A SERIES
#4 New York Jets 5-12
Finally, the Jets may have their QB in Zach Wilson. But what about those other holes? Receivers? Check, Corey Davis and draft pick Elijah Moore! O-line? Yes, Alijah Vera-Tucker in the first round to pair with Becton, a mountain of a man. Defensive? Not so much, but did retain safety Marcus Maye. However, in the end, the Jets have a rookie QB and a rookie coach. There may be a day when the Jets top the East, but not yet.
#3 New England Patriots 7-10
Evidently, Tom Brady made the Patriots great because, nowadays, they are average. While Cam Newton relished a good start in 2020, his return after contracting COVID-19 was pretty terrible. Newton finished the season with more interceptions (12) than total touchdowns (9). Perhaps this spurned the Pats to draft Alabama QB Mac Jones in the first round. Additionally, New England signed some quality free agents including TE’s Jonnu Smith and Hunter Henry. Julian Edelman retired (Or did he?) and Kendrick Bourne and Nelson Agholor will pick up the slack. Unless Newton has a highly successful 2021, Mac Jones will get the keys to Boston.
#2 Miami Dolphins 11-6
Tua is the man in Miami and he’s got some help this year. Miami drafted Jaylen Waddle, a familiar target, in the first round. They also added Will Fuller V from free agency and picked up tight end Hunter Long in the draft. On the defensive side of the ball, the Dolphins grabbed Jaelen Phillips in the draft. In the second round, they filled a need at safety with Jevon Holland. The Fins are the wild card in this division given that we haven’t seen a whole season of Tua. With additional weapons, he and Miami could have a great season.
#1 Buffalo Bills 13-4
The Bills are on the rise! Just one game stood between them and the Super Bowl last year when the Chiefs took them out of contention. Buffalo possibly has one of the best offenses in the NFL thanks to Stefon Diggs, Cole Beasley, and emerging Gabriel Davis. And their defense isn’t too shabby! So much depth and led by the All-Pro White, Tremaine Edmunds, Jerry Hughes, Josh Norman, Micah Hyde, Jordan Poyer, and Taron Johnson. Josh Allen is a MVP candidate and could win it this year. Expect a run from the Bills!
