Through the first three weeks of the season, it seemed like the Buffalo Bills were going to moonwalk their way into an AFC East title. Now, the path isn't quite that simple.
Buffalo kept its grasp on the top spot in the division with a chaotic win over the Los Angeles Rams on Monday Night Football, but the New England Patriots aren't going to let them run away with it. New England had a statement win of its own in Week 5, putting up 45 points against the Las Vegas Raiders.
This is a two-team race for the division title, but it's a tight one. Here's how the AFC East stacks up after Week 5.
AFC East power rankings after Week 5
Week 5 results:
- Dolphins lose to Bengals 31-24
- Patriots beat Raiders 45-17
- Jets beat Browns 17-12
- Bills beat Rams 37-34 (OT)
1. Buffalo Bills
There isn't a player in the NFL who can do what Josh Allen does. His ability to access every inch of the field with his rocket of an arm and take over the game at any moment with his legs makes him impossible to defend.
However, the Bills can't count on Allen to be a superhero every week. They've allowed 29 points or more in four of their five games. That isn't sustainable for a team with championship aspirations. With games against the Raiders, Ravens, and Vikings over the next few weeks, the road ahead doesn't get any easier.
Next game: Sunday, Oct. 18th @ Raiders
2. New England Patriots
No team in the NFL made a louder statement than the Patriots in Week 5. Their 45-17 win over the Raiders reestablished them as a true threat in the AFC landscape. Even without A.J. Brown, Drake Maye put up nearly 400 total yards and five touchdowns. We can't completely discount New England's early-season struggles, but it seems to be back on track.
The Patriots aren't backing down in the AFC East title race. They'll force the Bills to be at their best for the remainder of the season.
Next game: Sunday, Oct. 18th vs. Jets
3. New York Jets
The Jets pulled off a hard-fought win over the Cleveland Browns under an onslaught of rain, led by their relentless pass rush. Rookie edge defender David Bailey is living up to his pre-draft billing and looks like a franchise cornerstone for New York.
Still, this team is just too limited to challenge the Bills and the Patriots at the top of the division. The Jets are still at least a year (and a quarterback) away.
Next game: Sunday, Oct. 18th @ Patriots
4. Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins put together their highest scoring output of the season on Sunday. Unfortunately, it still wasn't enough to earn their first win. Malik Willis doesn't look like a franchise quarterback, but with the lack of talent around him, it's impossible to make a true assessment of his abilities.
Miami has a real chance to finish the season 0-17. This roster wasn't built to win, and it finds itself unable to do so after five brutal weeks. The Dolphins are already on No. 1 overall pick watch.
Next game: Sunday, Oct. 25th @ Jets (Week 6 bye)
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