For the last five seasons, the AFC East has belonged to the Buffalo Bills and it’s only been one season where the Bills didn’t take the division before the end of the season. Last season was the most impressive title win for Buffalo considering the fact that people were writing them off after losing a lot of veterans players last offseason.
The Bills’ division dominance started immediately after Tom Brady left New England and joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Since Brady’s departure, the Patriots have had just one winning season in 2021 which earned them a playoff berth, only to be destroyed by the Bills in the first round of the playoffs, losing 47-17. Since that one winning season, the Patriots have gone 16-35 the last three seasons.
While the Patriots had a horrendous 2024 season, they did get one thing right in drafting quarterback Drake Maye who showed that he can play despite not having a lot around him. Now, he has a better head coach, better defense, and young playmakers around him along with an improved offensive line.
Patriots could give Bills a bit of a scare in 2025
I’m not saying that the Patriots will take the AFC East away from the Bills, but don’t think that there won’t be a moment where the Bills might be sitting there in October or November and the Patriots are not far behind them. When you look at the division, the Patriots look like they will be the ones that take the second place spot and even potentially make the playoffs.
Lou Scataglia from NFL Spin Zone listed the Patriots as a “sneaky AFC team” that could make the playoffs this upcoming season. If that were the case and the Bills do end up winning the division again, there could be a chance where the Patriots come to Buffalo again in the playoffs. Here’s a bit on what Scataglia said about the Patriots being a team to watch to make the playoffs:
"The Pats figure to be tough on defense, and the offense under McDaniels is going to show signs of competency. The Patriots do have a path to a nine or 10-win season if the ball can bounce their way."Lou Scataglia, NFL Spin Zone
With a more experience coaching staff in New England this season, this team could turn some heads if they manage to pick up the slack on offense. For a couple seasons now, the Patriots have heavily struggled overall but have always given the Bills some sort of trouble. Now, they have a better roster and a better coaching staff.
Barring any major injuries, the Bills are expected to win the division once again. Except this time, they could very well be seeing one of their rivals in the playoffs in 2025.