The AFC East has been one of the divisions in the NFL that has been dominated by one team for the last decade. That team being the New England Patriots. The Patriots had won 11 straight AFC East titles before the Bills got back to winning ways and won the last two. This is a division that seems pretty one sided on paper, but can shape up to being one of the most exciting division in the NFL.
How Will the Jets Look This Season?
The Jets had a disappointing 2021 season after finishing 4-13. The Jets knew they needed to make some changes to compete in this division, which is exactly what they did. With two top 10 picks in this years draft, the Jets drafted one of the best cornerbacks in the nation, Sauce Gardner, and one of the most talented wide receivers, Garrett Wilson. These two players were some of the most electric players last year in college and will make an immediate impact for the Jets, who desperately need it. Zach Wilson did not live up to his potential in his rookie season, but with a full year of experience under his belt, I believe he will get back to his college days and lead this team.
The Jets also drafted one of the best running backs in the draft in Breece Hall. Hall had 20 rushing touchdowns last season for Iowa State and has earned a spot as the RB1. CJ Uzomah has also signed for the Jets which will bring some more experience to this young offense and help show leadership when needed. This is going to be a very difficult division this year and I’m picking the Jets to finish 5-12. They still need some more talent if they want to compete with these other three teams.
Will the Patriots Return to the Playoffs?
The Patriots were one of the biggest surprises last year, finishing 10-7 and earning a spot in the Wild Card round. Mac Jones proved that he is ready to lead this football team and Bill Belichick has shown his trust in this young quarterback. The Patriots needed to add another wide receiver this offseason to help out Jones and that is exactly what they did. They added DeVante Parker from the Dolphins. Parker brings a versatile weapon to New England as well as experience that Jones will need as he grows in this league.
The Patriots had the second ranked defense last season, which played a significant role in making the playoffs. I see them dropping in this ranking, especially after losing JC Jackson to the Chargers. Jackson was one of the best cornerbacks in the league and his absence will be missed in New England. I’m picking the Patriots to finish 10-7, but missing out on the playoffs. This would still be a successful season for New England, even without a playoff berth with how tough the AFC is going to be this year, especially the AFC West.
Can the Dolphins Make the Playoffs?
The Miami Dolphins made one of the biggest signings this offseason in bringing on Tyreek Hill. Hill is by far the most explosive wide receiver in the league and will help out this Dolphins offense significantly. Hill’s deep route running will open up the game for Tua as well as Jaylen Waddle, who proved to be one of the best rookie wide receivers last year. Tua will have those two weapons, as well as Mike Gesicki at tight end which could be a trio that many defenses will fear this year. This offense has the potential to put up some monster numbers this season.
If the Dolphins want to make the playoffs, they will need their defense to step up this year. They had the 16th ranked defense last year and that simply is not good enough. Christian Wilkins needs to step up this year and be a leader on this front line. This is a very young defense that needs to gel together if they want to compete in this division. I’m picking the Dolphins to finish 10-7, and just like the Patriots, just miss a playoff berth this season. This would be a step in the right direction for the Dolphins and give them another year of experience for their young players. Watch out for the Dolphins in 2023!
Will the Bills Make it a 3-Peat?
The Bills, without a doubt are the most exciting football team in the NFL. The Bills have won the last two AFC East titles and are the favorite to win it again this year. Josh Allen has proven to be one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL and is showing that he is getting better with experience. The Bills finished as the 4th ranked offense in the NFL last season and I can see them jumping up to that number 1 spot. With the likes of Josh Allen, Stefon Diggs, Gabriel Davis, and Devin Singletary, this Bills offense is going to be fun to watch this year.
If the Bills offense wasn’t enough to win games, their #1 ranked defense will definitely help. The Bills have the most talented defense in the NFL. Jordan Poyer, Micah Hyde, and Tre’Davious White are the leaders and will show why this is the top rated defense in the league. I’m picking the Bills to finish the season 13-4 and winning their third consecutive AFC East title. This team is too talented on both sides of the ball to not win this division. I also think the Bills will make a serious run in the playoffs and potentially bring home their first Super Bowl this year.
