After nine weeks through the 2025 NFL season, we’ve seen some major separation in the AFC East. The New England Patriots (7-2) and Buffalo Bills (6-2) have positioned themselves as playoff teams, while the Miami Dolphins (2-7) and New York Jets (1-7) have positioned themselves for top-10 picks in the 2026 NFL Draft. With Week 9 in the books, let’s take a look at our AFC East takeaways.
Patriots:
3. Drake Maye
New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) looks to pass during the first quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Gillette Stadium. Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images
The Patriots are learning lessons from a win
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The Patriots were on track for a blowout victory against the Atlanta Falcons before a turnover allowed Atlanta to re-enter the game. Although winning 24-23, the Patriots left with a sense of disappointment. Head coach Mike Vrabel discussed how the team can learn lessons from this win to prevent future losses, providing valuable lessons for New England.
The Patriots probably need to make a move
While Drake Maye is playing like an MVP candidate, the Patriots are now facing a Kayshon Boutte injury, a Rhamondre Stevenson injury, and an underperforming defense. They were sellers in trading Keion White and Kyle Dugger last week, but look for the Patriots to be buyers at either edge, running back, or wide receiver (or all of the above) before the trade deadline.
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BIlls:
Oct 5, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills running back James Cook (4) rushes the ball against the New England Patriots during the first half at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images
The Buffalo Bills shook off their Chiefs woes on Sunday
The Kansas City Chiefs have been the Buffalo Bills’ boogeyman over the last few years, but a 28-21 win on Sunday will certainly help things. Josh Allen had a big game with 273 passing yards and three total touchdowns, while Dalton Kincaid continued his breakout season with 101 receiving yards and a touchdown. With the Chiefs now 5-4, the Bills have all but assured themselves a home game against Kansas City if they both make the AFC Championship Game again.
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James Cook continues to be the most important Bills player
While Josh Allen is the reigning NFL MVP (and currently leads the race in terms of betting odds), James Cook has been the straw that stirs the drink for the Bills this year. He’s rushed for over 100 yards in five of their wins and added another 114 rushing yards on Sunday. Through half of the season, the Bills fortunes seem to be closely tied to James Cook’s success.
Dolphins:
Oct 19, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) throws a pass against the Cleveland Browns during the first quarter at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images
More of the same from the Miami Dolphins
After getting to 2-7, the Dolphins fell back into their old ways in a bad 28-6 loss to the Ravens. The Dolphins 2025 season is all but done at this point, so they’ll enter into full seller mode before the trade deadline. They’ve already dealt Jaelen Phillips to the Eagles, and there are still rumors of them trading Jaylen Wright, Bradley Chubb, Matthew Judon, and even Jaylen Waddle. The Waddle trade is very unlikely, but we’ll likely see some moves out of Miami as they build their draft capital for 2026.
Tua Tagovailoa just isn’t it
Tua Tagovailoa put together a great four-touchdown game against the Falcons two weeks ago after back-to-back three-interception games. But he reverted to his old ways in the loss to the Ravens as he threw another interception (and zero touchdowns). While Tua doesn’t have much to work with besides Jaylen Waddle, it’s becoming increasingly clear that Miami is going to have to look for another option at quarterback soon.
Jets:
New York Jets Head Coach Aaron Glenn
New York Jets Head Coach Aaron Glenn, is shown at MetLife Stadium, Sunday, September 14, 2025, in East Rutherford.
Bye week takeaway: the Jets should be sellers
The Jets have their first win of the season under their belts, but they don’t have much hope for a playoff berth, sitting at 1-7. With the 2026 season becoming the priority, look for the Jets to become sellers at the trade deadline. Breece Hall is the most popular trade rumor, but Jermaine Johnson and even Quinnen Williams have been mentioned as options as well. There’s a good chance we’ll see at least one move for the Jets before the trade deadline.
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