AFC East Playoff Picture Heats Up After Week 15: What’s at Stake in Week 16
We’re down to the final three weeks of the regular season, and for teams still in the hunt, every snap matters. The AFC East is shaping up to be one of the tighter division races in the league, and after a wild Week 15, things just got a whole lot more interesting between the Buffalo Bills and the New England Patriots.
Let’s break down what’s on the line in Week 16 for the AFC East, and how each matchup could shift the playoff picture.
Buffalo Bills (10-4) at Cleveland Browns (3-11)
CBS - 1:00 PM ET
Buffalo’s massive comeback win over New England in Week 15 didn’t just electrify fans - it cracked the door open for the Bills to make a late push for the AFC East crown. At 10-4, they’re in strong position for at least a wild card spot, but now there’s a shot to take the division if they keep winning and get a little help.
Next up: a trip to Cleveland. The Browns have had a rough season, sitting at 3-11, but they’re not without firepower.
Myles Garrett is having a monster year and is closing in on the single-season sack record. And while it wouldn’t be surprising to see him get to Josh Allen at least once on Sunday, the Bills are the more complete team by a wide margin.
Buffalo just needs to stay focused, handle business, and get out of Cleveland with a win. If they do that, and things break their way in primetime, the AFC East race could be tied heading into Week 17.
Cincinnati Bengals (4-10) at Miami Dolphins (6-8)
CBS - 1:00 PM ET
This one had potential back in August. Two teams with playoff aspirations, young talent, and high hopes. Fast forward to December, and both the Bengals and Dolphins are out of the postseason picture.
For Miami, a 6-8 record reflects a season of missed opportunities and inconsistency. Cincinnati, at 4-10, has struggled to find rhythm all year. Now, it’s about evaluating talent, playing for pride, and maybe spoiling someone else’s season along the way.
Sunday in South Beach won’t have playoff implications, but for players on the bubble and coaches trying to build momentum into the offseason, there’s still something to play for.
New York Jets (3-11) at New Orleans Saints (4-10)
CBS - 1:00 PM ET
This is one of those games where both teams are already looking ahead to the offseason. The Jets and Saints are among the league’s worst in 2025, and both have been officially eliminated from playoff contention.
For New York, it’s another year of rebuilding and trying to find answers at key positions. For New Orleans, a 4-10 mark is a far cry from where this franchise expected to be. Now, it’s about evaluation - who’s part of the future, and who’s not.
It won’t be pretty, but it matters for front offices looking to make big decisions come free agency and the draft.
New England Patriots (11-3) at Baltimore Ravens (7-7)
NBC - 8:20 PM ET (Sunday Night Football)
This is the one Bills fans will be watching closely.
The Patriots are still in control of the AFC East at 11-3, but their grip isn’t as firm as it was a week ago. That comeback loss to Buffalo opened the door, and now they face a tough test on the road in Baltimore.
The Ravens are fighting for their playoff lives. At 7-7, they’re neck-and-neck with the Steelers in the AFC North, and every game from here on out is essentially a must-win. Baltimore’s defense has been stingy, and if they can slow down Drake Maye and the Patriots’ offense, they’ll give themselves a shot to stay in the hunt.
For Buffalo, the math is simple: beat the Browns, and root for the Ravens. If both things happen, the Bills and Patriots will be dead even in the division standings heading into the final two weeks. That would set up a thrilling finish in the AFC East, with seeding, home-field advantage, and maybe even a division title on the line.
Bottom Line
It’s that time of year - when every game feels like a playoff game. For the Bills and Patriots, the AFC East is still very much up for grabs. For the Dolphins, Jets, and the rest of the eliminated teams, it’s about building toward the future.
Week 16 is here, and the stakes just keep getting higher. Buckle up.