NFL Power Rankings: AFC East preview

Only half of the AFC East was in action in Week 7. The New York Jets pulled off a quality win against the San Diego Chargers, while the Miami Dolphins were stunned by the Fighting Tebows.

Here is how this past weekend could impact Tuesday's NFL Power Rankings:

New England Patriots (5-1)

Last week: No. 2

Result: Bye

Analysis: New England most likely will remain No. 2 since the Green Bay Packers (7-0)�are undefeated. Both teams have been the dominant teams in their conferences this season. The Patriots are coming off a bye and have two weeks to prepare for a big game against the Pittsburgh Steelers (5-2), who have won three straight. It will be a great midseason�test for both playoff-bound teams.

Projected ranking: No. 2

Buffalo Bills (4-2)

Last week: No. 10

Result: Bye

Analysis: Buffalo also was inactive but may have a chance to move up. Top-10 teams like the Detroit Lions and Chargers suffered losses in Week 7. Buffalo will play in Toronto this weekend against the�Washington Redskins (3-3). Washington just made a quarterback change to John Beck. Buffalo's struggling defense needs to take advantage and show improvement.

Projected ranking: No. 8-10

New York Jets (4-3)

Last week: No. 16

Result: W, 27-21 against Chargers

Analysis: For weeks, I've been ranking the Jets higher than anyone on the panel. They haven't played well. But I knew the Jets were bound to pick up an impressive win sooner or later with the talent on their roster. New York did with a big�win over the Chargers. The Jets are tough to beat at home, where they are 4-0. New York needs to prove it can win on the road and has a big AFC East showdown�at Buffalo on Nov. 6 following the bye.

Projected ranking: No. 12-14

Miami Dolphins (0-6)

Last week: No. 30

Result: L, 18-15 against Broncos

Analysis: What can we say about the Dolphins? They're one of the biggest stories in the NFL. But in a bad way after blowing a 15-point lead in the fourth quarter to quarterback Tim Tebow and the Denver Broncos. Miami lost at home for the seventh straight time and is 1-12 in its last 13 games at Sun Life Stadium. Miami also is 0-3 on the road this year. Things do not look promising playing at the New York Giants (4-2) who are coming off their bye.

Projected ranking: No. 30-32

Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/afceast/post/_/id/33157/nfl-power-rankings-afc-east-preview

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