Steve Selby gives his AFC East outlook, and The Washington Post reports on the division-by-division breakdown ahead of the 2024 NFL season.
1. Jets
coachBy: Robert Saleh
2023 Record: 7-10 | O/U Wins: 10.5
Main additions: LT Tyron Smith, RT Morgan Moses, LG John Simpson, DE Haason Reddick, DT Javon Kinlaw, DT Leki Fotu, WR Mike Williams, QB Tyrod Taylor, OT Olu Fashanu, WR Malachi Corley, RB Braylon Allen, RB Isaiah Davis
Main retirees: DE Bryce Huff, DT Quinton Jefferson, TE CJ Uzomah, OT Duane Brown, OT Billy Turner, G Laken Tomlinson, C Connor McGovern, DE Carl Lawson, S Jordan Whitehead
First and Goal: Aaron Rodgers! Aaron Rodgers! Aaron Rodgers! WR Garrett Wilson and RB Breece Hall are third-year stars. Smith is an eight-time Pro Bowl selection with a strengthened O-line. DC Jeff Ulbrich fields an elite defense with stars at every level in DT Quinnen Williams, ILB CJ Mosley, CB Sauce Gardner and DJ Reed. Third-year DE Jermaine Johnson looks capable of setting double-digit football records and second-year DE Will McDonald has a fearsome spin move. WR Xavier Gipson is a dangerous returner. Brant Boyer's kicking game is solid thanks to P Thomas Morstead and K Greg Zuerlein. Taylor is an elite backup QB.
Fourth and LongRodgers turns 41 in December. Will his Achilles hold up? Can OC Nathaniel Hackett bounce back? Can Mike Williams stay on the field? Can Saleh escape the firing squad?
prediction: 11-6. Ending a 13-year playoff drought, the Jets win their first division title since 2002. Rodgers plays 14 games, Taylor replaces him with two wins. Hall throws for 1,600 total yards, Wilson throws 10 touchdown passes, and the defense keeps them winning every game.
2. Invoice
coach: Sean McDermott
2023 Record: 11-6 | O/U Wins: 9.5
Main additions: WR Keion Coleman, WR Curtis Samuel, RB Ray Davis, QB Mitchell Trubisky, S Mike Edwards, DT Austin Johnson, LB Nicholas Morrow
Main retirees: WR Stefon Diggs, WR Gabe Davis, S Jordan Poyer, S Micah Hyde, CB Tre'Davious White, C Mitch Morse, EDGE Leonard Floyd, DT Linval Joseph, DT Poona Ford, DT Tim Settle
First and GoalJosh Allen is an elite two-way franchise QB. TE Dalton Kinkaid is his young Travis Kelce. OC Joe Brady will use Samuel as a versatile player. Coleman is a red zone threat. Peter Schrager of Good Morning Football has WR Khalil Shakir as a breakout candidate. RB James Cook was selected to the Pro Bowl in his second year. LT Dion Dawkins is the anchor of a solid offensive line. CB Russul Douglas and Christian Benford are good enough. DE Greg Rousseau and AJ Epenesa are hot.
Fourth and LongDiggs will wear out his welcome and will have to be replaced. Morse will go to Jacksonville and Connor McGovern will replace him at center. The secondary will lose experienced players like Poyer, Hyde and White. Can Dorian Williams partially fill the hole left by LB Matt Milano (torn biceps)? Can 35-year-old Von Miller stay healthy and remember how to sack a quarterback? Can first-time DC Bobby Babich perform? Can PK Tyler Bass forget the comparisons to Scott Norwood's 48-yarder down the right wing in the playoffs?
prediction9-8. The team's four-year streak of winning division titles is over. Allen is an MVP candidate, but the defense has regressed.
3. Dolphins
coach: Mike McDaniel
2023 Record: 11-6 | O/U Wins: 9.5
Main additions: TE Jonnu Smith, C Aaron Brewer, DT Calais Campbell, DT Benito Jones, LB Jordyn Brooks, LB Anthony Walker, CB Kendall Fuller, CB Shiran Neal, S Jordan Poyer, DE Chopp Robinson, OT Patrick Paul, RB Jalen Wright, DE/OLB Mo Kamara
Main retirees: WR Cedric Wilson, G Robert Hunt, C Connor Williams, DE Andrew Van Ginkel, DT Christian Wilkins, DT Raekwon Davis, LB Jerome Baker, CB Xavien Howard, S Brandon Jones
First and Goal: Tua Tagovailoa ($167.1M guaranteed) likes McDaniel a lot more than former head coach Brian Flores. McDaniel is a master of offense and press conferences. And Tua certainly likes to throw passes to energetic WRs Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, who in turn hand off to speedsters RB Raheem Mostert and Devon Achan (7.8 yards per carry). LT Terron Armstead needs to stay healthy. Safety Jevon Holland and CB Jalen Ramsey are top-notch. Pass rusher OLB Jaylan Phillips (Achilles' heel) is on a pitch count limit early in the season. Campbell, 38, provides veteran leadership, as does Poyer. New DC Anthony Weaver replaces Vic Fangio. Kicker Jason Sanders (24-28 FG) will be reliable, as will PR Braxton Berrios.
Fourth and Long: There are big question marks on the offensive line, especially at the guard positions. On the inside, Robert Jones, Aaron Brewer and Liam Eikenberg. EDGE Bradley Chubb (torn ACL) won't be a factor early in the season. Acchane should stay on the field. Can these guys win in the cold late in the season?
prediction: 8-9. Speed isn't always a killer, especially when it's cold.
4. Patriots
coach: Jerrod Mayo
2023 Record: 3-14 | O/U Wins: 4.5
Main additions: QB Jacoby Brissett, RB Antonio Gibson, WR KJ Osborne, TE Austin Hooper, OT Chukwuma Okorafor, G Nick Leverett, DT Armon Watts, ILB Sione Takitaki, S Jaylin Hawkins, QB Drake May, WR Jalyn Polk, OT Kaidan Wallace, G Raeden Robinson, WR Javon Baker
Main retirees: QB Mac Jones, RB Ezekiel Elliott, TE Mike Gesicki, OT Trent Brown, C James Ferentz, LB Mack Wilson, CB Miles Bryant, CB JC Jackson, S Jalen Mills, EDGE Matthew Judon
First and GoalCB Christian Gonzalez (shoulder), a first-round pick last year, has only played in four games but is a great option to play opposite Jonathan Jones. Safeties Jabrill Peppers and Kyle Dugger are solid. Second-round pick Polk can be a No. 1 wide receiver. TE Hunter Henry provides some red-zone security. RB Rhamondre Stevenson looks to have an explosive play, and Gibson (172 career receptions) will be busy in the backfield.
Fourth and LongBill Belichick is gone and Mayo is a rookie head coach. Offensive tackles are questionable. Brissett will hold down the quarterback position until Mayo, the No. 3 overall pick, is ready. The receivers are below average. Special teamer Matthew Slater, a Belichick favorite, is retired. DTs Christian Barmore (blood clot) and Judon (traded to Atlanta) will be missed. Kicker Joey Slye won the position in training camp.
prediction: 3-14. Growing pains for Maye. No real difference-maker on offense.
