Bills Propel Patriots into Strong Playoff Position
The New England Patriots are in a strong position to secure the AFC East title and a guaranteed playoff home game. Their path became clearer following the Buffalo Bills’ recent 23-19 loss to the Houston Texans during Thursday Night Football.
Patriots’ Playoff Prospects
With their current record at 9-2, the Patriots hold a two-game advantage over the Bills, who sit at 7-4 in the loss column. The Patriots defeated the Bills earlier this season, giving them an edge in their upcoming rematch on December 14 at Gillette Stadium. Remarkably, New England could still win the division title even if they lose this game.
According to a predictive model from The Athletic, the Patriots have a 90% chance of clinching the AFC East.
AFC East Standings
| Team | Wins | Losses | Win Percentage | Points For | Points Against |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New England | 9 | 2 | 0.818 | 292 | 206 |
| Buffalo | 7 | 4 | 0.636 | 311 | 252 |
| Miami | 4 | 7 | 0.364 | 226 | 269 |
| N.Y. Jets | 2 | 8 | 0.200 | 209 | 268 |
Bills’ Challenging Schedule
The Bills face a more difficult road ahead. Once considered a playoff certainty, their chances have diminished. To secure a likely postseason spot, they need at least three wins from their remaining six games.
Buffalo’s schedule includes tough matchups against playoff-bound teams: the Steelers, Patriots, and Eagles. Here are their remaining games:
- Nov. 30 — at Pittsburgh
- Dec. 7 — vs. Cincinnati
- Dec. 14 — at New England
- Dec. 21 — at Cleveland
- Dec. 28 — vs. Philadelphia
- Jan. 4 — vs. NY Jets
Patriots’ Remaining Schedule
The Patriots also have key games to navigate. Their upcoming schedule includes:
- Nov. 23 — at Cincinnati
- Dec. 1 — vs. NY Giants
- Dec. 14 — vs. Buffalo
- Dec. 21 — at Baltimore
- Dec. 28 — at NY Jets
- Jan. 4 — vs. Miami
As the season continues, both teams will look to secure their playoff positions and vie for the best outcomes in the competitive AFC East.
