The Buffalo Bills may not have played a game in Week 7, but they were easily the biggest winners in the AFC East.
As Joe Brady's team got some much-needed rest, both the New England Patriots and the New York Jets took close losses. The Bills are now sitting pretty at the top of the division with a game and a half lead over the Patriots.
After seven weeks of regular-season action, here's how things stand in the AFC East.
AFC East power rankings after Week 7
Week 7 results:
- Patriots lose to Bears 30-24
- Dolphins beat Jets 28-25
1. Buffalo Bills
The Bills couldn't be feeling much better coming out of their bye week. They're clicking on offense, and they've avoided major injuries for the most part (insert superstitious act here). With a solid lead over their division rivals, their chances of home-field advantage in the playoffs are looking strong.
Buffalo's Week 8 matchup with the Baltimore Ravens should be a major test, assuming Lamar Jackson is healthy. The Bills' defense will need to step up to stop a potent Ravens attack.
Next game: Sunday, Nov. 1st vs. Ravens
2. New England Patriots
The Patriots were a few plays away from getting a statement win against the Chicago Bears and emerging as one of the hottest teams in the NFL. Instead, they took their third loss of the season and now sit just outside of the AFC playoff picture.
Drake Maye seems to have bounced back after his early-season struggles, and New England's defense is talented enough to go toe-to-toe with any offense. Despite their record, the Patriots are still a threat to the Bills.
Next game: Sunday, Nov. 1st @ Dolphins
3. New York Jets
Yes, the Jets lost to the Dolphins on Sunday, but we can't erase each team's performances through the first six weeks of the season based on one game. The Jets nearly pulled off a late comeback but fell just short.
Aaron Glenn's clock management is becoming a glaring issue for New York. While he's been able to put together a mostly competent team this year, his inability to improve his decision-making in key moments could cost him his job.
Next game: Sunday, Nov. 1st vs. Raiders
4. Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins finally got their first win of the season, though it knocked them out of the first draft slot in 2027. Still, Miami will enjoy its victory. It may be the only one it gets this year.
Malik Willis has shown flashes of the talent that drew the Dolphins to him, but the roster surrounding him just isn't good enough to be competitive. After all, it was never meant to be.
Next game: Sunday, Nov. 1st vs. Patriots
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