The Buffalo Bills' bye week couldn't have come at a better time. They're one of the few five-win teams in the NFL after their win over the Las Vegas Raiders, but they haven't been as dominant as their record indicates. Joe Brady's squad has only won by more than one score once this season.
Meanwhile, the New England Patriots have returned to their 2025 form, winning their third consecutive game and bringing the AFC East title race back within a game.
As we turn our attention to Week 7, here's how things stand in the hotly-contested AFC East.
AFC East power rankings after Week 6
Week 6 results:
- Patriots beat Jets 26-19
- Bills beat Raiders 33-30
1. Buffalo Bills
Josh Allen is feeling the benefit of a balanced offense after a second consecutive win. James Cook was the engine of the Bills' attack against the Raiders, posting 153 total yards and a touchdown.
But it's not all sunshine and rainbows for Buffalo. The defense has only held an opponent under 30 points twice this year: once against the now 0-6 Los Angeles Chargers and once in a loss to the Patriots. Jim Leonhard's unit is threatening to hold the Bills back from their Super Bowl aspirations.
Next game: Sunday, Nov. 1st vs. Ravens
2. New England Patriots
It's not a good sign for the Bills that the Patriots dominated the same Raiders team that Buffalo barely beat. New England has been on a tear since their win over the Bills and can bring themselves within a half-game of the division title with a win in Week 7.
Since Week 3, the Patriots' offense ranks third in EPA per play, first in success rate, and first in passing touchdowns. If Drake May can continue his current pace, the Patriots may overtake the Bills before long.
Next game: Thursday, Oct. 22nd @ Bears
3. New York Jets
The Jets may be 2-4, but they've managed to keep each of their games competitive this season. In fact, they have a better point differential (-10) than two teams with winning records: the 4-2 Cleveland Browns (-16) and the 4-2 Denver Broncos (-11).
New York's unexpected competence may not be enough to challenge the Bills and Patriots for the division title, but it should save Aaron Glenn's job.
Next game: Sunday, Oct. 25th vs. Dolphins
4. Miami Dolphins
With the Tennessee Titans' Week 6 win, the Dolphins are now one of two winless teams. They're in the race for the first overall pick in the 2027 NFL Draft much more than they're in any playoff race.
The rest of the Dolphins' season should be focused on developing young players and figuring out whether Malik Willis deserves another year as the starting quarterback.
Next game: Sunday, Oct. 25th @ Jets
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