06-04-2025, 09:31 PM
Well, the Patriots during the Brady years famously had a 33-3 record against the Bills, so having the Bills in the division helped the Patriots greatly to start out with virtually 2 guaranteed wins each year.
I'm not sure of the Patriots record against the Jets, but I have seen listed a record of 31 and 8 including the playoffs (about 80% win rate). Again, almost a guaranteed 2 division wins each year.
The Dolphins could offer them a challenge with the Patriots having a record of 24-12 (as far as I can compute). That is winning at the rate of 2 out of 3.
So, yes, the Patriots being in the AFC East was a big factor in their getting 5 or 6 wins each year toward the best conference record and, of course, the inside track on winning the division each year.
I'm not sure of the Patriots record against the Jets, but I have seen listed a record of 31 and 8 including the playoffs (about 80% win rate). Again, almost a guaranteed 2 division wins each year.
The Dolphins could offer them a challenge with the Patriots having a record of 24-12 (as far as I can compute). That is winning at the rate of 2 out of 3.
So, yes, the Patriots being in the AFC East was a big factor in their getting 5 or 6 wins each year toward the best conference record and, of course, the inside track on winning the division each year.
