The AFC East just became a race again.After falling behind 21–0 in Foxboro, the Buffalo Bills delivered one of the most consequential comebacks of the NFL season, ripping off five straight touchdown drives to stun the New England Patriots and completely reset the AFC East picture. What looked like a coronation moment for New England turned into a defining reminder of why Buffalo remains dangerous when December football arrives.This wasn’t just a comeback — it was a momentum shift.New England entered the game with full control of the division, a dominant home-field trend, and a chance to effectively lock up the AFC East. The Patriots had won 120 straight home games when leading by 17 or more. That streak is now over. And with it, the cushion New England had built atop the division.Josh Allen refused to let Buffalo’s season end in Foxboro. Even after a disastrous start, the Bills stayed committed to the run, trusted their identity, and leaned into the type of physical, mistake-free football that wins late in the year. James Cook’s workload, the refusal to panic, and Buffalo’s belief that “one score keeps us alive” all reflected a team that has been here before — and knows how to respond.For New England, this loss is less about the scoreboard and more about what happens next.Drake Maye struggled in the passing game, and while his mobility and toughness remain clear, the Patriots couldn’t finish drives when it mattered most. When the Bills adjusted, New England didn’t have the counterpunch. That doesn’t mean the Patriots are done — far from it — but it does mean their margin for error is gone.The AFC East now comes down to execution, not reputation.Buffalo still faces a difficult stretch, including road tests and a critical home matchup that could decide everything. New England’s schedule is no longer forgiving, with Baltimore looming and division pressure mounting. Both teams control parts of their destiny, but neither controls the division outright.That’s what makes this moment so important.December football doesn’t reward hot starts — it rewards resilience. The Bills showed it. The Patriots will have to prove they have it. And with Josh Allen and Drake Maye now staring each other down in a division race that’s officially back on, the AFC East is no longer settled.It’s just getting interesting.These are the straight facts.

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