What the heck is going on in the AFC East?

It's Oct. 1 and the Buffalo Bills are alone in first place in the AFC East.

Wanna know what's crazy about that? It's probably not even the strangest thing about the division thus far this season.

That the defending Super Bowl champion New England Patriots are tied with the New York Jets in the standings is, perhaps, even more stunning.

Outside of the Ryan Tannehill-less Miami Dolphins bringing up the rear in last place, the AFC East has provided the craziest results of any division in the league throughout the opening month of the season

Buffalo Bills (3-1)

After trading Sammy Watkins and Ronald Darby just before the season, many had significantly lowered their expectations for the Bills. With new coach Sean McDermott in the fold, the defense was expected to be among the strongest in the division, but the offense was expected to struggle outside of LeSean McCoy. The Bills took care of the Jets to begin the season, but after losing one of the most boring games in recent memory to the Panthers 9-3, the issues on the offensive side of the ball were a glaring problem.

The defense carried the load in a massive home win over the Denver Broncos in Week 3, with Tyrod Taylor doing enough to improve the team's record to 2-1, but it was the road win Sunday in Atlanta that announced the Bills as a serious contender this season. The defense ruled the day yet again, forcing Matt Ryan into two picks, while Taylor's efficient approach moved the ball enough to get the Bills the 23-17 win.

New York Jets (2-2)

Most people assumed the Jets' main goal this season was to ensure the league's worst record and grab the No. 1 overall pick in the draft. If that was indeed their target, they are doing a terrible job of achieving it, as the Jets are now on a two-game winning streak thanks to Sunday's overtime victory against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

The Jets offense remains one of the league's worst units, but the defense under Todd Bowles has shown their mettle throughout the season. With the Cleveland Browns next on the schedule, the Jets could get to 3-2 before hosting the Patriots in what is suddenly an important contest for both teams.

New England Patriots (2-2)

Not only have the Patriots looked human this year, but a 2-2 record through four games might actually be flattering to Bill Belichick's club. New England barely escaped with a last-second home win over the Houston Texans in Week 3, and that alone has kept them from a last-place tie with the Dolphins.

The Patriots offense remains one of the best in the league, but the defense has been as bad as any under Belichick's tenure, allowing an average of 32 points per game. While it's usually wise to trust the legendary coach and his area of expertise, the Patriots might not have the talent to fix things on the defensive end. It will be up to Tom Brady and the offense to be at their best every week to ensure the Patriots dominance of the AFC East continues.

Miami Dolphins (1-2)

After a dramatic 19-17 win to open the season over the Los Angeles Chargers, the Dolphins have scored a total of six points the last two weeks. Maybe bringing Jay Cutler out of the broadcast booth to replace the injured Tannehill wasn't the best idea?

This season may be a wash for the club with their starting quarterback's injury, and with the Tennessee Titans and Falcons next on the schedule, the Dolphins may very well be 1-4 when the Jets come to Miami on Oct. 22.

(Photos courtesy: Action Images)

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