Patriots Reclaim AFC East Lead After Bills' Stumble

As of October 14th, 2025, the landscape of the AFC East division has shifted, with the New England Patriots now sitting atop the standings. This change in leadership comes after the Buffalo Bills, who were heavily favored to dominate the division at the start of the season, have suffered two consecutive losses.

The Bills' recent struggles on both offense and defense have allowed the Patriots to seize the division lead. New England's victory over the Bills in a previous matchup has given them the head-to-head tiebreaker, at least for the moment. With 11 games remaining, the Bills are not panicking, as they have overcome similar challenges in the past.

However, the Patriots appear to have a favorable schedule going forward, with eight of their last 11 opponents currently holding losing records. This could allow them to further solidify their position atop the AFC East. The only remaining matchup between the Patriots and Bills is scheduled for Week 15 in Foxborough.

As the Bills head into their bye week, they will focus on addressing their issues and getting healthy. They will then face a surging Carolina Panthers team before a marquee showdown with the Kansas City Chiefs at home. The Bills remain confident in their ability to reclaim the division lead, but the Patriots have a prime opportunity to extend their advantage in the coming weeks.