The Buffalo Bills have gained the AFC East 4 consecutive seasons, but it seems their grip on the division should loosen in 2024.
On Wednesday, information broke that the Bills traded famous person wideout Stefon Diggs to the Houston Texans. That, alongside with countless salary-cap casualties consisting of vast receiver Gabe Davis, security Jordan Poyer and others, means Buffalo ought to be notably weakened for subsequent season.
Here’s a way-too-early seem to be at how this captivating division may shake out in wake of the news of Diggs’ departure.
1. New York Jets | 2023: 7-10, third in division
The closing time the Jets won the AFC East was once 2002, the first 12 months of the division’s current format, and they have not made the playoffs considering the 2010 season, the longest postseason drought in any foremost North American sports league.
Both droughts, however, ought to cease this season.
Despite little to no assist from the offense after QB Aaron Rodgers suffered a torn Achilles in the first recreation of 2023, the defense finished in the pinnacle three in many metrics final year, which include DVOA. There’s no motive to project regression in that area.
As for the offense, higher health will be required, most surprisingly from Rodgers himself. However, even a league-average unit may want to see these Jets turn out to be contenders due to the strength of their defense.
If veteran beginners such as offensive address Tyron Smith and wideout Mike Williams remain healthy, the Jets at least be a playoff contender.
2. Miami Dolphins | 2023: 11-6, second
There may also be a new division chief in our projections, however the Dolphins are still caught in the very acquainted No.two spot.
Miami’s defense has but to put in a good overall performance towards a pinnacle offense, and the offense has a tendency to disappear in cold climate and in big moments.
Miami made brilliant protective additions this offseason, together with linebackers Jordyn Brooks and Shaquil Barrett and safety Poyer, and it would be almost not possible for it to have worse health alongside the offensive line than in 2023.
Miami isn’t always flawless, but this may want to be the year the Dolphins take the leap.
3. Buffalo Bills | 2023: 11-6, first
Yes, the Bills should sincerely fall all the way to third.
With Diggs (1,187 yards receiving, eight landing catches in 2023) and Davis (746 receiving yards, seven landing catches) gone, it’s hard to see how megastar quarterback Josh Allen pulls off any other dominant stretch to quit the season.
The defense, which increased for the duration of the season in 2023, misplaced cornerback Tre’Davious White to the Rams and Poyer to the Dolphins in free agency.
We already noticed vulnerability from Buffalo ultimate season when it barely won the division by tiebreakers. After salary-cap troubles pressured the Bills to cross on from so many essential players, they experience a full step lower back in 2024, perhaps even lacking the playoffs for the first time due to the fact the 2018 season.
4. New England Patriots | 2023: 4-13, fourth
Oh, how the mighty have fallen.
In 2023, the Jets snapped a 15-game dropping streak against the Patriots, who can also be caught in mediocrity for pretty awhile.
New England, which finished 8-9 in 2022, moved on from 2021 first-round pick Mac Jones, dealing the quarterback to Jacksonville to back up Trevor Lawrence. The Patriots most likely will be breaking in every other rookie starter at QB this season.
The offensive talent group is nearly devoid of starter-level players, and whilst the defense has talent, inclusive of edge-rusher Matthew Judon and cornerback Christian Gonzalez, the unit will probable take a step lower back with legendary head teach Bill Belichick gone.
