The AFC East sits as the worst division in PML, not necessarily in overall (That belongs to the NFC South), but in reputation. They are likely to send a 8-9 or 9-8 division winner to the playoffs in a league where 10 wins usually doesn’t guarantee a spot in the postseason. So, who will win? Who is the best of the worst?
Buffalo Bills
Current Record: 7-7 (2-3)
The Bills have been painfully average, with their win against the Ravens in week 1 being their only victory over an opponent currently over .500. If they had been able to take advantage of their divisional matchups, it would be clinched already, but with matchups against the Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles looming, it may be lost. Their week 18 matchup with the Jets may be too late, or it could be the playoffs starting a week early. I think they do lose out and go 7-10 (2-4), maybe winning over the Jets if the division is clinched by then.
New York Jets
Current Record: 6-8 (4-0)
The Jets started strong, but have since looked like pretty normal Arod outside of his undefeated divisional record, which is all he may need. The schedule down the stretch couldn’t be easier with the 1-12 New Orleans Saints before two games in the division against the Patriots and Bills. The Jets won their first matchup with those two and as long as they split those and take care of the Saints, they’ll come in at 8-9 (5-1) and it’ll be enough to have a home playoff game.
Miami Dolphins
Current Record: 5-8 (2-3)
The Dolphins haven’t played this week (shocker) but it’ll probably be a loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers who sit at 8-5. Their final three games are all against teams currently under .500, but one more loss would put them at 8-9 (3-3) at best and I don’t think that would be enough to jump the Jets and Bills. Their only shot in my opinion is winning out, including beating DK today.
New England Patriots
Current Record: 5-9 (1-3)
The Patriots also started the season well, but then quickly fell off and losses to the Saints (their only win) and the Titans (4-8) now have them very unlikely to come back for the division, with the nail in the coffin being this week against the Bills. While, I don’t think they beat the Ravens or Jets in their final three games, even if they did they’d need a lot of help. Maybe next season for Drake Maye, but I see New England finishing at 6-11 (2-4).
My Final Predictions
New York Jets: 8-9 (5-1)
Loss to Bills
Wins over Saints and Patriots
Buffalo Bills: 8-9 (3-3)
Losses to Browns and Eagles
Win over Jets
Miami Dolphins: 7-10 (2-4)
Losses to Steelers and Patriots
Wins over Bengals and Buccaneers
New England Patriots: 6-11 (2-4)
Losses to Ravens and Jets
Win over Patriots
* This content was brought to you without the use or assistance of any generative AI
