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Bill Barnwell Makes His Pick to Win AFC East Division This Season

Originally posted on Gridiron Heroics
By Angelo Guinhawa | Last updated Sep 5, 2025 9:07 AM ET

As the 2025 NFL season kicks off, the Buffalo Bills are positioned as the favorites to win the AFC East once again. Analyst Bill Barnwell has weighed in on the division , projecting that Buffalo will maintain its dominance, fueled by a strong roster and the leadership of quarterback Josh Allen.

Buffalo has become a powerhouse in the AFC, winning the division for five consecutive seasons. With key additions like wide receiver Joshua Palmer and defensive lineman Joey Bosa, the team aims to bolster both its offense and defense. These upgrades come at a crucial time as the team seeks to finally capture the elusive Super Bowl title that has eluded them in recent years.

Aug 23, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) takes the field fro a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

However, the competition in the AFC East is intensifying. The Miami Dolphins, led by Tua Tagovailoa , remain a formidable threat if their star players can stay healthy. Meanwhile, the New England Patriots are in a rebuilding phase under second-year quarterback Drake Maye, presenting a wildcard factor in the division. The New York Jets also aim to improve with Justin Fields at the helm, adding layers of unpredictability to the mix.

Barnwell emphasizes that while Buffalo is the clear frontrunners, the unpredictability of the NFL means anything can happen. Injuries and unforeseen performances can significantly impact the standings, making it essential for the team to maintain their focus.

Bill Barnwell Picks Buffalo Bills to Top AFC East Division Next Season

Aug 23, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) warms up before a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Barnwell predicted Buffalo to come out on top of the AFC East for next season. This is detailed more in an analysis by Barnwell for ESPN.

Defenses built on creating a lot of takeaways often struggle to keep that up year after year, but the Bills have been an exception. They led the league in turnover rate on defense in 2023 and 2024, and they haven’t been out of the top seven since 2019, despite changing the vast majority of their defensive personnel over that span. It might be unrealistic to expect Josh Allen and the offense to turn the ball over just eight times all season again, but even with that turnover margin regression, Buffalo should be all good atop its division.

As the season progresses, fans will be watching closely to see if Buffalo can fend off its rivals and solidify their status as the team to beat in the AFC East. The goal is not just to win the division but to make a deep playoff run and finally claim the Super Bowl trophy.

Aug 23, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers prior to the game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

Buffalo’s combination of talent, experience, and recent success positions itself well for another strong season in the AFC East. With the stakes high and the competition fierce, the coming weeks will reveal whether they can achieve their championship aspirations.

Aug 15, 2025; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) looks to pass the football during joint training camp practice with the Chicago Bears ahead of Sunday’s preseason game. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

This article first appeared on Gridiron Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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