The AFC East has quickly turned into a division of Haves (5-2 Patriots and 4-2 Bills) and Have Nots (1-6 Dolphins and 0-7 Jets) after seven weeks. The Patriots are a half-game up on the Bills as Buffalo comes off their bye, while the Dolphins and Jets are dealing with coach and quarterback issues, respectively. And with that, let’s turn our attention to the AFC East Bold Predictions for Week 8.
New England Patriots
Drake Maye
New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) walks off the field against the Buffalo Bills after the game at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images
The Patriots will win their fourth-straight game this weekend
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This may not feel like a bold prediction, but the Patriots are still only 1-2 at home after winning just three games in Foxborough of the past two seasons. While the Browns will give the Patriots their toughest defensive challenge yet, the Patriots will hold serve at home and win this one 24-13.
Kayshon Boutte will score for his third-straight game
Kayshon Boutte has become Drake Maye’s best downfield option and has quickly established a rapport with the second-year quarterback. Boutte now has three long touchdowns over his last two games, and will be relied upon this week as the Patriots attempt to put pressure on the Browns tough defense.
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Buffalo Bills
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen looks around the stadium after the game and their win against the Baltimore Ravens at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen looks around the stadium after the game and their win against the Baltimore Ravens at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park – Tina MacIntyre-Yee/Democrat and Chronicle / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Josh Allen will struggle against the Panthers this week
The reigning NFL MVP hasn’t put up more than 253 passing yards in a game all season and isn’t going to do that this week either. The Panthers are a top-10 pass defense and are allowing just 203.1 passing yards per game to opponents. While Allen will likely surpass that total, he won’t surpass 250 passing yards this week.
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James Cook will be held in check again this week
James Cook is still fourth in the league in rushing yards, but he’s fallen off a bit over the past few weeks. After a blistering start, Cook hasn’t put up more than 87 rushing yards in either of his last two games and will face a tough Panthers run defense that is only allowing 92.6 rushing yards per game. Cook will have another tough week and won’t surpass 70 rushing yards.
Miami Dolphins
Oct 12, 2025; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel leaves the field at the end of a game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Storry-Imagn Images
Mike McDaniel will lose his job this week
I’ve been writing this for a few weeks now, but this is finally the week it happens. The Dolphins have had internal sniping going on via the media over the last two weeks, and things aren’t going to get much better if (when) the Dolphins lose to the Falcons on the road. With a loss bringing the Dolphins to 1-7, McDaniel won’t last in his job beyond this weekend.
Tua Tagovailoa’s interception woes will continue
Tua Tagovailoa has thrown three interceptions in each of his last two games and is now tied for the league lead with 10 interceptions. The Falcons are averaging almost an interception per game on defense, which will help Tua continue his streak this week. Look for Tua to throw two picks against the Falcons this week.
New York Jets
Oct 19, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets quarterback Tyrod Taylor (2) throws the ball in the third quarter against the Carolina Panthers at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Tyrod Taylor will start for the Jets this week
The Jets have had Tyrod Taylor and Justin Fields splitting reps in practice this week, but the writing is on the wall here as Jets owner Woody Johnson publicly criticized Fields on Tuesday. While Taylor is currently questionable with a knee injury, I think he’ll be under center for the winless Jets when they take on a resurgent Bengals team this week.
Mason Taylor will be the Jets’ main weapon this week
The Jets have been struggling on offense all season, but rookie TE Mason Taylor has been a bright spot (sometimes). With Garrett Wilson likely out this weekend, Taylor is set up for a big week as he should push double-digit targets and will get to face a Bengals defense that is giving up a league-worst 76.6 receiving yards to opposing tight ends. Look for Taylor to top 75 receiving yards and find the end zone for the first time in his young career.
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