The AFC East enters the 2025 NFL season with one clear truth: this is Buffalo’s division to lose. After five straight titles, the Bills are chasing a sixth crown behind MVP quarterback Josh Allen. But the division isn’t without intrigue. The Patriots are banking on a breakout year from Drake Maye, the Dolphins are trying to recapture their offensive magic, and the Jets—well, they’re rebuilding again. Let’s break down each team’s outlook, strengths, and storylines.
2024 Record: 13–4 Division Odds: -310 Key Players: Josh Allen, James Cook, Joey Bosa, Tre’Davious White
Buffalo remains the juggernaut of the AFC East. Josh Allen, fresh off an MVP season, leads a high-efficiency offense that ranked top-three in EPA per play. Despite lacking a true WR1, Allen threw for 4,262 yards and 40 touchdowns. The Bills added Josh Palmer to pair with Keon Coleman and Khalil Shakir, while Dalton Kincaid looks poised for a bounce-back year at tight end.
Defensively, Buffalo reloaded. Joey Bosa joins a front seven that already includes Ed Oliver and Greg Rousseau. The secondary, anchored by Tre’Davious White and Christian Benford, is among the league’s deepest. With continuity on the offensive line and a turnover-hungry defense, Buffalo’s path to a sixth straight title looks paved in blue and red.
Miami Dolphins: Boom or Bust
2024 Record: 8–9 Division Odds: +900 Key Players: Tua Tagovailoa, Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, De’Von Achane
Miami’s season in the AFC East hinges on Tua Tagovailoa’s health and consistency. After a concussion derailed 2024, the Dolphins surged late but missed the playoffs. Now, with Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle still in tow, the offense could explode—if Tua stays upright.
But the defense is in transition. Jalen Ramsey is gone, and Mike McDaniel is coaching for his job. Miami’s draft focused on rebuilding the trenches, but questions remain about their ability to stop elite offenses. If the Dolphins falter early, expect trade rumors and coaching drama to dominate headlines.
The Jets are once again in rebuild mode. After the Aaron Rodgers experiment fizzled, New York turned to Justin Fields. The former Bears QB brings mobility and upside, but his accuracy and decision-making remain concerns.
Garrett Wilson is a rising star, and the defense—led by Sauce Gardner—is playoff-caliber. But without a proven offensive line or consistent quarterback play, the Jets are likely cellar dwellers in 2025.
The Patriots are the wild card. Rookie QB Drake Maye showed flashes in 2024, and if he takes a leap, New England could surprise. The defense remains stout, and Bill Belichick’s successor (if named) will inherit a team with upside.
New England’s offensive line is solid, and Stevenson anchors a physical run game. But the passing attack needs more juice. If Maye clicks with his receivers, the Pats could push for a wildcard spot.
Luke Littler 8 – 5 Michael van Gerwen(best of 15 legs)
Reigning double world champion and world number one Luke Littler bounced back from his Bahrain setback to win the Saudi Arabia Darts Masters on the eve of his 19th birthday, rounding off a sensational day by defeating Michael van Gerwen 8–5 in a high-quality final.
Littler had to come from behind in a hard-fought quarter-final against Gian van Veen, before exacting revenge on Gerwyn Price in the semi-final, having lost to the Welshman at last week’s event in Bahrain.
‘The Nuke’ then started off like a bullet train against van Gerwen, racing into a 4–0 lead in a matter of minutes while averaging a remarkable 114. ‘Mighty Mike’, to his credit, raised his level to haul it back to 4–3, only to miss three darts at double 10 to draw level.
From there, Littler regained his edge, and despite pressure from the Dutchman, got over the line with a superb 11-darter to seal the victory.
Explosive darts action in a restrained atmosphere in Riyadh
If the sport is judged purely on the competition itself, then the crowd were treated to a spectacular showcase of darts at its very best. van Gerwen illustrated that range perfectly, averaging just 87 in a laboured quarter-final win over Stephen Bunting before lifting his level dramatically to post 100-plus averages in both his semi-final and final.
Then there was Littler, who had to produce his best to overcome three opponents in high-quality encounters, while surprise quarter-finalist Man Lok Leung impressed by pushing Nathan Aspinall all the way. From a purely sporting perspective, it was the kind of day any darts fan would happily lap up.
But Riyadh had never hosted a PDC event before, and it showed. Without the usual fancy dress, constant noise and crowd-led momentum that darts thrives on, the atmosphere was noticeably muted from start to finish.
Culturally, that is understandable and works well enough for many sports, but darts is different. The gap in understanding was evident when the crowd greeted an early sub-50 checkout with the same muted enthusiasm as a ton-plus finish later on, flattening moments that would normally lift the room.
The players would have felt it too. Darts players feed off the crowd in different ways, and there was little coming back at them to draw energy from. Most are media-trained to not criticise openly, although Nathan Aspinall did suggest that the crowd were still finding their way with the finer details of the sport, and some may even have been ringers.
As a first staging of the event, lessons will inevitably be learned and things may improve when darts returns to the Kingdom. One thing is certain – Saudi Arabia rarely loosens its grip once it has a sport in its grasp, and it is unlikely to be content in the long term with hosting a solitary, minor tournament while the game itself is still shaking off the afterglow of the World Championship.
