Patriots Claim Top Spot in AFC East as Bills’ Loss Shakes Up Standings After Four Years

The Buffalo Bills, once dominant in the AFC East, have found their position challenged this season. After suffering a second consecutive loss, the Bills have been overtaken by the New England Patriots, who now lead the division for the first time since the 2021 season. During that year, the Patriots briefly held the top seed in the AFC but later fell to a wild-card spot.
AFC East Standings Update
As it stands, the AFC East standings show the Patriots at the top with a record of 4-2, closely followed by the Bills, also at 4-2. This is a significant change from earlier in the season when the Bills were heavily favored.
Current AFC East Standings
- 1. Patriots: 4-2
- 2. Bills: 4-2
- 3. Dolphins: 1-5
- 4. Jets: 0-6
The Patriots’ shift to first place is partially due to their head-to-head victory over the Bills. With both teams having the same record, this tiebreaker may prove crucial as the season progresses.
Looking Ahead: Patriots’ Schedule
The Patriots are well positioned for continued success with a comparatively lighter schedule ahead. Eight of their next eleven opponents currently have losing records, providing opportunities to accumulate wins.
Patriots Remaining Schedule
Week | Date | Opponent | Kickoff Time (ET) |
---|---|---|---|
7 | Oct. 19 | at Titans | 1 p.m. |
8 | Oct. 26 | vs. Browns | 1 p.m. |
9 | Nov. 2 | vs. Falcons | 1 p.m. |
10 | Nov. 9 | at Buccaneers | 1 p.m. |
11 | Nov. 13 | vs. Jets (TNF) | 8:15 p.m. |
12 | Nov. 23 | at Bengals | 1 p.m. |
13 | Dec. 1 | vs. Giants (MNF) | 8:15 p.m. |
15 | Dec. 14 | vs. Bills | 1 p.m. |
The Patriots’ schedule features only a few teams with winning records, which could facilitate their efforts to maintain or add to their division lead.
Bills’ Upcoming Challenges
On the other hand, the Bills, who also hold a 4-2 record, will be looking to rebound after their tough losses. Their upcoming matchups include a pivotal game against the Carolina Panthers followed by a challenging encounter with the Kansas City Chiefs.
Bills Remaining Schedule
Week | Date | Matchup | Time (ET) |
---|---|---|---|
7 | — | BYE | — |
8 | Oct. 26 | at Panthers | 1 p.m. |
9 | Nov. 2 | vs. Chiefs | 4:25 p.m. |
12 | Nov. 20 | at Texans | 8:15 p.m. |
15 | Dec. 14 | at Patriots | 1 p.m. |
The Bills will aim to regain their form as they navigate through the remaining season, with a critical matchup against the Patriots on December 14, set to reshape the AFC East standings once again.