AFC East 2025 NFL preview: Who can stop Josh Allen and the Bills?

The Buffalo Bills, led by Josh Allen, look set to extend their grip on the AFC East and revive the kind of dominance Tom Brady and the New England Patriots once held. Under Sean McDermott, they remain the clear favorites and, at least for now, it’s hard to see them surrendering control of the division.

The Miami Dolphins loom as their most realistic threat – but only if Tua Tagovailoa stays healthy and Tyreek Hill is fully focused on football. The New England Patriots, meanwhile, are a mystery in Drake Maye’s second season, and the New York Jets enter a new era with Justin Fields under center.

Buffalo Bills

Allen and the Bills are expected to top the division, but their true target is the Super Bowl. To get there, they’ll need the No. 1 seed in the AFC to avoid trips to Kansas City, Baltimore, or Cincinnati.

Key additions like wide receiver Josh Palmer, defensive lineman Joey Bosa, and the return of Tre’Davious White bolster their case. Yet they’ve also lost valuable veterans, including cornerback Rasul Douglas and defensive end Von Miller.

Player to watch: Josh Allen, QB, 29

The reigning MVP still has one box left to tick. Until Allen wins a Super Bowl, he’ll remain a step behind Patrick Mahomes – especially if the Chiefs keep winning.

Must-see games

Week 1: vs Baltimore Ravens

Week 9: vs Kansas City Chiefs

Week 12: At Houston Texans

Week 14: vs Cincinnati Bengals

Week 17: vs Philadelphia Eagles

Miami Dolphins

The Dolphins’ hopes rest on Tagovailoa’s durability. When healthy, Miami has shown it can go toe-to-toe with anyone. A playoff run depends on keeping its roster at full strength – and finally ending its postseason drought under head coach Mike McDaniel, who is 28-23 but winless in the playoffs.

Player to watch: Tyreek Hill, WR, 31

Even beyond Tua, Hill remains the ultimate weapon. With one explosive play, he can tilt the entire course of a game.

Must-see games

Week 3: At Buffalo Bills

Week 9: vs Baltimore Ravens

Week 11: vs Washington Commanders

Week 15: At Pittsburgh Steelers

Week 16: vs Cincinnati Bengals

New England Patriots

Drake Maye enters his second year as New England’s quarterback under the guidance of defensive mastermind Mike Vrabel – a coach who once maximized Ryan Tannehill in Tennessee. The Patriots have restocked their defense with Carlton Williams, Milton Williams and Robert Spillane, while giving Maye new firepower on offense in veteran receiver Stefon Diggs and rookie running back Treveyon Henderson.

Player to watch: Drake Maye, QB, 23

With offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels – who once helped shape Tom Brady – Maye has the tools to lift New England beyond last season’s struggles. He finished his rookie year with 2,276 passing yards.

Must-see games

Week 3: vs Pittsburgh Steelers

Week 5: At Buffalo Bills

Week 12: At Cincinnati Bengals

Week 15: vs. Buffalo Bills

Week 16: At Baltimore Ravens

New York Jets

The Jets are harder to pin down. Justin Fields has another shot at proving himself, but the team’s fortunes may hinge more on a defense built to dominate. New head coach Aaron Glenn is banking on toughness and youth to spark a turnaround.

Player to watch: Sauce Gardner, CB, 25

If New York is to play spoiler, it will be through its defense – and Gardner will be at the center of it, tasked with locking down the league’s top weapons.

Must-see games

Week 1: vs Pittsburgh Steelers

Week 5: vs. Dallas Cowboys

Week 6: vs Denver Broncos

Week 8: At Cincinnati Bengals

Week 12: At Baltimore Ravens

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