"ESPN's FPI model, for example, has the 11-2 Patriots ranked 15th in its power index, behind teams like the Jacksonville Jaguars, Los Angeles Chargers, and even the Cincinnati Bengals. The Patriots are getting weighed down significantly by their 32nd-ranked strength of schedule, but ESPN's algorithm clearly isn't factoring in the team's 10 consecutive victories and 6-0 record on the road."
"New England is also eight spots behind the Bills, despite beating Buffalo in Orchard Park back in Week 5, winning two more games overall, and the Bills facing eight common opponents (and counting) through 13 games. It's not just ESPN, either. BetMGM currently lists Buffalo as the favorite to be the AFC representative in the Super Bowl this year at +400, ahead of both the Patriots and Denver Broncos (+375)."
The New England Patriots sit at 11-2 and can clinch the AFC East title in Week 15 with a home win over the Buffalo Bills. Computer models and analysts rank the Patriots lower in power indexes, with ESPN's FPI placing them 15th, citing a 32nd-ranked strength of schedule. The team counters the metrics with 10 consecutive victories and a 6-0 road record. BetMGM lists Buffalo as the favorite to represent the AFC in the Super Bowl at +400, ahead of the Patriots and Broncos at +375. A win over Buffalo would shift betting lines and solidify a playoff-hosting position.
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