The 2024-2025 NFL season is about to ramp up and teams will be reporting to training camp in the coming weeks. But before we see all 32 teams get back on the gridiron. Check out my last article where I previewed the AFC South (NFL Division Preview: The AFC South). The next preview will be on the AFC East. The teams in the AFC East consists of the New England Patriots, Buffalo Bills, New York Jets and the Miami Dolphins.
The AFC east division is going to be a fun ride in 2024. Many questions will be answered for every team in this division throughout the season. Can Miami get over the hump? How will the Bills bounce back after losing many key pieces? Will Aaron Rodgers prove to be what the Jets paid for in 2023? What’s next for the New England Patriots post Bill Belichick era?
First, The Buffalo Bills. The Buffalo Bills comes into the season without their two top pass catchers from 2023, Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis. No doubt it’s going to be hard to replace that production but the Bills are relying on second round pick Keon Coleman from Florida State to be the guy for Josh Allen. The Buffalo Bills will have to rely more on the running game if they are going to repeat as AFC East Champions. Also, Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady will have a full off-season to implement a offense built for Josh Allen. Next, the Bills struggles during the season last year and limped to the finish line to win the AFC East. Beating the Miami Dolphins in week 18 (21-14).
Next, we have the Miami Dolphins. The Dolphins have a quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa who is looking for a Big pay day from Miami. Under Tua Tagovailoa, the Dolphins have been one of the most explosive regular season teams in recent memory. But there has been questions about Tua’s health. However, The Dolphins will be looking to get over the hump and win the AFC East division in 2024. They have the Head Coach, number one receiver and a well rounded defense that can win them games. In order for the Dolphins to win this division. They must avoid the bad loses and win late in the season. Especially against teams with bad weather in late November and December.
Arguably the most hyped team in 2023 until around 8:30pm on September 11th. When Aaron Rodgers tore his Achilles on the first series. Which turned out to be season ending. One thing for the Jets, 2023 is over and Aaron Rodgers is back as the starting quarterback for the New York Jets. I think we can all agree on if Rodgers is fully healthy then the New York Jets can go from the laughing stock of the NFL to the glory child in 2024 of course behind the new look Houston Texans. Defense wins games and the New York Jets defense will be a force to be reckoned with. The Jets will have to rely on that good defense for the first half of the season until the offense gets going because the Jets offense could come out the gates slow due to chemistry.
Lastly, the New England Patriots. The Bill Belichick era is over in Foxborough and the Patriots get a fresh start to see which direction they want to take in 2024. The New England Patriots might finish last in the AFC East but they will be a team fighting every week. The Patriots are continuing to look for their future Tom Brady. Drafting Drake May with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 draft. Drake was one of the top quarterbacks coming out of North Carolina. Also talked about as being the No. 1 overall pick. Head coach Jerod May will look to ease Drake Maye into the Patriots way by not putting too much on Maye shoulder. Another thing to look out for during the offseason. The Matthew Judon contract negotiations. Judon is arguably the best defensive player for the patriots and Judon wants to get paid as such. The next step for Jerod Mayo and the Patriots is to avoid putting their franchise quarterback (Drake Maye) in crazy situation but do challenge Maye early during his rookie season.
In conclusion, The AFC East division is a 3-team race in 2024 with New England having the ability to cause chaos by beating 2 of these teams. The New York Jets, Miami Dolphins and Buffalo Bills have championship aspirations in 2024 and all 3 can make the playoffs from this division.
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