The AFC East has some interesting storylines heading into the season, but I don’t think the division race will be very close.
Here’s how I see it playing out.
1. Buffalo Bills (12-5)
As long as Josh Allen is under center, Buffalo is still the team to beat.
The Bills have the best quarterback in the division and arguably the best in football. They’re battle-tested, consistently an elite team, and I expect them to win another AFC East title.
Despite not winning the division last season, they’re still the kings of the division.
2. New England Patriots (9-8)
Some people will think this prediction is disrespectful because the Patriots just played in the Super Bowl. I don’t see it that way.
Getting to the Super Bowl is hard. Getting back is even harder.
Every team spends the offseason studying you. Your schedule gets tougher, expectations are higher, and every opponent treats you like the measuring stick.
I still think New England is a playoff-caliber football team, but I expect some regression after last season’s run. A winning record and a Wild Card berth wouldn’t surprise me, but I don’t see another Super Bowl appearance.
3. Miami Dolphins (5-12)
I think Miami is headed for one of the toughest seasons in the NFL.
There are too many question marks, and I don’t believe they’ll have enough consistency to compete week after week. I expect this to be a rebuilding year that raises serious questions about the direction of the franchise.
4. New York Jets (3-14)
I don’t buy the Jets.
I keep hearing about talent, but I don’t see enough of it, especially at quarterback. Until they solve the most important position in football, I don’t expect the results to change.
If the season starts going south early, I wouldn’t be surprised if the organization starts looking ahead instead of trying to salvage the year. With Archie Manning expected to be one of the top quarterback prospects if he enters the 2027 NFL Draft, the Jets could find themselves in position to make him their future.
I see another long season in New York.
My Final AFC East Predictions
- 1. Buffalo Bills: 12-5
- 2. New England Patriots: 9-8
- 3. Miami Dolphins: 5-12
- 4. New York Jets: 3-14