Dake Maye led his team to the top of their division. © APA / PAMELA SMITH

For the first time since 2019: Patriots win AFC East

The NFL team, the New England Patriots, won the AFC East title for the first time since 2019, thanks in part to five touchdown passes from quarterback Drake Maye.

29 December 2025

From: dpa

The six-time Super Bowl champions won 42-10 against the New York Jets and then received help from the Philadelphia Eagles. Because the defending champions narrowly beat the Patriots' rivals, the Buffalo Bills, 13-12, New England has secured the division title with one game remaining in the regular season.

Last season, the Patriots – once the dominant football team in the NFL with quarterback Tom Brady – finished last in the AFC East with a record of just four wins and 13 losses. The title went to the Bills five times in a row, whose quarterback Josh Allen failed to score a touchdown against the Eagles. Allen was sacked five times against Philadelphia's defense.

The 49ers have a real chance to award two playoff spots.

The San Francisco 49ers won a thrilling game against the Chicago Bears, keeping their NFC West title hopes alive. Quarterback Brock Purdy threw the decisive touchdown pass to receiver Jauan Jennings with 2:15 remaining. The 42-38 victory brings the 49ers to a record of 12 wins and 4 losses, and they can overtake the Seattle Seahawks (13-3) for first place in their division and conference in a head-to-head matchup on the final week of the season.

Brock Purdy is also showing good form. © APA / EZRA SHAW

Of the 14 playoff spots, two are still up for grabs in head-to-head matchups this coming Sunday. The Carolina Panthers (8-8) and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9) will battle it out for the NFC South title. The Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) will face the Baltimore Ravens (8-8) for the AFC North title and the final playoff berth in their conference.