The Buffalo Bills haven't been as dominant as we've been accustomed to seeing in the Josh Allen era in 2025. However, everything they want to accomplish is still directly in front of them, including a sixth consecutive AFC East crown.
Buffalo faces an uphill battle to maintain the divisional supremacy it's enjoyed for each of the past five seasons. The team is currently two wins behind the New England Patriots in the standings and running out of time to make up ground. Yet, Bills fans know better than to count Allen and Co. out, especially with a stroke of good scheduling fortune coming their way.
If there was ever a time for the Bills to supplant the Patriots atop the ranks, it's now. Buffalo will play against a backup quarterback in at least its next two games -- plus a potential third straight clash with an understudy.
Injured QBs present Bills with prime chance to snatch AFC East crown from Patriots
Sometimes, it's better to be lucky than good. While the Bills have experienced injury problems themselves, they're finally the beneficary of another squad's misfortunes. We'll see them face a triad of respectable opponents that would be much more menacing with their starter under center, beginning with the Houston Texans.
A date with Davis Mills and the Texans marks the first of what could be three soft matchups in a row for the Bills. The fifth-year pro is 7-19-1 in his career as a starter and led the NFL in interceptions in 2022 (15). Buffalo's banged-up defense kicks off Week 12 with a much-needed Thursday Night Football get-right spot.
Then, the Bills travel to Acrisure Stadium for a meeting with the Mason Rudolph-led Pittsburgh Steelers. Four-time MVP Aaron Rodgers is reportedly pushing to play through a left (non-throwing hand) wrist fracture, though his status moving forward remains unclear. We're skeptical of the latter's ability to grip a football or avoid any setbacks, and the tea leaves suggest his availability is in serious doubt.
Last but not least, the Bills will host the Cincinnati Bengals on Dec. 7, who have been without superstar passer Joe Burrow for months. He's aiming for Thanksgiving to make his highly anticipated return from a toe injury and might even be back sooner. Nevertheless, there's at least a decent shot 40-year-old gunslinger Joe Flacco will get the nod in Buffalo.
For whatever it's worth, the Bills don't control their destiny in the race with New England. They need the Patriots, who have the league's second-easiest remaining strength of schedule, to start losing. Be that as it may, recent developments give Buffalo more than a puncher's chance at reclaiming their throne.