Through nine weeks of the season, we have an AFC East with two very different grade ranges. The New England Patriots (7-2) and the Buffalo Bills (6-2) are both in the B+/A- range on their mid-terms, while the Miami Dolphins (2-7) and New York Jets (1-7) are both in danger of not passing their classes. Let’s dig into the Week 9 grades for the AFC East and see how each team grades out.
New England Patriots
Oct 19, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) throws a pass against the Tennessee Titans during the first half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
Week 9 Overall Grade: B
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The Patriots were well on their way to an A, but they let a few costly turnovers make things a lot closer than they should have. While the 24-23 win was a solid close win for New England that will help build some character, they probably should have won by at least 14 points. At 7-2, the Patriots will now head to Tampa to take on the Buccaneers in what will be one of their biggest tests of the year.
Week 9 Offensive Grade: B
Drake Maye and the Patriots offense had a solid day with 331 yards of total offense, but two costly turnovers kept them from getting a better grade. A fumble before the half when they were up 21-7 let the Falcons tighten things up, and then an interception in the second half allowed the Falcons to almost tie the game.
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Week 9 Defensive Grade: B+
The Patriots defense played really well in only allowing 288 total yards to the Falcons, and they bottled up Bijan Robinson as he only had 46 rushing yards. However, Drake London had 118 receiving yards and two touchdowns, so we have to deduct a few points there. New England’s defense is now the best in the league in terms of rushing yards allowed per game and is in the top-10 in points allowed and total yards allowed.
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Buffalo Bills
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen looks around the stadium after the game and their win against the Baltimore Ravens at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen looks around the stadium after the game and their win against the Baltimore Ravens at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park – Tina MacIntyre-Yee/Democrat and Chronicle / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Week 9 Bye Week Grade: A
The Bills have struggled to beat Kansas City over the years, but the 28-21 Week 9 win over the Chiefs will help shake that boogeyman. The Bills are now 6-2 and have won two straight as they head into what should be an easy matchup against the Miami Dolphins. While they’re still second in the AFC East, Buffalo will have another shot at the Patriots to even things up.
Week 9 Offensive Grade: A
404 total yards and 28 points are always worth an A grade. Josh Allen looked great in going 23-26 while putting up three total touchdowns, and James Cook again rushed for over 100 yards as he’s become a key part of the Bills success. Dalton Kincaid continued his breakout season, while the rest of the receiving corps contributed just enough as role players.
Week 9 Defensive Grade: A-
The Bills defense played well on Sunday and held the Chiefs to 305 yards of total offense. They limited Patrick Mahomes to 15-34 for 250 yards and an interception, while holding Kareem Hunt under 50 rushing yards. Rashee Rice did some damage, but 80 yards isn’t enough to knock the Bills down to the B-range.
Miami 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
Week 9 Overall Grade: D
It’s hard to get much better of a grade when you lose 28-6 at home. The offense put up yards, but the defense gave up more. And six points just isn’t a way to survive in the NFL. Miami is now 2-7 on the season, and is looking toward 2026 as they’ve already become sellers in advance of the NFL trade deadline.
Week 9 Offensive Grade: D
While the Dolphins put up 332 yards of total offense against the Ravens, they only managed six points and never made it close. De’Von Achane and Jaylen Waddle are really the only two players who do much on a week-to-week basis for Miami, as Tua Tagovailoa has shown he’s not the quarterback of the future.
Week 9 Defensive Grade: D-
The Dolphins defense let up 28 points on Thursday Night Football and allowed the Ravens to put up 338 total yards. Lamar Jackson came back from injury and threw four touchdowns, while Mark Andrews re-emerged for two receiving touchdowns. With the Dolphins trading Jaelen Phillips on Monday, things probably aren’t going to get much better for the defense.
New York Jets
Oct 26, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; New York Jets quarterback Justin Fields (7) runs with the ball during the fourth quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images
Bye Week Grade: F
I debated a D- because the Jets have one win and have played a few close games, but their entire season has been a failure so far. They’re 1-7, they’re already dealing with quarterback issues, and their once-vaunted defense has looked awful. They have a chance to turn things around, of course, but they’re likely to be sellers at the trade deadline and will be lucky to win two more games.
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