NFL 2024 Division Previews; AFC East Edition; Three Teams with Over 10 Wins; Patriots Bottom of the Barrel

Over the next pair of months, I will be going through each division and giving an overall projection of how they could perform in the upcoming season. The record projection should be taken with a grain of salt as we are still months out before the season even starts and roster changes and injuries will occur in that time.

1) Miami Dolphins – Projected Record 11-6

The case of the Miami Dolphins was straightforward a season ago. They were by far the fastest team in the NFL, lightning whenever they touched the field, it was clear by the time they rolled over the Broncos and put up 70. Regardless, they were the case of winning against the teams they should have beaten and falling to the teams that they were closer to them in terms of talent. They just couldn’t beat that next level of teams and it hurt them and speaking of hurt, the injuries piled up at the end of the season for the Dolphins. It went from a clear path to the division title to losing that in falling early in the playoffs.

Now the Dolphins are running it back with all that speed on offense, De’Von Achane is explosive and healthy and Jaylen Wright as a draft prospect brings even more speed. The defense wasn’t great last season but they’ve added some nice additions, rookie Chop Robinson and secondary additions of Kendall Fuller and Jordan Poyer. Making the back end of the defense look stout. With all that talent with a tough division and tough schedule, 11-6 and scraping by with the division title is within reach for this team.

2) New York Jets – Projected Record 11-6

The 2023 New York Jets were an absolute tragedy last season. All the hype and for good reason, plenty of talent, the defense had been good already and they got the most talented quarterback of all time Aaron Rodgers to run the offense. Then, on the first offensive drive, within three plays, Aaron Rodgers tore his achilles and the season was over. As if that wasn’t enough of an issue, the handling of Zach Wilson was so poor by the coaching staff that the season was just a disaster even if 7-10 doesn’t look that bad.

The good news is the team is looking quite strong, their biggest weakness was the offensive line and they got immediate help with the best pass blocker in the 2024 NFL draft class in Olu Fashanu and veteran Tyron Smith. They also added Mike Williams to pair with Garrett Wilson for a great duo, along with Breece Hall who should get a lot more touches this season. The defense is where they’re still at their strongest, however. A defensive line that already had great talent in Quinnen Williams and Jermain Johnson, added Haason Reddick and Javon Kinlaw to make a scary line. That makes it so all three levels of the defense are stout. Despite all of that talent, it’s going to be tough to stay consistent just due to chemistry and a tough division and schedule similar to Miami. 11-6 feels about right for the team but it would not be surprising to see it swing heavily one way or the other.

3) Buffalo Bills – Projected Record 11-6

The Bills were an odd team at times last season, sometimes they looked like the favorites to come out of the AFC, and at times they were too much of a mess and turnovers racked up and they lost games they shouldn’t have. Still, they won the division and looked like they could make a deep playoff run but again it did not come to pass. Now the Bills are going through some change, the most notable is the receivers with Gabe Davis and none bigger than Stefon Diggs. How do they adjust to this? How can they do what the Chiefs did when they lost Tyreek Hill?

It starts with Josh Allen’s growth, now Allen is already a top 3 to top 2 quarterback in the NFL and he could still get better if his decision-making improves and he slows down when trying to be Superman. Now without a “number 1” guy at receiver to start the season, it could allow Allen to grow and be good for him. At the very least they’re off to a great start trying to replace his production with the draft pick of Keon Coleman who Allen is going to love, who is amazing at contested catches and those 50-50 balls are not 50-50 when it comes to Coleman. If Allen can grow, this team can still be successful, and like the other two top teams 11-6 seems fair for the Bills.

4) New England Patriots – Projected Record 3-14

The New England Patriots were abysmal last season, especially on offense, one of the worst offenses in the modern era. It truly felt like the team was a generation behind in terms of style, tempo, and playcalling. It was tough to watch and it was so evident that they needed a change of culture, playstyle, and personnel. To their credit, they’ve done that so far and have taken the first steps to rebuild their organization unfortunately for next season these things take time.

Due to the reset, the team is going through, next season is going to feel like a lifetime for fans as they stumble through the season. The offensive line is average to below average, the skill players are well below average, thankfully the addition of Drake Maye is one to be celebrated. The Commanders passing on him gave the Patriots the chance to take him and Patriots fans will be forever grateful they got him. He’s young, with a great build, great talent, athletic, and a great arm. Everything you could ask for in a young quarterback is what you get in Drake Maye. Now, this season, expect some growing pains with that roster, 3-14 will not make Maye look great but he should have plenty of flashes that make fans excited for the future.