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Alastair Talbot

NFL Thanksgiving Week Grades AFC East: Does Anyone Have a Shot to Dethrone Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills in the final weeks of the season?

How have the teams in the AFC East performed as we enter the final stretch of the season?

As the 2024 NFL season enters the it's final stretch the AFC East has shaped up to be one of the more unpredictable divisions in football this fall.

While the Buffalo Bills have lived up to and perhaps even exceeded expectations, the Miami Dolphins, New England Patriots, and New York Jets have faced their fair share of struggles.

With the division title barely within reach for some and playoff hopes hanging by a thread for others, it’s been a season full of twists and turns.

  • Dalton Kincaid Buffalo BillsGetty images

    Buffalo Bills (9-2)

    The Buffalo Bills are exceeding expectations despite several significant roster changes during the offseason.

    General manager Brandon Beane made several moves to address the team’s needs, including trading superstar wide receiver Stefon Diggs to Houston and acquiring Amari Cooper from the Browns before the trade deadline.

    Quarterback Josh Allen has been playing at an elite level which has him firmly in the MVP conversation, and the offense has flourished with the emergence of new playmakers.

    While there have been a few bumps along the way, Buffalo has remained one of the top teams in the AFC and is primed for a deep playoff run, especially after their latest win against the now-beaten Kansas City Chiefs.

    Grade: A

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  • Miami Dolphins v Indianapolis ColtsGetty Images Sport

    Miami Dolphins (5-6)

    Miami entered the season with high expectations, but things have not gone according to plan. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, missed four games after suffering yet another concussion and has struggled to find his rhythm when healthy.

    The defense has been inconsistent, especially in clutch moments, but there were flashes of brilliance in there have been flashes of brilliance that have helped the Dolphins string together three straight wins.

    Despite their disappointing record, the Dolphins still have a shot at the playoffs in a wide-open AFC, so they’re not out of contention yet.

    Grade: C

  • Indianapolis Colts v New York JetsGetty Images Sport

    New York Jets (3-9)

    The Jets’ season has been a total nightmare, marked by a series of disappointing performances and the firing of head coach Robert Saleh after just five games. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers has struggled mightily and appears to be nothing more than a shell of his former self.

    The defense—despite its talent—has been unable to carry the team for long stretches like it has during previous seasons when it performed at an elite level.

    New York recently took things a step farther by firing general manger Joe Douglas during their bye week and all signs point to a full-blown rebuild next year. A far-far fall for a team that entered the season with Super Bowl or bust apserations.

    Grade: F-

  • New England Patriots v Miami DolphinsGetty Images Sport

    New England Patriots (3-9)

    The Patriots have faced a challenging season under first-year head coach Jerod Mayo.

    While there have been some bright spots, including the recent insertion of rookie quarterback Drake Maye, the team has struggled to establish any sort of offensive consistency.

    The defense has had its moments, but the lack of a true playmaker on offense has been their downfall. With a 3-9 record, New England is all but eliminated from playoff contention but remains a team capable of playing spoiler and for pride down the stretch.

    Maye however has shown all the signs of a potential franchise QB moving forward, giving Mayo and co. something to build around moving forward.

    Grade: C-