Our 2024 NFL division previews kick off in the AFC East, where each of its residents have endured quite a bit of turnover over the past six months. Reigning champion Buffalo has remodeled their receiving corps, while Miami has made wholesale renovations to their defense, with New York going to great lengths to patch up their porous Offensive Line, and New England hitting the reset button altogether. Needless to say, this should make for both and intriguing and entertaining campaign, for the Bills haven’t faced this much competition and uncertainty from their fellow rivals.
Buffalo Bills
Key Additions: Curtis Samuel (WR), Marquez Valdes-Scantling (WR), Chase Claypool (WR), La’el Collins (OT), Keon Coleman (WR)
Key Departures: Stefon Diggs (WR), Gabe Davis (WR), Leonard Floyd (Edge), Jordan Poyer (S), Micah Hyde (S), Tre’Davious White (CB)
Season Outlook: The Bills are coming off their fourth consecutive AFC East crown, though once again fell short of their ultimate goal as they were eliminated by the Chiefs in the postseason for the third time in four years. The offseason was a tumultuous one for Buffalo, who parted ways with many weapons in the passing game, none more significant than (4-time Pro-Bowler) Diggs, whom they traded to the Texans. The 30-year-old accounted for 445 receptions, 5,372 yards, and 37 touchdowns over the last 4 seasons and is expected to leave a sizable void in his wake. In an effort to replace said production, (Head Coach) Sean McDermott and (General Manager) Brandon Beane have opted for a platoon approach after adding veterans such as Samuel, Valdes-Scantling, and Claypool, while selecting Coleman with the 33rd overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Until this group comes together, it appears that even more will be demanded of (All-Pro Quarterback) Josh Allen, who despite getting a little wild last Fall (career-high 18 interceptions!), accounted for 44 total touchdowns, including a staggering 15 via the rush. With (young Tailback) James Cook entering his third season after a breakout campaign (1,567 yards from scrimmage) and big things expected of (Sophomore Tight End) Dalton Kincaid (73 catches, 673 yards), there is still enough firepower to be found on this side of the football, but it wouldn’t be a surprise to see this unit experience some growing pains. With that being said, this remains the most stable of the four teams within the division, as McDermott and Allen bring a sense of security that has been nothing short of fleeting for their competition.
Miami Dolphins
Key Additions: Jordyn Brooks (LB), Jordan Poyer (S), Kendall Fuller (CB), Calais Campbell (DE), Jonnu Smith (TE), Chop Robinson (Edge), Odell Beckham Jr. (WR), Anthony Weaver (DC)
Key Departures: Christian Wilkins (DT), Raekwon Davis (DT), Andrew Van Ginkel (LB), Jerome Baker (LB), Xavien Howard (CB), DeShone Elliott (S), Vic Fangio (DC)
Season Outlook: After suffering their second consecutive defeat in the Wild Card Round of the Playoffs, the Dolphins have undergone a fairly sizable renovation as they look to level up. Miami committed 4 years and $212 million ($161.7 million guaranteed) to (Quarterback) Tua Tagovailoa, while reworking (All-Pro Receiver) Tyreek Hill’s deal to ensure that he remains the highest paid pass-catcher in the NFL. The duo is the foundation of the most prolific passing attack in the league (276.4 yards per game), with Hill sitting atop his peers with 1,799 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2023. However, spending so much money on two players inevitably meant that they would be unable to compensate others, which led to a bit of an exodus in South Beach, as the defense lost 6 starters, along the direction of (Defensive Coordinator) Fangio. Replacing the veteran mastermind is Weaver, who arrives after curating the Defensive Line in Baltimore for 3 years. (Head Coach) Mike McDaniel and (General Manager) Chris Grier had to get creative on the market to replace so many starters, though it should be noted that this unit will be without the services of a pair of its biggest weapons, as (Edge-Rushers) Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips are both making their way back from significant knee injuries. The duo combined for 17.5 sacks,18 tackles for loss, 33 QB hits, and 50 pressures last season. At the age of 37, it remains to be seen how much Campbell has left in the tank, while the pressure will be on Robinson, whom they selected 21st overall in last Spring’s Draft in an attempt to bridge the gap until Chubb and Phillips return to fitness and form. Given their surplus of speed, athleticism, and firepower, these Dolphins will likely be in the playoff discussion once again, but until they prove to be more balanced on the defensive side of the football, then it is difficult to see them ascend to the realm of the AFC’s elite teams.
