushing, giving opponents 35 combined rushing yards over the past two weeks (after last week's -7 yards allowed against the Rams). 
"We got a hungry team over here," Khalil Mack said. "The next three weeks will end up defining this regular season, but the real season starts in the playoffs."
Mack finished the day with seven tackles, four for loss, and 1.0 sacks. 
The Dolphins next face the New York Jets, in a game that has been flexed to Sunday Night due to the playoff implications. 

New York Jets @ San Francisco

                                    1         2         3         4         FINAL

NEW YORK              14        7        0         7         28

SAN FRANCISCO    7          7       0         10       24

SAN FRANCISCO – Don't tell the New York Jets (7-6) that any win in the NFL should be celebrated. After their 28-24 victory in northern California, you could hear a pin drop in the (victorious) visitor's locker room as the team processed their narrow victory over the San Francisco 49ers.
"Pitiful quarterback play again," Todd Bowles said. "I said it. I need these guys - whoever is under center, to value the ball; No reason this game should have been that close."
After falling quickly behind 7-0, the Jets seemed to take control with three straight scores, including a pick-six by rookie Jalen Ramsey.
But then the turnover bug bit New York in two critical moments allowing the undermanned San Francisco squad to hang around.
For a team fighting for their playoff lives who have now put themselves into a tie for the 6th and final playoff spot, this 4-point victory was not enough.
"We let too many get away early," David Johnson said. "This felt like one of those games. I'm glad we pulled it out, but it's got to stop man. Crazy that we let it get like this still after all we've been through."
Johnson finished with an eye-popping 166 yards rushing (with only 16 carries) and a score. 
The Jets ended with a second score on defense as cornerback Sean Smith also made a house call with a 68-yard INT returned for a score.
New York, now in a 4-way tie with Denver, New England, and Pittsburgh for the 6th and final playoff spot, will host the 12-1 Miami Dolphins Sunday Night on NBC. 
The Patriots will take on Denver earlier in the day; If New England were able to defeat the Broncos and the Jets the Dolphins, the Week 16 matchup between NE & NYJ would essentially be for the AFC's #6 seed.

Week #14 AFC East Preview

Pittsburgh Steelers @ Buffalo Bills
With their string of narrow, last second victories, the AFC's current #1 overall seed from Buffalo (11-1, 3-1 AFC East) play in what seems to be their first unofficial 'playoff game' of the 2016 season.
The Steelers (7-5) are in desperate need of a victory to remain in the AFC's Wild Card picture with the hard-charging New York Jets close behind. 
Ben Roethlisberger and Antonio Brown, who are locker neighbors for the Steelers, in unison declared this game a "must win."
"It's win or be done now time for us," Roethlisberger said. "At this point, the road to the playoffs goes through Buffalo - our playoffs begin today."
With a winnable matchup against the hapless Browns next week before a pair of compelling games against the Dolphins and Jets, don't expect Rex Ryan's squad to overlook the importance of beating the Steelers.
"All season it's been a race for home field," Ryan said. "We are  not going to get this close and just give it away."
WHAT TO WATCH FOR: James Harrison has made it very clear that he expects the middle of the field to be a no-fly zone. Harrison has repeatedly offered to "punish" Buffalo's smallish receivers who have made a living in the intermediate passing game.
PREDICTION: Steelers win 29-24

Arizona Cardinals @ Miami Dolphins
Although the Cardinals have underperformed for the most part during their 2016 campaign, the talent-level is still there making Arizona a perfect team to spoil Miami's (11-1, 2-1 AFC East) dreams of carrying home-field advantage into the playoffs.
"You can't overlook anybody in this league," Earl Thomas said. "Especially a team with that many playmakers over there."
The Dolphins have continued to put forth impressive defensive efforts as the calendar has turned towards the winter months, but Jacoby Brissett and Chris Ivory have been taking longer to get going, making the once invincible-seeming team look very beatable.
"We need to keep grinding," Ivory said. "We still gotta commit to the run and set that physical tone early."
WHAT TO WATCH FOR: The speed of the Arizona linebackers and defensive backs will cause all kinds of trouble for Miami's inside-out rushing attack. Ivory and Thomas Rawls have made a living pounding the ball inside before bouncing it to the edges; This won't be easy against Arizona. 
PREDICTION: Cardinals win 23-20

New York Jets @ San Francisco 49ers
If the New York Jets (6-6, 1-2 AFC East) controlled their own destiny in the AFC, it would be easy to label them as Super Bowl contenders at this point in the season.
The team is angry, hungry, and easily the youngest & most talented team in the NFL. 
It seems disrespectful to tell the Jets' faithful to 'wait until next year,' as this year's version seems poised to make a deep playoff push.
"It's all on us," Todd Bowles said. "We gave away too many early season games and now the future is not in our hands."
The San Francisco 49ers, favorites to earn a top-3 NFL Draft pick, look to be the unlucky team this week to face off against the buzzsaw that is the New York Jets. 
"We aren't going to just phone it in," Carlos Hyde said. "We will do our best to try to ruin their postseason dreams."
With Jimmy Garoppolo again set to start for the Jets, the team (behind their mammoth offensive line) should start quicker than the games started by the oft-benched Sam Bradford.
Bradford has had the propensity to turnover the ball early and often (typically for scores).
David Johnson, who is quietly becoming one of the NFL's top players, will be set for a big day in northern California. 
WHAT TO WATCH FOR: Fifty to fall. It would surprise no one if the Jets get to 50 points against this San Francisco team.  
PREDICTION: Jets win 49-7

