The Buffalo Bills' latest loss has Rex Ryan thinking realistically.

The Bills had a chance to sweep the season series against the New England Patriots for the first time since 1999 on Sunday. Instead, the Pats ran out to a 41-25 win, earning a measure of revenge for a Week 4 loss that came without Tom Brady under center.

The win ran the Patriots' record to 7-1 and dropped the Bills to 4-4.

"I think it's unrealistic to win the division," Ryan said after the game. "Winning the division, I think that's pretty much shot," he added.

The Patriots are operating on a level not seen since their 2007 season, and Ryan believes they're too far ahead to catch.

"If you really think we can run the table and win (the AFC East), I don't think so," he said.

"That team's three games up on us ... and No. 12 is back," Ryan told reporters. "I don't think I've ever seen him this hot," he added.

The Bills will look to get back over .500 with a Monday night matchup with the Seattle Seahawks, while the Patriots will head for their bye week before playing the Seahawks in Week 10.