The AFC East has not seen much variety in division winners. Since 2009, every division champion has been either the Buffalo Bills or the New England Patriots. This year, that trend will hold up, but it’s still up for grabs between the two organizations.
Both teams are led by elite quarterback play. For Buffalo, it’s Josh Allen, who has been haunting NFL defenses since he settled in as a superstar. The Patriots found new life in their young, second-year quarterback out of North Carolina. Drake Maye has had a spectacular sophomore season worthy of MVP discussions.
These two will battle it out at Gillette Stadium in Week 15. Not only will this game have a playoff atmosphere, but it carries massive playoff and divisional implications.
Here’s a look at the updated AFC East standings ahead of the Bills marching into Foxborough to face the Patriots.
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AFC East standings
| Rank | Team | Record | GB |
| 1 | Patriots | 11-2 | -- |
| 2 | Bills | 9-4 | 2 |
| 3 | Dolphins | 6-7 | 3 |
| 4 | Jets | 3-10 | ELIM |
As it stands heading into Week 15, the Patriots have a two-game lead over the Bills for the AFC East. However, Buffalo still has a chance to reclaim their throne for a potential sixth straight division title.
The Bills need to beat New England on Sunday to have any hope of overtaking the Patriots. If they lose, they'd fall three games behind New England with only three games left to play. The issue is that the Patriots would have swept them, thereby holding the tiebreaker.
If the Patriots win, they will secure their first AFC East title since 2019. So that you know, Tom Brady was the quarterback the last time this happened.
However, if the Bills were able to defeat the Patriots in Week 15, the AFC East would still be on the table for Buffalo. While they would still need the Patriots to lose another game, it would be mathematically possible.
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Patriots remaining schedule
Here are the remaining games for New England:
| Date | Matchup | Time (ET) |
| Dec. 21 | at Ravens | 8:20 p.m. |
| Dec. 28 | at Jets | 1 p.m. |
| TBD | vs. Dolphins | TBD |
If the Patriots get by the Bills in Week 15, they'd clinch the AFC East. However, even if New England falls to Buffalo, their remaining schedule is more than favorable. Regardless of whether they lose, the Patriots have positioned themselves for a great shot at the division title.
Bills remaining schedule
Here are the remaining games for Buffalo:
| Date | Matchup | Time (ET) |
| Dec. 21 | at Browns | 1 p.m. |
| Dec. 28 | vs. Eagles | 4:25 p.m. |
| TBD | vs. Jets | TBD |
The first step is defeating the Patriots in Week 15. If that is accomplished, the Bills have a solid chance to win their remaining three games. The toughest team on the schedule is the Philadelphia Eagles, who have looked disastrous. Even with a win over New England, the Bills still won't control their own destiny.