Week 17 AFC East predictions: Browns' Joe Flacco makes Jets regret letting him go

Each AFC East team picked up a win in Week 16, and the Miami Dolphins are only one more victory away from securing their first division title since 2008. However, with a matchup against the Baltimore Ravens on the horizon, the AFC East crown could be decided by a photo finish.

Here are our predictions for the AFC East in Week 17. 

New York Jets (6-9) at Cleveland Browns (10-5): The Jets nearly suffered another humiliating loss last week, blowing a 20-point third-quarter lead to the dismal Commanders before kicker Greg Zuerlein hit a 54-yard go-ahead field goal with five seconds remaining to secure a 30-28 win. While it was a positive sign to see the offense rack up its second-most total yards of the season (381), Trevor Siemian and company won't have similar success against a Browns defense allowing the fewest yards per game (260.3).

Despite ranking among the top units in the NFL, the Jets defense has recently experienced a slump, allowing an uncharacteristic 58 points over the last two games, the sixth-most among teams in that span. This should bode well for old friend Joe Flacco, who has been on a roll since signing with the Browns in mid-November, averaging the most passing yards over the past four games (326.8). Expect the Browns to clinch their first postseason berth since 2020 while the Jets improve their 2024 draft position thanks to another vintage performance from the Super Bowl XLVII MVP. 

PREDICTION: Browns, 21-7

Miami Dolphins (11-4) at Baltimore Ravens (12-3): Both teams earned statement wins last week, with Miami earning its first victory over a winning squad this season while Baltimore knocked off San Francisco in a game that might've secured QB Lamar Jackson his second MVP Award. The Dolphins overcame a 35-14 third-quarter deficit to stun the Ravens 42-38 when they met in Week 2 last season, and with both teams clicking, we could be in store for another thriller.

Miami's explosive offense might have difficulty putting up points against a Baltimore defense that allows the fewest points (16.3) and the sixth-fewest yards per game this season (297.3). However, the Dolphins defense could keep the top-ranked Ravens rushing attack in check, as the unit gives up the fifth-fewest rushing yards per game (90.8). Even so, considering Dolphins WR Jaylen Waddle is dealing with an ankle injury that could prevent him from playing, Baltimore should manage to extend its winning streak to six games. 

PREDICTION: Ravens, 24-21

New England Patriots (4-11) at Buffalo Bills (9-6): New England pulled off a surprising victory last week, knocking off the Broncos behind a 56-yard Chad Ryland field goal, which effectively ended the Russell Wilson era in Denver. Meanwhile, the Bills, winners of their last three games, avoided a scare from the Easton Stick-led Chargers for a tight 24-22 road win thanks to QB Josh Allen's 252-yard, three-touchdown outing. 

The Patriots have hit their stride under QB Bailey Zappe in recent weeks, providing some optimism for Sunday's matchup, especially since they took care of Buffalo in Week 7 with Mac Jones at quarterback. Still, New England's 21.3 points per game over the last three contests is well below the league average, and the offense could return to its dreadful ways in the hostile environment of Highmark Stadium. Buffalo only allows 15.3 points at home this season, the second-fewest in the NFL.  

Nonetheless, Buffalo's latest loss to New England, coupled with last week's narrow escape, should serve as a reminder that it can't take this matchup lightly. Look for an all-round performance from the Bills similar to their convincing 31-10 Week 15 win over the Cowboys to set up a decisive clash with Miami for the division crown in the regular-season finale. 

PREDICTION: Bills, 28-10