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ESPN Insider Believes Patriots Could Top Bills in AFC East

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Douglas Santo | Last updated Aug 8, 2025 8:39 PM ET

The New England Patriots enter 2025 with a new head coach, a rejuvenated roster, and a developing second-year quarterback. Throughout the offseason, the Patriots' hype train has only grown, and now an ESPN Insider has jumped on board, too.

ESPN's senior NFL reporter, Jeremy Fowler, joined "Get Up" on Thursday and made a bold prediction about the Patriots' ability within their division in 2025. Fowler believes the Patriots have what it takes to win the AFC East, knocking off the favored Buffalo Bills.

"I not only am buying Patriots stock, it would not shock me if they won the AFC East," Fowler said. "I really feel that way. Buffalo's still the favorite. But look, Miami's in transition. New York Jets, in transition. They've loaded up on the offensive line. They've loaded up defensive line, looking really good.

"Drake Maye, there's just something about Drake May. I do think he's going make a massive jump. Buffalo is still the favorite, but I'm going to put it right there. I got Patriots with a chance to win it."

New season coming up @DrakeMaye2 pic.twitter.com/LILWZUf63n
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) August 8, 2025

Fowler isn't the only believer in this Patriots' squad, but it would take quite a jump for New England to accomplish that feat. The Bills have won the AFC East for the last five straight years, and the winner of the division has reached at least 11 wins for 16 consecutive years.

The Patriots, although in a new era with a much more talented roster, only won four games last year. New England made numerous improvements this offseason, but the Bills still have Josh Allen at quarterback.

The Patriots have a revamped offensive line to protect Maye with free agents Garrett Bradbury and Morgan Moses, and draft picks Will Campbell and Jared Wilson, and they've surrounded Maye with more weapons. New England added receivers Stefon Diggs and Mack Hollins this offseason and drafted receiver Kyle Williams and running back TreVeyon Henderson.

On defense, the Patriots added seven free agents who should play significant roles in 2025 and should have a healthy Christian Barmore at defensive tackle. There's a lot of hope and expectations with all the changes and additions, but conquering the Bills in the division is quite a tall task.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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