As frustrated as Patriots fans were following Sunday's shocking defeat, all hope is not lost in New England.
The Patriots may be tied for the top — and bottom — of the AFC East, but they should still be able to take the division by the end of the season — right?
The Bills were looked at as the Patriots' biggest competition due to a re-tooled defensive line. It turns out that front four has been Buffalo's downfall. Mark Anderson was no help while healthy and the Bills just signed retread Shawne Merriman to help out along the front line. The Patriots already beat the Bills once at home and face them again on Nov. 11 in Buffalo. But the Bills did do something the Patriots couldn't on Sunday and that's defeat the Arizona Cardinals. The Bills don't face many challenges down the road with Houston, New England and Seattle as their toughest foes.
The Jets were looked at as a joke all offseason, but now that they have the same record as the Patriots, it's not so funny anymore. The Jets have beat the Bills and Colts handidly while getting trounced by a struggling Pittsburgh team and San Francisco. After facing New England next week, the Jets still have the Seahawks at Century Link Field, Arizona and San Diego to dread on their schedule. Injuries to Darrelle Revis and Santonio Holmes earlier in the season could have killed all playoff chances, but there is still the hope of a Tim Tebow miracle saving them.
Dolphins fans didn't even have high hopes coming into the season, but after scrappy wins against Oakland, Cincinnati and St. Louis, they're sticking around behind rookie quarterback Ryan Tannehill. The Dolphins may have the toughest schedule remaining with the Seahawks, San Francisco and two Patriots games on the horizon.
So which team do you think presents the greatest threat to the Patriots?
Which team is the biggest threat to the Patriots in the AFC East?
