One of the best divisions in the league is the AFC East.
BUFFALO BILLS
Buffalo was a surprise team in 2011, going 5-0 until QB Ryan Fitzpatrick signed a huge extension, then the season went down-hill from there. Injuries from C.J. Spiller & Fred Jackson were to blame, as well as Fitzpatrick's inaccuracy to throw solid passes. If all 3 players rebound and if WR Steve Johnson is healthy, this team could surprise again in '12. The defense also got a major upgrade, signing DE Mario Williams to a big contract in the offseason and this team faces a tough schedule. Games that start & end the season w/ the NY Jets and in-between faces tough road tests against San Francisco, Houston and New England. Home matchups against St. Louis, Seattle and Kansas City also could help them improve on a disappointing previous season.
MIAMI DOLPHINS
Miami had a disappointing 2011 season in which the Dolphins went 6-10. Now, with new Head Coach Joe Philbin and rookie QB Ryan Tannehill, this team will look to turn things around. RBs Reggie Bush & Daniel Thomas looks to be solid on the ground game, but Tannehill will have to target Davone Bess, Chris Hartline and Anthony Fasano in the air. The Dolphins traded WR Brandon Marshall to Chicago, signed WR Chad Johnson and then released him due to off-the-field issues relating to domestic violence. Miami has a tough schedule, including playing New England 2 out of the last 5 weeks and opens up in Houston. It's going to be a tough year in South Beach.
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
The defending AFC Conference Champions, coming off a loss in the Super Bowl looks to continue being dominant. Tom Brady, Wes Welker, Rob Gronkowski, Aaron Hernandez, Stevan Ridley and a solid defense are all back. BenJarvis Green-Ellis is gone, traded to Cincinnati, which means Ridley takes his place as featured-back. The offensive line could be the only trouble spot for this domineering team. Lot of road games to start the season before their Week 9 Bye at Tennessee, Baltimore & Seattle. The Pats have a home contest featuring arch-rival Peyton Manning and the Broncos Week 5 and also host his former team Indianapolis Week 11. Another game that can be crucial for the Pats is Week 15 as they host San Francisco for what could be a Super Bowl preview. Team is tough, will be tougher as the season goes.
NEW YORK JETS
The Tebowmania drama hits the Big Apple as Tim Tebow joins the Jets...as a backup to Mark Sanchez. Throughout training camp, there were plenty of discussion as who will start for the Jets. Right now, it will be Sanchez, but ownership will favor Tebow, if the Jets start trailing this season. Tebow will primarly be used in the Wildcat formation and could appear in about 20 plays each game. RB Shonn Greene will be the featured back, now that LT has retired. The receiving targets include Santonio Holmes, Dustin Keller and Jeremy Kerley. As far as the schedule goes, the Jets go to Pittsburgh Week 2, host San Francisco Week 4 and Houston the following week. It will be Week 7 when NY travels to New England and then to Seattle 3 weeks later. Late-season trips to Jacksonville, Tennessee & Buffalo could determine if this is a playoff-caliber team.
PREDICTIONS
New England 11-5
NY Jets 8-8
Buffalo 8-8
Miami 5-11
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