Week 7 AFC East predictions: Dolphins struggle during interconference matchup

The New York Jets are on their bye this week, but the Buffalo Bills aim to shake off their recent rust against the New England Patriots, while the Miami Dolphins will face their toughest test of the season. Here are predictions for the AFC East in Week 7: 

Buffalo Bills (4-2) at New England Patriots (1-5): Taking into account records and stats, it'd be reasonable to predict this shouldn't be closely contested, but given how Buffalo has performed lately, the Patriots could make things interesting.

The Bills have shown signs of inconsistency offensively throughout the year and scored just 14 points this past Sunday against an awful Giants team that had surrendered 30.6 points per game over the first five weeks of the season. For as flawed and banged up the Patriots defense has been, Bills quarterback Josh Allen, who averages 262.7 passing yards per game, could have a second consecutive underwhelming showing. New England has fared well against opposing signal-callers, allowing the 12th-fewest passing yards per game (202.7). 

Buffalo's defense, on the other hand, has excelled even after dealing with multiple significant injuries and should have little issue handling the NFL's second-worst scoring offense. The Patriots haven't scored 20 or more points in a game since Week 1 and quarterback Mac Jones has been benched twice over the last three weeks. If New England struggles early on, benching Jones – the the league leader in turnovers with nine – could provide the team with a much-needed spark.

Although it wouldn't be surprising to see the Bills offense's troubles continue, the team still has far more talent than the Patriots and will only lose if they beat themselves. As long as Buffalo is sharp in the first half, it won't need to score much to build an insurmountable lead.

PREDICTION: Bills, 24-14

Miami Dolphins (5-1) at Philadelphia Eagles (5-1): The most anticipated matchup in this week's slate features arguably the two best teams in their respective conferences under the spotlight of "Sunday Night Football." The Dolphins offense is making waves across the league and for good reason, as the unit has racked up the second-most yards through six games in NFL history (2,992). However, despite quarterback Jalen Hurts' three-interception performance last week, Philadelphia's offense shouldn't be underestimated. It averages the fifth-most points per game (25.8) in the NFL.

Even so, the outcome of this one will be determined by whose defense is more effective, which could give Philadelphia the edge. Miami has allowed more points (156) and total yards (2,062) between the two teams this season, a cause for concern since it has faced much easier competition and the Eagles defense has been riddled with injuries. Additionally, Philadelphia should get back two of its most impactful defenders in CB Darius Slay and DT Jalen Carter, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. 

It's worth noting that Miami suffered its lone loss against the only team it faced with a winning record when it played in Buffalo, where the atmosphere was likely just as hostile as it will be in Philadelphia. Since the start of last season, Lincoln Financial Field has been one of the toughest venues for visiting teams, with the Eagles posting an 11-2 record there, including the playoffs.

Assuming Slay and Carter suit up, Miami's offense won't be able to overcome another slow start like it has in recent weeks, especially against an Eagles team averaging the second-most first-quarter points this season (7.2). 

PREDICTION: Eagles, 28-24