But if the sport is to truly thrive here long term, a balance will need to be found between local traditions and the atmosphere that has long been part of what makes darts what it is.
Tune în Wednesday for a special show from Tampa Bay Downs
Let ‘em Run Special Wednesday Podcast LIVE from Tampa Bay Downs
Midweek racing brings fresh opportunity, sharper opinions, and real-time insight from the track. This Wednesday, Let ‘em Run takes the show on the road with live analysis straight from Tampa Bay Downs. With strong angles, value-driven plays, and boots on the ground, this special edition delivers the kind of edge horseplayers look for during the week.
Be sure to tune in on Wednesday at 12:30 PM EST for our special “Boots on the Ground” segment. John Kostin will be live from Tampa Bay Downs and joined by guest handicapper Wadie Khalaf. Together, they will break down the card with a sharp focus on the Late P5 and key spot plays, including the always-popular Bro’s BRISnet Play of the Day. You can catch the show live on Sports Talk Media Network, along with multiple streaming apps and social channels. Let’s take a closer look at a few races that stand out.
Tampa Bay Downs | Wednesday 1/21/26
Race 2 | 12:20 PM EST
This race offers a strong opinion with limited value, but there is still a way to make it pay. The #5 Uncashed sits at 2-1 on the morning line and owns a +10 BRISnet Prime Power advantage over the rest of the field. That edge pushes the projected win percentage to around 55%. He also profiles as the lone “E” type in the race, which strengthens the pace advantage. Trainer numbers support the play as well, with a 31% win rate when sending out runners who won last time out.
Since the price will likely drop, the value shifts to a double play. The suggested approach is a $50 double using 5 with 9 and 10 in Race 3. The outside posts win often in that race, and the odds should offer a better return.
Race 8 | 3:55 PM EST
This race sets up nicely for another BRISnet-based angle and should provide a fairer price at post time. The #1 Paynter’s Prodigy sits at 3-1 and checks several important boxes. He is an “E” type, owns the highest last-race speed figure, and also tops the field in early TimeformUS Pace.
The only other true speed appears to be #12 Chico Charlie at 6-1, but that runner draws a tough, ground-losing outside post. The price on the #1 may drift up, as jockey Wesley Ho remains capable but does not draw heavy public support. That scenario could create solid betting value.
All three of us will share insights and opinions on the full Late P5 during the live podcast. Be sure to tune in. Bet smart, cheer hard, fast horses equal serious fun, and as always, Let ‘em Run.
On January 10, 2026, Dalton Smith announced himself on the world stage with a stunning knockout victory over Subriel Matias to claim the WBC Junior Welterweight World Championship. Fighting in Brooklyn, New York, Smith delivered a fearless performance in his United States debut and dismantled one of the division’s most feared punchers.
Smith stopped the Puerto Rican powerhouse in the fifth round with a brutal sequence of chopping right hands. The finish capped a fight that evolved from a sharp, technical opening into an all-out war, with both men trading heavy shots. When the moment arrived, Smith imposed his will and closed the show against the 33-year-old champion.
Built for the Big Stage
Smith entered the fight with a growing reputation for knockout power, fast hands, and a proven chin. Against Matias, he matched intensity and confidence from the opening bell. As the rounds wore on, Smith controlled the exchanges and turned pressure into opportunity, becoming the first fighter to knock Matias out.
Matias arrived with a reputation as a destroyer, but Smith refused to retreat. He stood his ground, answered fire with fire, and changed the trajectory of the junior welterweight division.
Roots in Sheffield
Born February 8, 1997, in Sheffield, England, Smith grew up in a sports-driven household. Football came first, but boxing quickly took hold. His father, Grant Smith, and grandfather, Brian Smith, introduced him to the Steel City Gym around 2003, setting the foundation for his career.
Smith thrived as an amateur. He collected national titles, earned a medal at the 2014 European Youth Championships, and captured the ABA title in 2018. Those accomplishments marked him as one of Britain’s elite prospects.
The Professional Rise
Smith turned professional in 2019 after signing with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Boxing. He debuted in Nottingham against Luka Leskovic and earned a points win. Momentum followed fast. Seven straight victories, many by knockout, pushed him into the national spotlight.
In 2021, Smith captured the English title with a sixth-round stoppage of Lee Appleyard. He followed that by winning the WBC International Silver super lightweight title in 2022, forcing Ray Moylette’s corner to halt the fight in round ten. Eight months later, Smith claimed the British title with a devastating sixth-round finish against Sam O’Maison.
From Contender to Champion
Victories over Sam Maxwell and former WBC Silver champion Jose Zepeda elevated Smith into elite company. In 2025, wins over Walid Ouizza and Mathieu Germain sealed his world title opportunity.
Smith entered the Matias fight undefeated at 19-0 with 14 knockouts. Matias stood at 23-2 with 22 knockouts. The collision delivered fireworks, and Smith emerged as the last man standing.
With the win, Dalton Smith became the fifth active British world champion, joining a growing list of elite names and signaling the arrival of a new force at 140 pounds.
Politics8 years ago