Buffalo Rumblings
A quick start will be needed for Buffalo to achieve the sixth consecutive divisional title.
As the Buffalo Bills gear up for the 2025 NFL season, their schedule presents a unique dynamic with a front-loaded AFC East divisional slate. With four of their six AFC East games packed into the first 10 weeks, including three in the opening five weeks, the Bills face a critical early stretch that could shape their pursuit of a sixth consecutive division title.
Looking at the 2025 schedule details, and focusing on the divisional battles, today I’ll explore the advantages and disadvantages of this early divisional gauntlet and its potential impact on Buffalo’s season.
The Bills’ early divisional matchups:
The front-heavy divisional schedule contrasts with the Bills’ later weeks, where only two AFC East games (Week 15 at New England, and Week 18 hosting the Jets) remains. The bulk of these games being very early, particularly the first three in five weeks, sets the stage for a high-stakes opening act for Buffalo’s 2025 campaign.
A strong start against AFC East foes could give the Bills a commanding lead in the division race. With four divisional games before mid-November, Buffalo has a chance to take the divisional lead and never look back. The Bills have dominated the AFC East, winning five straight titles.
Last season’s 13-4 record showed Buffalo’s ability to handle divisional opponents decisively. Sweeping or winning most of these early games could demoralize the Dolphins, Jets, and Patriots — all of which are projected to be less competitive than Buffalo this season.
The Bills’ early AFC East opponents face their own challenges. The Jets, with a new head coach and general manager, are in transition and may struggle to gel early. Miami’s offense hinges on quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s health, but also on Tyreek Hill’s big-play ability at wide receiver. If the first shouldn’t be a big problem for them early in the season, the latter is a big question mark, with Hill consistently facing off-field problems and already stating his wish to leave the team.
New England, which should look improved under Mike Vrabel, relies on young quarterback Drake Maye, who is likely not yet ready to out-duel Josh Allen. Buffalo’s continuity, with an intact offensive line and Allen’s MVP-caliber play, plus the punctual additions via free agency and draft, positions them to exploit these vulnerabilities.
With only two divisional games after Week 10, the Bills can focus on tougher non-divisional opponents like the Kansas City Chiefs (Week 9), Philadelphia Eagles (Week 17), and AFC North teams later in...
