After a rare divisional setback, oddsmakers project Josh Allen and the Bills to reclaim their throne as one of only two NFL teams boasting negative betting odds.
For the first time in six years, the Buffalo Bills failed to win the AFC East in 2025. That led to them having to go on the road throughout the playoffs, with games in Jacksonville and Denver. Meanwhile, the New England Patriots benefited from two home games before having to play in Denver.
But now, after an offseason of massive change for the Bills, many are wondering if the team has done enough to get back to the top of the division.
According to most sportsbooks, they have.
Before training camp and the preseason begin in just about 10 weeks, the Bills are favored to win the AFC East at most major sportsbooks. Depending on where you look, Buffalo has odds ranging from -150 to -130.
Last year's division winner, the New England Patriots, is second with odds ranging from +130 to +150. And if you're wondering about the other two teams in the AFC East, the New York Jets are +1800, and the Miami Dolphins are +3500.
Vegas Really Believes In The Bills
For Buffalo, being projected to win its division isn't new. In each of the last six seasons, the Bills have been the favorite. But what stands out more is when you back up and look at the rest of the league.
As it stands, the Bills are one of just two teams in the NFL with negative odds of winning their division. The other is the Baltimore Ravens at -115.
Buffalo is also tied with the Ravens for the best odds to represent the AFC in the Super Bowl at +500. The team is also tied for the second-best odds to win the Super Bowl at +1000 with Baltimore and the Seattle Seahawks. The Los Angeles Rams, for those wondering, have the best odds at +800.
A Season Of Change In Buffalo
The Bills enter 2026 in an unusual situation. For the first time in nine years, Sean McDermott won't be on the sideline as Joe Brady takes over as head coach. The team also has a number of new pieces on defense, like Bradley Chubb, Dee Alford, rookie TJ Parker, and C.J. Gardner-Johnson.
On offense, general manager Brandon Beane traded for wide receiver DJ Moore to be the team's new number one receiver. They also drafted Skyler Bell out of UConn in the 2026 NFL Draft and still maintain a belief, at least publicly, in Keon Coleman.
It's understandable to feel like it might be too much turnover to stay at the top of the conference. But it's clear that as long as the Bills have Josh Allen at quarterback, oddsmakers like Buffalo's chances to win football games.
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