AFC East Week 3 predictions: Will the Dolphins remain undefeated?

Will the Jets break a ridiculous streak by the Patriots? Here are predictions for Week 3:  

Buffalo Bills (1-1) at Washington Commanders (2-0): It's difficult to predict which variation of Josh Allen Buffalo gets on Sunday, but if his performance is on par with last week's showing, the Bills should win. Allen rebounded from a disastrous four-turnover outing in a Week 1 loss to the Jets, finishing 31-of-37 passing for 274 yards and three touchdowns in a 38-10 drubbing of Las Vegas.

Although the schedule has been favorable, the Commanders are off to an exciting 2-0 start. Washington's offense has been clicking under quarterback Sam Howell (501 yards and three touchdowns this season) and new OC Eric Bieniemy, averaging 27.5 points per game. However, the Bills defense is not in the same class as the units the Commanders have faced in 2023, allowing just two touchdowns in as many games. 

If Allen keeps his mental errors to a minimum, Buffalo should be in a position to score frequently. Should Buffalo's defense pressure Howell — the Bills are fifth in knockdowns per pass attempt — the second-year QB might have trouble keeping pace in what could turn into a shootout.

PREDICTION: Bills 28, Commanders 21

Miami Dolphins (2-0) vs. Denver Broncos (0-2): Dolphins HC Mike McDaniel's high-powered offense has Miami sitting atop the division and quarterback Tua Tagovailoa leading the MVP race. Even so, playing against a Denver defense that has allowed just 466 passing yards and has one of the league's top cornerbacks in Patrick Surtain II might make it difficult for Tagovailoa to connect often with Tyreek Hill.

Nevertheless, assuming he plays, the matchup could be a breakthrough game for wideout Jaylen Waddle. Waddle has endured a slow start this season, catching 11 passes for 164 yards, but is in concussion protocol. Fortunately for Miami, McDaniel told reporters on Monday that Waddle is "progressing" through protocol, giving some hope for his Week 3 availability.  

HC Sean Payton's addition hasn't fixed quarterback Russell Wilson or the rest of Denver's flaws. The Broncos are desperate for a win and won't back down easily, just as they didn't against Washington in Week 2. Miami, though, will be too much for them to overcome.  

PREDICTION: Dolphins, 28-24

New England Patriots (0-2) at New York Jets (1-1): The Jets haven't defeated the Patriots since Week 16 of the 2015 season, and with Zach Wilson back at quarterback, their head-to-head losing streak should extend to 15. In Week 2, New York's normally stout defense allowed 30 points to the Dallas Cowboys, but it should keep the game close because of New England's lack of firepower on offense. 

Regardless, Wilson's previous encounters with New England aren't encouraging for Sunday's outlook, even if the Patriots are 0-2 for the first time since 2001. In four career games against the Patriots, Wilson has thrown for 693 yards, two touchdowns and seven interceptions and the Jets have averaged 9.8 points. The former No. 2 pick has already been picked off four times and has only led the Jets on two touchdown-scoring drives. 

Both teams need a win to get their seasons back on track, but as long as quarterback Mac Jones effectively manages the offense, the Patriots should prevail in a low-scoring affair.

PREDICTION: Patriots 20, Jets 17