AFC East
For years people have said that the Patriots have feasted off the worst division in football. That was a bit unfair because the AFC East was never that bad, and the Patriots always had to play the best teams in the AFC every year. This year, the AFC East could live up to its reputation as the worst division in football.
The Bills should be the favorites entering the season but they aren’t heavy favorites in any sportsbook. In fact, some sportsbooks still have the Patriots as early betting favorites or right even with the Bills — this may change since the Bills seem like they are looking to improve and the Patriots look like they are trying to do the opposite. The Bills need to build on their playoff season last year. Josh Allen needs to be more accurate and maybe better receivers — like Stefon Diggs — help him get there.
The Jets should be considered the second-best team in the division. They need a healthy Sam Darnold to step up and play to the level they expected when the Jets drafted him two years ago. A lot of folks had the Jets breakout season coming last year, and now the Jets have their shot.
The Patriots are still expected by betting markets to be in the thick of things in the AFC East, but it’s tough to see a way where they make next year’s playoffs. Jarrett Stidham won’t be a plug-and-play replacement even if Tom Brady didn’t look great last season. The Patriots defense may be good enough for six wins by themselves, but the dominant team in the AFC East won’t be dominant anymore.
The Dolphins still have at least a year of rebuild. They were active in the free-agent market, but they most likely won’t be in the playoff race this year. That’s fine. If they can get Tua Tagovailoa they will be set for the future.