AFC East Roundup: Jets, Phins fall

The New York Jets and the Miami Dolphins had a golden opportunity slip through their fingers on Sunday afternoon.

The Ravens upended the Jets 19-3

With wins, they both would have kept pace with the AFC East division leading New England Patriots and kept themselves firmly within striking distance at two games back with five games to play - but with losses, both now have to hope that the Denver Broncos can beat the Patriots in Foxborough this evening.

If the Broncos prevail, what could have been an anxiety-emitting cushion of just one game for New England will still be two games - and if the Patriots win at home, their lead in the division will three games, virtually assuring that New England will win yet another division title.

The Jets lost to the Baltimore Ravens 19-3 at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore while the Dolphins blew a big lead in the second half at home to fall to the Carolina Panthers 20-16.

And it gets even worse.

Currently in the AFC wildcard race, there are five teams tied for the two remaining spots, the Chargers, Steelers and Ravens joining the Jets and Dolphins with identical 5-6 records, while four other teams are a game back of them.

Clearly, the Playoff picture in the AFC is getting more and more muddled as the year progresses and the Jets and Dolphins have contributed to that mightily today.