AFC East Week 5 power rankings: Bills survive thriller as Patriots hit their stride

The Buffalo Bills maintained their spot atop the AFC East in Week 5, but the margins are getting thinner.

By Michael Haney · BuffaLowDown

Published: Wednesday, 14 October 2026 at 12:00 PM

Key Things to Know

BuffaLowDown ranks the Buffalo Bills first and the New England Patriots second in the AFC East after Week 5.
The Buffalo Bills defeated the Los Angeles Rams 37-34 in overtime on Monday Night Football.
The New England Patriots beat the Las Vegas Raiders 45-17, with Drake Maye totaling nearly 400 yards and five touchdowns.

The Story in 60 Seconds

BuffaLowDown writer Michael Haney ranked the Buffalo Bills first and the New England Patriots second in his AFC East Week 5 power rankings. The Bills maintained the top spot after a 37-34 overtime victory against the Los Angeles Rams, while the Patriots defeated the Las Vegas Raiders 45-17 behind a five-touchdown performance by Drake Maye.

Haney placed the New York Jets third following their 17-12 win over the Cleveland Browns, noting the team remains limited offensively. The winless Miami Dolphins were ranked fourth after losing 31-24 to the Cincinnati Bengals, with Haney suggesting they risk finishing 0-17.

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AFC East Week 5 power rankings: Bills survive thriller as Patriots hit their stride

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