We’re rolling along through the NFL and we’re now up to the AFC East. Things likely aren't going to be too exciting this season in the AFC East as there is really only one clear cut top team. There is one team that has made some moves to improve, but I don’t think they’re quite there yet. I guess we’ll just have to wait and see how the competition will be in the division, but I’m not expecting anything too exciting to come out of the AFC East. Other than the new head coach in Miami, there aren’t any regime changes within the division and for the most part, the cores of each team have stayed the same as well. There was some excitement as far as personnel changes are concerned, but not too many. I’m not gonna waste any more time though, let’s jump in.

1: Buffalo Bills (12-5)

A lot of the predictions that I am seeing have the Buffalo Bills as the top team in the NFL and there is definitely a valid case for that argument. I don’t think they will have the best record this season, but I wouldn't rule it out either. The team has been a solid unit since Josh Allen took over as franchise QB and they will continue to be for quite some time. In addition to the offense, the defense is great. They were great last season and they added a big name to the squad this offseason. Von Miller signed a monster deal this offseason with the Bills and he will take this defense to another level. In addition to Miller, they locked in their star WR, Stefon Diggs for another 4 years. They added a few good O-Linemen and they added the speedy Tavon Austin and former Duke slot receiver, Jamison Crowder. The Bills will be a force this season and if they’re on your team’s schedule, it will be a tough outing.

Difference Maker: DT, Ed Oliver

The addition of DaQuan Jones and Von Miller to this D-Line will take a lot of pressure off of Ed Oliver. Oliver is entering his 4th season with the Bills and has been solid in the 3 prior years, but he really hasn’t exploded yet. I think this will be the season that he makes a splash.

2: Miami Dolphins (9-8)

The Dolphins are the team that a lot of people are talking about that could be a potential contender, but I just don’t think it will happen. They have a new coach and there was a lot of controversy surrounding that this offseason, but I’m not going to dive too deeply into that. They will have a pretty good defense going into the season and if they can have a fairly healthy season, I think they could hold their own against some of the tougher opponents, however, I think there are too many question marks surrounding Tua Tagovailoa. He has yet to play a full season entering his 3rd season and while that isn't that big of a concern in itself, there’s a belief that they don’t trust him leading the team. The Dolphins made a big splash adding the explosive Tyreek Hill to the lineup and he will certainly add an element that wasn’t there. Along with Hill, they have Jaylen Waddle, who impressed fans in his rookie season last year. There is a slight concern at O-line, but I think their run game is more of a concern. They have talent at the RB spot, but it looks like they’re a little unsure about them. Like many teams, they have been relegated to a run-share over the past few seasons and this season will be no different. Edmonds will lead the pack, but hasn’t had a chance to become a lead back. I think the Dolphins will be a borderline playoff team and could make some noise this season, but I wouldn't put a lot of faith in them.

Difference Maker: LT, Terron Armstead

This new acquisition will be Tua’s best friend. Not Tyreek Hill, not Jaylen Waddle, it will be Terron Armstead. If they can get a fully healthy season out of Armstead, he will be a major difference maker to the Dolphins O-Line and Tua will be eternally grateful for it. Every position has a specific role to the team, but O-Line is the most important. If you don’t have blocking, you can’t break free. It’s as simple as that.

3: New England Patriots (7-10)

Bill Belichick is entering his 23rd season as head coach of the New England Patriots and in that tenure, he’s only had two seasons under .500. I think this will be his third. I am not sold on Mac Jones, whatsoever. They outshined their predictions last season, but I felt like they didn’t trust their QB in a lot of spots. They called too many conservative plays and he seemed like a robot. He played his role well, but if you can't trust him, that’s not a good sign, regardless of how you performed. They added a receiver to the mix with DeVante Parker, but other than that, the offense looks very similar to the one they rolled out in 2021. Their defense is worse this season as they lost 3 key players. Jaime Collins, Dont’a Hightower and Kyle Van Noy are all gone from the roster and they really didn’t replace them. The Patriots will still be competitive in games this season, but they got worse in a division that ultimately got better. It is a recipe for disaster and the Patriots are likely going to miss out on the playoffs this season.

Difference Maker: WR, DeVante Parker

Parker will be a great addition to this offense. They were hurting last season in the receiving department and Parker adds another pair of good hands to the roster. Parker will look to recapture the glory of his 2019 season where he snagged 9 TDs and 1202 receiving yards. He’s only 29 years old and he has some more good football left in him. Mac Jones will be glad to get another solid target in this lineup.

4: New York Jets (2-15)

The Jets are one of those teams that I feel will never be good. Sure, they have had some good seasons, but I have never felt like they could ever win a Super Bowl. They are far from contenders this season and with Zach Wilson leading the pack, they won’t be. It appears that Joe Flacco will be leading the team in at least the first few weeks, but don’t expect them to be world beaters with Flacco. Their defense isn't bad, but not great. And that offense is simply not going to compete. Breece Hall will be a nice addition to the backfield and I think he could have a great season, but I don’t think he’ll take a major share of the workload early on. The receiving core is ok, not particularly good though. Sauce Gardner will be a great addition to the secondary and I think he’ll be the star of the team moving forward, but for now, they just don’t have what it takes to compete.

Difference Maker: G, Laken Tomlinson

Tomlinson is a great addition to the Jets O-Line and with a young QB and RB, they need all the help they can get. The former Duke 1st Rounder will protect that left side and provide durability. He’s only missed only 1 game in his 7-year career.

Yacs

2022 AFC East Preview