New England Patriots
Key Additions: Jacoby Brissett (QB), Drake Maye (QB), Antonio Gibson (RB), Ja’Lynn Polk (WR), K.J. Osborn (WR), Austin Hooper (TE), Alex Van Pelt (OC)
Key Departures: Bill Belichick (HC), Mac Jones (QB), JuJu Smith-Schuster (WR), Mike Gesicki (TE), Trent Brown (OT)
Season outlook: For the second time in 5 years, it is the beginning of a new era in Foxborough, where the Patriots look to begin a new chapter that they hope will lead to success sooner rather than later. After collapsing to a dreadful 4-13 finish, New England parted ways with (legendary Head Coach) Belichick, ending a 25-year tenure with the franchise consisting of 17 division titles, 9 conference championships, and 6 Super Bowl triumphs. However, with 3 losing campaigns in the last 4 seasons, it was clear that it was time for change, with (Linebacker Coach) Jerod Mayo taking over for his longtime mentor in what for all intents and purposes appears to be “year zero” for these rebuilding Pats. In an attempt to jumpstart one of the least-threatening offenses in the league, Mayo hired (Offensive Coordinator) Alex Van Pelt away from the Browns, while swinging for the fences in the NFL Draft with the selection of Maye at third overall. While his physical gifts are undeniable, there is expected to be a sizable learning curve for the young Quarterback, which is why Mayo reached out to his former teammate Brissett to once again operate as a bridge to the rookie. With that being said, these moves have done little to address the need for explosive playmakers, which New England completely lacked in 2023, ranking 31st in points (13.9) and 30th in total offense (295.2 yards per game). With that in mind, Van Pelt will endeavor to clean up their sloppy play on this side of the football, having committed 29 turnovers last season for an untenable margin of -11. Thankfully, the appointment of Mayo should lead to the defense remaining solid if unspectacular, with very little turnover occurring within that unit. However, (veteran Edge-Rusher) Matt Judon has recently made his wishes to be traded public, which if that does come to pass would be a serious blow to the pass rush. Judon logged 28 sacks and tackles for loss during his first 2 seasons with the Patriots, though was relegated to just 4 games last Fall due to a torn lower bicep. Either way, this is a team that is very much in the formative stages of what looks to be a lengthy rebuild, which should exclude them from competing for divisional supremacy this season at the least.
New York Jets
Key Additions: Tyrod Taylor (QB), Mike Williams (WR), Tyron Smith (OT), Olumuyiwa Fashanu (OT), Morgan Moses (OT), Haason Reddick (Edge),
Key Departures: Zach Wilson (QB), C.J. Uzomah (TE), Mekhi Becton (OT), Laken Tomlinson (OG), Connor McGovern (OG), Bryce Huff (DE), John Franklin-Meyers (DE), Carl Lawson (DE), Jordan Whitehead (S)
Season Outlook: What was supposed to be a breakout campaign quickly turned into an unmitigated disaster for the Jets, who crashed to a 7-10 finish last Fall, missing the Playoffs for the 13th consecutive season. Of course, the loss of (4-time MVP) Aaron Rodgers just three plays into their season opener will have that kind of effect on a team, particularly after they had spent months moving heaven and earth to build the team around the aging Quarterback. However, Gang Green had more problems than just that, as there was no contingency plan for Rodgers missing time, while a porous Offensive Line served to undo much of what the offense managed to cobble together. So, what is the plan for 2024, you ask? New York is running it back folks, with hopes that a retooled O-Line will keep their 41-year-old QB upright and healthy. Indeed, this seems like a major roll of the dice from all involved, including (Head Coach) Robert Saleh, (General Manager) Joe Douglas, (Offensive Coordinator) Nathaniel Hackett, and even Rodgers himself, who are very much performing for their jobs in what is easily the most unforgiving media market in this country. The additions of (8-time Pro-Bowler) Smith, Moses, and Fashanu (selected 11th overall in the 2024 NFL Draft) should go a long way towards bolstering their pass-protection, while a healthy Rodgers should unlock the passing attack with (third-year Receiver) Garrett Wilson having mustered back-to-back 1,000-yard campaigns despite their shortcomings at Quarterback, while (veteran Wideout) Mike Williams arrives after seven productive years with the Chargers where he served as lethal mismatch downfield (when he was healthy, of course). Furthermore, (third-year Tailback) Breece Hall emerged as an all-around weapon out of the Backfield, racking up 1,585 yards from scrimmage and 9 touchdowns. On paper, this unit should at the very least be a good offense, which should be more than enough to complement one of the most talented defenses in the NFL, led by (Defensive Tackle) Quinnen Williams and (shutdown Cornerback) Sauce Gardner. No team in the league owns a greater range from success to failure this Fall, for this Rodgers and the big fellas protecting him can remain intact, then these Jets should be competing in the postseason come January, though if future Hall of Famer proves to be a shell of his former self and his protection falters, then we will in all likelihood be looking at a VERY different team come 2025.