Week 10 AFC East predictions: Could this be Bill Belichick's final game with Patriots?

The AFC East was winless in Week 9, as the New York Jets were blown out, while the New England Patriots dropped another heartbreaker. The Miami Dolphins and Buffalo Bills suffered arguably the most devastating losses, with both being branded "championship pretenders" as a result.

With Miami on its bye, here are our predictions for the three games the AFC East is slated to play in Week 10. 

Indianapolis Colts (4-5) at New England Patriots (2-7): The sputtering Patriots couldn't generate much offense against the worst defense in terms of points allowed, even after the Commanders traded away their two best defenders earlier in the week. Heading to Frankfurt, Germany, with a 2-7 record, New England's season isn't salvageable, but there could be surprising stakes on the line.

The Boston Globe’s Ben Volin recently reported that based on “conversations” he had, there is “a chance” owner Robert Kraft could fire HC Bill Belichick during the Patriots' Week 11 bye. Despite this shaping up to be the Patriots' worst season under Belichick, it seems unlikely the franchise would fire the six-time Super Bowl-winning head coach on such a harsh note. Even so, if Belichick is coaching for his job, perhaps this will serve as a jolt of motivation for the Patriots' 31st-ranked scoring offense.

After getting in their fair share of shootouts, the Colts saw their offense fall flat against a one-win Panthers team last week and only snapped a three-game skid thanks to Bryce Young's rookie mistakes. As long as Indianapolis' offense remains stagnant and its defense struggles just as it did during the aforementioned losing streak when it allowed 38 points per game, the Patriots' experience should help them pull off the upset. 

PREDICTION: Patriots, 24-21

New York Jets (4-4) at Las Vegas Raiders (4-5): While the Raiders kicked off the post-Josh McDaniels era with a 30-6 thrashing of the Giants, they might have a more difficult time against MetLife Stadium's other tenant, which boasts a top-10 defense. It's anyone's guess who wins the quarterback duel between Zach Wilson, who has led the Jets on eight touchdown-scoring drives in as many games, and fourth-round rookie Aidan O'Connell. However, it's probably safe to assume that there won't be many points scored.

Ultimately, the outcome may be determined by which of Breece Hall or Josh Jacobs is the more effective rusher. Given that the Raiders and Jets allow the second- and third-most rushing yards per game (138.7 and 137.3, respectively), it's still a toss-up. Although, since the Raiders have allowed 172.7 over their last three contests, Hall could finally break his rut after three straight underwhelming outings on the ground to get the Jets back over .500. 

PREDICTION: Jets, 17-14

Denver Broncos (3-5) at Buffalo Bills (5-4): With each passing week, it's becoming more apparent that this Bills team simply isn't up to the same level as recent years and shouldn't be Super Bowl contenders. In fact, after losing three of their last five games, the Bills are out of the playoff picture entirely through nine weeks and must act quickly to change that. Unlike its offense, Buffalo has been consistent when it comes to bouncing back after losing, with its most recent consecutive losses coming in Weeks 9 and 10 of last season.

The Broncos are trending upward after shockingly defeating Kansas City in their last game. Yet, it took five takeaways and a few critical drops to secure the victory, and while Josh Allen has turnover issues of his own, this is an optimal spot to turn the season around. Expect Buffalo to work out some of its offensive kinks against a defense that leads the league in points (28.3) and rushing yards allowed per game (154.1). 

PREDICTION: Bills, 35-21