By Luke Curran

Staff Writer, ’27

The opening of the 2024-2025 NFL season for the Eastern American Football Conference has been slower than anticipated. Many of these teams’ unpleasant starts have left the rest of the season up in the air. Despite their sluggish starts, each franchise still has goals it hopes to achieve. Here’s what’s happening.

While the New England Patriots rebuild under a new and revamped offense, the New York Jets have looked to showcase a promising starting lineup for the season. The Miami Dolphins have been torn apart by injury and continue to fight for consistency. However, the Buffalo Bills have exhibited the most success, asserting dominance over the league and displaying a talented roster.

Throughout the uncertainty, the AFC East has shown licks of success and improvement, signing new players and filing career extensions as the trade deadline approaches. According to a report from NFL.com, the New York Jets, led by current HC Jeff Ulbrich, successfully acquired star wide receiver Davante Adams from the Las Vegas Raiders on October 15. Another crucial division move occurred recently, according to CNN.com, when Amari Cooper was traded from the Cleveland Browns to the Buffalo Bills.

The new additions and changes for these teams have improved the overall status of the division as the league approaches weeks 10 and 11. The current division standings in the AFC East show the Bills at the top with a steady 7-2 record. The Patriots, Dolphins and Jets lag behind with just three wins apiece.

In short, the AFC East has shown potential, even with an unfavorable start to the season. Through much discipline, these teams have the potential to develop every day for the remainder of the 18-week season.