The AFC East hasn’t seen much parity over the last two decades—something New York Jets fans know all too well.
Just two teams have won the division over the last 17 years. Originally, the New England Patriots—during the Tom Brady dynasty—led the way from 2009 to his departure in 2020. Since then, the Buffalo Bills have reigned supreme.
As the Bills prepare to win a sixth straight division title and the Miami Dolphins look to remain healthy, it’s time to see if any team has done enough to make their AFC East race a fight in 2025.
So far, though, the gap may have only widened.
AFC East rankings
As the 2025 NFL draft draws closer, the Jets, Dolphins, and Patriots are all trying desperately to find ways to get past Josh Allen and the Bills once and for all in the division.
It’s time to take stock in the AFC East hierarchy as we get to that draft week now.
1. Buffalo Bills
There’s no argument to be made that the Bills aren’t the best team in the AFC East. They have the quarterback, the coach, and the players around them to be successful.
While injuries and the age of some defensive stars are concerns, they are not big enough for the team to lose out on a sixth-straight division title.
2. New York Jets
There’s an argument to be made for a three-way tie at second with the Jets, Dolphins, and Patriots. Each team made moves to improve the team, or has reasons for optimism this offseason.
Each of them isn’t close to Buffalo.
New York’s coaching upgrades should win a few more games than last year’s five-win team. If Justin Fields can take a significant jump in his play, the Jets should be far better in the AFC East than people expect.
3. Miami Dolphins
Miami has a better quarterback, receiving room, and proven offensive play-caller than the Jets. So why are the Dolphins looking up at the Jets?
Jalen Ramsey will be moved, their defense has taken a massive hit, and we all know what Tua Tagovailoa is now. The mere fact that the organization seems to be trying to kickstart a rebuild early is a sign that this team will be a lot worse than most analysts believe.
4. New England Patriots
Milton Williams, Carlton Davis, and Stefon Diggs are all free agent signings that should immediately impact the Patriots. If Drake Maye can take a massive jump in his sophomore season, the team could make an immediate step positively this season.
New England’s struggles on the offensive line are well documented, though, and just because some of their free agent acquisitions should make an impact, doesn’t mean they will.
There’s still a long way to go for this team.
