AFC East division preview
2024 predicted order of end, file
New York Jets (13-4)
Veteran signal-caller Aaron Rodgers is again to handle enterprise on one facet of the ball whereas what might find yourself being the top-rated protection within the league shall be going to work on the opposite.
Miami Dolphins (11-6)
The second-highest scoring workforce within the league final season primarily brings again the identical star-studded offense.
Buffalo Payments (9-8)
Simply because Josh Allen is Josh Allen does not imply the offense goes to click on with a brand new receiving corps.
New England Patriots (4-13)
Coach Jerod Mayo solely has a couple of weapons at his disposal in his first yr on the helm. A brutal schedule does not make life any simpler, both.
Three AFC East MVP candidates
Payments QB Josh Allen
No extra Stefon Diggs or Gabe Davis means Khalil Shakir, Keon Coleman and Curtis Samuel shall be amongst Allen’s high targets. It is not essentially the most elegant trio of pass-catchers, however Allen can just do as a lot injury on the bottom as he can by way of the air.
Jets QB Aaron Rodgers
Rodgers already has 4 of those beneath his belt, profitable the award as just lately as 2021. If any 40-year-old can bounce again from a season-ending Achilles harm, it is Rodgers.
Jets RB Breece Corridor
Whereas opposing defenses may have their arms full with Rodgers, Corridor might quietly rush for effectively over 1,000 yards after coming simply 6 shy of that mark a season in the past. Corridor additionally had the second-most catches for New York (76), making him an enormous risk on each snap.
2024 AFC East breakout gamers
Jets LB Jermaine Johnson II
New York bringing in Haason Reddick ought to take some consideration off Johnson — ought to Reddick get his contract scenario resolved. Johnson most just lately totaled 7.5 sacks en path to a Professional Bowl choice in his sophomore season.
Jets WR-RS Xavier Gipson
A rookie in 2023, Gipson has the potential to be a real Swiss Military knife for New York. He hauled in 21 catches final yr, and one in every of his scores got here on the bottom whereas the opposite got here on a punt return.
Dolphins TE Jonnu Smith
As soon as upon a time, Smith was a TD machine – hauling in eight with the Tennessee Titans in 2020 — earlier than a steep drop-off with the Patriots. He confirmed flashes of his previous self with the Atlanta Falcons final season and now joins a Miami workforce that actually is not afraid to sling the ball.
Dolphins S Jevon Holland
Knee accidents compelled Holland to overlook 5 video games final yr, but when 2022 is any indication of what he can do when he stays wholesome, he must be a defensive centerpiece for Miami.
Payments WR Keon Coleman
Quarterback Josh Allen wants a brand new WR1. Maybe it is Coleman, a second-round draft choose who had 11 TDs at Florida State final yr.
Payments CB Rasul Douglas
Douglas had 4 picks in 9 video games (eight begins) with Buffalo in 2023 after coming over from the Inexperienced Bay Packers, so what might a full season with the Payments appear like?
Patriots QB Drake Maye
Sure, Jacoby Brissett goes to begin the season beneath heart for New England, nevertheless it’s secure to imagine that Maye takes over in some unspecified time in the future. When he does, he might present the spark the Patriots have been looking for ever since Mac Jones began to taper off.
Patriots CB Christian Gonzalez
A torn labrum put Gonzalez on the shelf after simply 4 video games in 2023, his rookie season. The No. 17 general choose in final yr’s draft will lastly get to showcase his expertise in full.
Week 1 outlook
Payments vs. Cardinals, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
Buffalo could possibly be challenged defensively proper out of the gate, as quarterback Kyler Murray, now wholesome, appears to assist Arizona rebound from back-to-back 4-13 seasons.
Patriots at Bengals, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
Somebody aside from Invoice Belichick shall be teaching New England for the primary time since 1999. One of many few causes making these Patriots value watching is their sturdy secondary, which might very effectively get carved up by Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.
Dolphins vs. Jaguars, 1 p.m. ET
A battle of South Florida and North Florida pits two groups that shall be within the combine for division titles. Star Miami receivers Tyreek Hill (thumb) and Jaylen Waddle (undisclosed) are banged-up, however they need to be good to go in opposition to Jacksonville.
Jets at 49ers, Monday, Sept. 9, 8:15 p.m. ET
Welcome again, Aaron Rodgers. The 40-year-old quarterback performed simply 4 snaps final season and now has to open 2024 in opposition to a San Francisco workforce recent off a Tremendous Bowl look.
–Subject Stage Media