2016 Season - Week #13

Miami @ Baltimore

                                    1         2         3         4         FINAL

MIAMI                      0         14       7         0         21

BALTIMORE            7         0         0         7         14

BALTIMORE – On a dreary northeast day, the Miami Dolphins (11-1) kept the floundering Ravens at bay with a 21-14 victory.
In a game that provided much less drama than the 7-point differential may suggest, the Dolphins yielded only 188 yards, with a staggering negative seven on the ground.
"That was the game plan coming in," Bobby Wagner said. "We want to get people to throw the ball against us - the ground game won't come easy."
Wagner finished with another solid game picking up a pair of sacks to go along with his 10 tackles.
Offensively Miami was their typically efficient selves, for the most part, but allowed a pair of Justin Tucker field goal attempts to be blocked - keeping the Ravens in the game much longer than they should have.
"We'll keep working on it," Tucker said. "But that's obviously frustrating to us all, leaving points and field position out there."
League MVP candidate Chris Ivory posted 111 yards and two TDs on 19 carries.
Rookie Jacoby Brissett also finished 16-18 for 130 yards through the air.
The Dolphins will host the Arizona Cardinals Sunday in Miami.

Buffalo @ Oakland

                                    1         2         3         4         FINAL

BUFFALO                  7         3         3         0         13

OAKLAND                0         7         3         0         10

OAKLAND – The Buffalo Bills (11-1) squeaked by with their third consecutive 3-point victory over the Oakland Raiders 13-10 in northern California. 
The Buffalo ball control offense again focused on short crossing routes to the league's leading receiver Tyler Lockett.
Lockett finished with 15 catches for 133 yards receiving.
"My body can take it," Lockett said. "We all just want to do whatever it takes to get a win. Whether it's by three or thirty-three man, a win is a win."
The Kansas State product is on pace to challenge teammate Todd Gurley's 150 receptions in a season NFL record.
The Bills committed a pair of costly red zone turnovers that could have spelt disaster for their hopes of earning the AFC's #1 seed.
Late in the 3rd quarter, Aaron Rodgers telegraphed a pass that was picked off in the endzone (taking a sure three points off the board). 
On the next drive, with a 4th-and-Goal from the 6-inch line, Rex Ryan opted to go for the win, forsaking a field goal that would have put his team up by six with just minutes to go.
Fullback Jerome Felton fumbled away the ball reaching for the goalline.
The Raiders were able to move the ball to the 45-yard line of the Bills for a 62-yard Sebastian Janikowski field goal attempt that ended up sailing wide right.
"A win and then we move on," Rex Ryan said. "It wasn't pretty, but we gutted it out."
Buffalo continued to receive strong play by linebacker Jelani Jenkins and tackle Geno Atkins. 
The pair combined for two sacks and multiple quarterback pressures on a day that saw the defense give up only 176 total yards. 
The Bills will face yet another test as they head home to host the 7-5 Pittsburgh Steelers.

Indianapolis @ New York Jets

                                    1         2         3         4         FINAL

INDIANAPOLIS      7          7       0          10        24

NEW YORK              7          3       21        21       52

NEW YORK – After a dominant 2nd half surge which saw New York put up 42 points, the Jets dismantled Andrew Luck and the Colts 52-24.
If the 2016 New York Jets (6-6) find themselves as observers once the playoffs begin, they will have no one to blame outside of their locker room.
The team is ripe with talent and is currently playing some of the best football in the league.
But, with the team finally back to .500 and with only four games remaining, a team that should easily challenge for the AFC Championship this year, may have to sit and watch as six other AFC squads chase Super Bowl glory.
"That second half really showed what this team is capable of," Aaron Donald said. "Every week is the playoffs for us - We know we need some help."
Donald picked up a sack and a scoop-and-score touchdown during the team's flurry of scoring in the second half.
Rookie Jalen Ramsey also took an interception to the house early in the third quarter to start the rally.
"Man, this team is clicking," Ramsey said. "We just gotta keep the train rolling."
Quarterback Sam Bradford, who was given another chance to grab hold of the starting quarterback job, had an uninspiring first half performance including a pick-six that left his team down 14-10 at the half.
Once Jimmy Garoppolo went back under center, the team took flight in all three phases.
Garoppolo finished 8-13 for 175 yards and three touchdowns, connecting often with speedy rookie Tyreek Hill.
Dante Fowler Jr. and Hassan Ridgeway also picked up 1.5 sacks each.
The Jets next travel across country to face the San Francisco 49ers before their brutal 3-game final stretch against the 11-1 Dolphins, 7-5 Patriots, and the 11-1 Bills.