In the next few weeks, we will see all 32 NFL teams continue to adjust their rosters and decide who will make the team. This doesn’t mean we can’t preview all eight divisions in the league and see who will finish on top. Before the start of the regular season on September 7th, I’ll give my input on each team in each division and give my predictions on the standings. Up first is the AFC East. It consists of the Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins, New England Patriots, and the New York Jets. Let’s start with the obvious winner of this division. It was not an easy thing predicting how things will go in this division, just FYI.
1. Buffalo Bills (Prediction: 13-4)
A 13-3 record in 2022 gave Bills fans belief that their squad would make an appearance in the Super Bowl. After going through so much adversity from the Damar Hamlin situation to the death of Dawson Knox’s brother, last year wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows.
What matters is that they overcame everything that was thrown their way. That is, until they ran into the Cincinnati Bengals in the divisional round. Despite a 34-31 win over the Miami Dolphins in the wild-card round, their run would end in a 27-10 loss to Joe Burrow and Co.
This offseason, Buffalo solidified their defense with the addition of Leonard Floyd. Him and Von Miller should be a scary duo if both are healthy. I expect a breakout season from Kaiir Elam at cornerback opposite of Tre’Davious White.
Even with the loss of Devin Singletary at running back, not to worry. The Bills have confidence in James Cook and added some depth with Damien Harris and Latavius Murray. Other than that, this offense led by Josh Allen looks potent and ready to roll.
Sean McDermott’s squad will win this division once again. Even with Aaron Rodgers joining the Jets, I still think Buffalo will remain on top. It’s just a matter of how far they’ll make it in the playoffs.
2) New York Jets (13-4)
We’re just going to forget about 2022 when it comes to Gang Green. Sure, they went on a four game winning streak at one point to improve their record to 5-2. But, the losses would just pile on top of one another. In the end, a 7-10 record was all they could muster.
But, the future stars of the team were found. Wide receiver Garrett Wilson won Offensive Rookie of the Year. Cornerback Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner won Defensive Rookie of the Year. Talk about good luck, right?
Those two and the rest of the team received a gift this offseason. The front office pulled off a trade to land their franchise quarterback in Aaron Rodgers. Despite the fact that it won’t be a long-term partnership, it doesn’t matter. They got their guy (sorry, Zach Wilson. Keep working, my man).
That’s not all. New York also added Dalvin Cook to their backfield. He joins Breece Hall (recovering from ACL injury) and Michael Carter in the group. Rodgers’s friends Allen Lazard and Randall Cobb also joined the squad. Speedster Mecole Hardman Jr. comes from Kansas City to provide some JUICE.
Defensively, they’ll be scary. Gardner will be assigned to your favorite team’s top wideout, and will make a big impact. Quinnen Williams was re-signed this offseason, and pairing him with Solomon Thomas on the defensive line will be scary. Carl Lawson had a solid season last year with the Jets, and will look to replicate that in 2023.
Even with their additions, New York will still finish behind Buffalo for the division title. But, a playoff spot is guaranteed in my opinion. Cheer up, Jets fans. Greener pastures lie ahead.
3) Miami Dolphins (11-6)
Placing Miami to finish third in the division isn’t totally on the team itself. It just goes to show how difficult this division will be to predict. When you add Jalen Ramsey this offseason, expectations rise just a bit.
Miami’s 9-8 record in 2022 was just enough to sneak into the postseason. The loss to the Bills in the wild card round was imminent, since quarterback Tua Tagovailoa was out. Two concussions for the young leader was not how he pictured the season going.
Tua was critical for the Dolphins last year. You can talk about Tyreek Hill or Jaylen Waddle or even Xavier Howard all you want. But, you could argue a healthy Tagovailoa would have helped Miami get to 10 or even 11 wins last year. Heck, they could have beaten Buffalo in the playoffs because of how close the loss was.
Regardless, the young quarterback is healthy and ready to go. His weapons are all back, and adding De’Von Achane provides intrigue in the running back room. Ok, wait. I guess losing Mike Gesicki hurts a little bi. But, Durham Smythe will be serviceable.
Defensively, we’re all a bit worried, right? Ramsey is out until late in the season after getting surgery for his meniscus. Is Eli Apple the answer to replace him until then? I think not.
That’s the only concern to me. Jaelan Phillips and his seven sacks last year were promising, and the number hopefully increases this year. Defensive tackle Christian Wilkins is solid himself, and I hope to see him get to the quarterback more this season.
It will be tough to overpass Buffalo and New York in this division. But, they could pull some upsets and who knows?
4) New England Patriots (9-8)
Things couldn’t get tougher for Bill Belichick and his squad. Dealing with three potent teams is something they’re not used to facing for a while now.
Regardless, they wont be your usual bottom feeder. New England always will give you a fit on the defensive side of the ball. Trust me, fantasy football numbers don’t lie. If you want actual numbers, take this: their 20.4 points allowed ranked in the top 10 last year. Allowing 322 yards per game was good for eighth-best in the NFL.
Even though they’re dealing with some drama involving cornerback Jack Jones, sirens are not going off in Foxboro. The first-round selection of Christian Gonzalez this past draft was a great one. He is slated to start and line up opposite of Jonathan Jones by Week One.
Matthew Judon is still arguably the leader of the defense. Look out for Jahlani Tavai, who’s versatility has him in a starting role at the moment.
Offensively, it’s going to be all about the run game. Rhamondre Stevenson is the clear RB1, with Ezekiel Elliott spelling him at times. Depending on those two will make things easier for Mac Jones, who looks to bounce back from a subpar 2022.
An 8-9 record last year is not The Patriot Way. Things are on the rise for the Patriots and have a chance to sneak in and clinch the seventh seed in the AFC this year.
Thank you for reading! Make sure to visit Belly Up Sports every week and follow me on Twitter! The Case and Nate Show is live on YouTube and Spotify, so check me out there too!
