AFC East predictions

 We have completed the NFC part of the predictions. Now it's time for the AFC. We start with the AFC East, because we started the NFC with the NFC East, so it's only fair. This division features the reigning AFC champion New England Patriots, and the NFL's bridesmaid in the Buffalo Bills. Who will come out on top? Here's what I think.

1. Buffalo Bills (12-5) (2 seed)

2. New England Patriots (10-7) (6 seed)

3. Miami Dolphins (5-12)

4. New York Jets (3-14)

The Bills did not win the AFC East for the first time since 2019, but they did make the playoffs for the seventh straight year. They beat the Jaguars on the road in the Wild Card, in a close game. Then they lost an overtime heartbreaker in Denver in the Divisional Round. The day after the loss, the Bills fired Sean McDermott and promoted Joe Brady to replace him. They also promoted GM Brandon Beane to president of football operations (he will remain GM). The Bills traded for DJ Moore, giving Josh Allen a weapon to throw to. They signed defensive end Bradley Chubb to help out that defense, which was good but not great last year. I am excited about this team. I don't think they'll go all the way, but I do think they will win this division.

The Patriots were expected to be bad last year. They proved everyone wrong, winning the East for the first time since 2019 and going all the way to the Super Bowl. They were crushed by the Seahawks, but there was optimism in New England once again. Their off-season was highlighted by trading for AJ Brown, signing Romeo Doubs and Alijah Vera-Tucker, and cutting Stefon Diggs. They're looking to prove that last year wasn't a fluke. I think they'll take a few steps back this year, but they're going to make the playoffs.

The Dolphins started off 2-7 and fired GM Chris Grier. Then they ripped off 4 wins in a row to get to 6-7 (haha) but lost 2 of their last 3 to finish 7-10. They fired Mike McDaniel and hired Jeff Hafley. They cut Tua Tagovailoa and signed Malik Willis. They traded Jaylen Waddle to the Broncos. They cut Tyreek Hill. They drafted Kaden Proctor to give Willis some protection. They promoted Bobby Slowik and hired Kevin Patullo (lol). I just do not have a ton of faith in this team. Willis might be alright, but I'm not so sure about that receiving room.

The Jets were absolutely awful last year. They finished 3-14 and became the first team in history to go an entire season without intercepting a pass. They received Minkah Fitzpatrick in a deal from the Dolphins, signed Geno Smith (who is likely to start at quarterback this year), and drafted David Bailey with the #2 pick and Kenyon Sadiq with the 16th. They also drafted Omar Cooper with the 30th pick. I'm not gonna beat around the bush here, this team just isn't gonna be good.

This division has 2 Super Bowl contenders and 2 long shots. It'll be interesting to see if this is the year the Bills finally get over the hump. The Patriots will likely take some steps back. The Dolphins had a busy offseason, but are unlikely to do well. And the Jets.....yikes.

Next time I will be predicting the AFC North, one of the more wide open divisions in football. I'm conflicted on who is going to win it, honestly.