The gap between the top two teams in the division compressed after the first-place New England Patriots lost a close battle to the second-place Miami Dolphins. The Dolphins chances of actually overtaking New England for the AFC East title are very, very slim, but the win helped their Wildcard chances and made a statement to their longtime rivals.
The New York Jets and Buffalo Bills, both eliminated from playoff contention. are jockeying to avoid a last place finish. The Bills beat the resurgent Jacksonville Jaguars last week while the Jets were downed by NFC powerhouse Carolina Panthers.
Here's where the four AFC East teams stand in the major media outlets' NFL power rankings entering Week 16:
NE MIA BUF NYJ
ESPN 7(4) 14(16) 25(26) 22(21)
NFL 7(4) 10(11) 26(28) 21(19)
CBS 7(6) 13(15) 23(29) 26(25)
Fox 7(4) 12(15) 27(27) 23(21)
NBC 4(3) 15(16) 22(26) 21(19)
SI 6(5) 8(10) 27(30) 22(19)
PFF 5(4) 13(15) 26(26) 25(24)
AVG: 6(4) 12(14) 25(27) 23(21)
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ESPN: http://espn.go.com/nfl/powerrankingsNFL.com: http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap2000000300006/article/power-rankings-week-16-chiefs-on-the-rise-pats-on-the-decline
CBS Sports: http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/writer/pat-kirwan/24378900/nfl-power-rankings-seattle-reign-continues-as-other-contenders-stumble
Fox Sports: http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/powerRankings
Pro Football Talk: http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/12/17/week-15-power-rankings-4/
SI.com: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/nfl/news/20131218/nfl-power-rankings-week-15-seattle-seahawks/
Pro Football Focus: https://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2013/12/18/power-rankings-week-15-2/
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