What's next for Patriots after major collapse vs. Bills

The Buffalo Bills (10-4) rallied in a major way on Sunday to defeat the New England Patriots (11-3), 35-31.

A New England victory would have brought them their first AFC East title in six years. With a 24-7 lead entering the third quarter, things looked promising for the Patriots, but a second-half Buffalo takeover changed the game's momentum.

Despite Sunday's loss, however, the Patriots remain in an optimal position. 

Here's what the rest of their regular season looks like: 

Win out, win the division

The Patriots now hold a one-game lead in the AFC East. If they win their final regular-season games against the Baltimore Ravens, New York Jets and Miami Dolphins, the division title will return to Foxboro.

The Patriots can still win the AFC East with another loss, but that would require the Bills also losing. Buffalo's next three games are against the Cleveland Browns, Philadelphia Eagles and Jets.

Winning Sunday was the quickest way, but there is still a clear path for New England to win its first division title since quarterback Tom Brady's departure in early 2020.

The NFL's easiest remaining schedule awaits

Per Sunday's CBS broadcast, the Patriots' remaining schedule is the easiest in the NFL. While that will help New England's divisional race, more importantly, it will help their odds of taking the AFC's first seed.

The outcome of Sunday's Broncos-Packers game will be important, but, currently, New England trails Denver in the AFC seeding. To earn a first-round bye, the Patriots must capitalize on their easy schedule, while the Denver Broncos must lose one or more of their remaining games. The rest of Denver's schedule includes games against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Kansas City Chiefs, and Los Angeles Chargers.

Motivation to finish the season strong

Many consider New England's successful season to be fraudulent, citing the team's easy schedule. 

Dropping a game to Buffalo will only amplify criticism, but the Patriots will have a chance to prove their doubters wrong by winning the rest of their regular-season games and performing well in the playoffs.

Another reason to remain focused during the rest of the regular season is quarterback Drake Maye. If the Patriots have a strong end to 2025, that could amplify quarterback Maye's case for the Most Valuable Player award.