The New England Patriots won their NFL record ninth straight AFC East division title in 2017. What’s more amazing is that the Patriots have finished atop the AFC East in 14 of the last 15 seasons. The 2018 season looks no different, although there are signs that one team is on the rise.
Here is a look at the 2018 AFC East.
4. Buffalo Bills
The Buffalo Bills are a mess offensively. There’s no way around it. When Nathan Peterman is starting at quarterback, there is little hope for success this season.
Additionally, the wide receiver corps isn’t much to look at. Kelvin Benjamin underachieved in Carolina, and second-year receiver Zay Jones still has much to prove. That leaves running back LeSean McCoy as the centerpoint of the offense. Look for a repeat of Todd Gurley’s 2016 season in the form of McCoy in 2018.
Defensively, the Bills feature enough playmakers to keep the team in games, but it’s going to be a long year in Buffalo.
Two Players to Watch: Benjamin is the key to providing hope for the passing game this season. If he can finally live up to his potential, then maybe the Bills will prove the experts wrong.
Buffalo did a solid job improving the middle of the defensive line by signing Star Lotulelei. He brings toughness and experience to an already stellar defense in Buffalo.
Game to Watch: The Bills run a gauntlet in their first six games, but the one that stands out is their home opener against the Los Angeles Chargers. Yes, the same Chargers that picked off Peterman five times in the first half of a 54-24 demolition of the Bills last season.
Predicted Win Range: 2-to-5
3. Miami Dolphins
I’m evolving my stance on the Dolphins in 2018. Recently, I predicted the Dolphins to finish 1-15 after making several changes to the roster, including the decision to cut Ndamukong Suh and trade Jarvis Landry. However, after staring at their schedule over and over again, I’m changing my mind about the Dolphins. Their schedule is weaker than it originally looked, and there are enough winnable games for the team to avoid last place.
That said, quarterback Ryan Tannehill returns after missing the 2017 season, and there is little reason to believe that he can lead this franchise. The offensive skill positions are less than desirable, and the offensive line lacks depth. However, like the Bills, Miami has solid defensive talent, which should keep the Dolphins in some games.
Two Players to Watch: The Dolphins traded for Los Angeles Rams pass rusher Robert Quinn during the offseason. His move back to the east coast could serve as a springboard for a rejuvenated career. If Quinn can return to form, the Dolphins defense will feature a dangerous pass rush. But that’s a big if.
Former first-round pick DeVante Parker entered the league with the potential to be a No. 1 receiver. With Landry in Cleveland, he has his chance.
Game to Watch: The Dolphins face off with the rival New York Jets in what should be a test of where both franchises stand right now. A Miami victory in New York could signal a better season than expected.
Predicted Win Range: 3-to-7
2. New York Jets
The Jets are the popular pick to eventually dethrone the Patriots in the division, but they aren’t there yet. New York made the right steps by trading up for their franchise quarterback (Sam Darnold). They have also built solid depth around Darnold at the offensive skill positions.
Defensively, the Jets feature several talented players, including former Los Angeles Rams cornerback Trumaine Johnson. It’s a unit that could actually win a couple of games for the Jets this season. But, the reality is that New York is still a year or two away from being a serious contender. At least the Jets are finally on the right path.
Two Players to Watch: The Jets brought in wide receiver Terrell Pryor on potential alone. He showed that he could develop into a playmaker in Cleveland, but Pryor fell apart with the Redskins last season. Now he is a classic reclamation project who could pay massive dividends if he finally develops upon his physical attributes.
The aforementioned Johnson received a massive contract to be the Jets’ top cornerback, and now he has to live up to that contract with a franchise desperate for success. New York needs him to lead this defense not just this season, but for the near future.
Game to Watch: A Thursday night, September 20 matchup with the Cleveland Browns on national television gives both teams a chance to see where both franchises are in their respective rebuilds. The Jets are more talented than they have been in a couple of years, and this game is an opportunity for the whole country to see it.
Predicted Win Range: 4-to-7
1. New England Patriots
The clock is ticking on the New England Patriots. Time catches up to everyone, and even though New England has defied Father Time for almost 20 years, there are signs that a rebuild could be on the way.
However, there is still enough talent on this roster to make another run at the Super Bowl. Future Hall of Fame quarterback Tom Brady returns to lead the Patriots offense against a weak AFC East division. That schedule alone should ensure six wins for the Patriots. Add in games against Detroit, Indianapolis, Chicago and Tennessee, and New England could have 10 wins alone earmarked on the schedule.
Still, there are no sure bets remaining on their schedule, which features several younger, more athletic teams. Offensively, the Patriots lack a surefire No. 1 receiver and featured running back. Their star tight end, Rob Gronkowski, cannot stay healthy. The unit is remarkably short on playmakers.
Defensively, there are still question marks after watching the Patriots struggle in the Super Bowl and early last season. The unit has a lot to prove with games against Green Bay and Kansas City on the schedule. Altogether, there are more question marks on this roster than we’ve seen from Bill Belichick coached team in a long time.
Two Players to Watch: Every year we tune in to see if Brady will finally show signs of age, and every year he continues to defy it. However, without much speed on his offense, Brady will be expected to carry even more weight than in the past. Can his 41-year old body hold on for another run?
Cordarrelle Patterson entered the NFL with all of the potential to be a star. Well, that never happened, but Patterson possesses the physical gifts to turn his career around. The Patriots need more speed on the offense, which is his specialty. Patterson has a chance to salvage his career and make something of himself. If he can step up his game and take over a starting spot, the Patriots will have the playmaker they need.
Game to Watch: There are several big games on the schedule for New England, but their opener against the Houston Texans is arguably the most important one. The Texans feature a young offense with several playmakers that could have driven the Patriots’ secondary crazy, but their win on Sunday settles concerns about the Patriots’ offense and defense this year.
Predicted Win Range: 10-to-12
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