FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Unlike some of their recent AFC East titles, the New England Patriots earned this one the hard way.
Quarterback Tom Brady and the offense came to life with a fourth-quarter comeback on Saturday, and the defense stiffened on a final drive, to help defeat the resilient Buffalo Bills 24-17 and clinch their 11th straight AFC East championship.
The Patriots trailed 17-13 entering the fourth quarter, which marked the first time they were behind at home through three quarters against a division rival since the 2016 season.
They scored the game's final 11 points, sparked by Brady, running back Rex Burkhead and the return of receiver Julian Edelman, who had left the game in the third quarter to be evaluated for a concussion.