Every team in the AFC East has made changes in the offseason with hopes of contending for the playoffs this year. While some teams have a better chance than others, each team has at least one reason for optimism about a division win this season.
Buffalo Bills: James Cook’s Emergence
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Midway through the 2023 season, the Bills were looking from the outside in on the playoff picture. Despite Josh Allen being one of the league’s top quarterbacks, the offense often stalled. They had a 5-5 record after Week 11. Offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey was blamed and relieved of his duties after a Week 11 loss to the Denver Broncos. The Bills quickly hired Joe Brady as his replacement. Brady aimed to expand the use of his elusive running back, James Cook.
Under Dorsey, Cook averaged 12 carries per game, but that number increased to just under 17 when Brady took over. With less offensive pressure on Allen, the Bills won six of their last seven games to secure the AFC East title. Cook finished the season with an average of 4.7 yards per carry and over 1,100 rushing yards. Allen has historically been prone to interceptions due to the Bills’ pass-first approach. However, a more balanced offense with Cook getting more carries could reduce the pressure on Allen and limit his tendency to make risky throws.
Miami Dolphins: Speed in the Sun
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The Dolphins’ offensive success in recent years has stemmed from Tua Tagovailoa’s ability to get his weapons the ball in space, including one of the league’s best WR duos, Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill. Hill, recently named the NFL’s top player on the NFL Top 100 list, had a phenomenal season last year. He led the NFL with 1,799 receiving yards and tied for the league lead with 13 touchdown receptions. His exceptional speed is a major factor in his success.
Similarly, Waddle’s elusiveness and burst contributed to his 1,000 receiving yards and four touchdowns. Hill and Waddle pose a significant challenge for opposing defenses, made even tougher by Miami’s speedy running back duo. Raheem Mostert, despite aging, proved he still has plenty of speed.
He rushed for over 1,000 yards and led the league with 18 touchdowns in 2023. His top speed was 21.62 mph during a 43-yard touchdown run in Week 2. Mostert isn’t even the fastest running back on his team; that title belongs to De’Von Achane, who reached 21.93 mph in Week 3 and led the league with 7.8 yards per carry among players with at least 100 attempts. With their explosive offensive speed, the Dolphins have a strong chance to claim the AFC East title in 2024.
New England Patriots: A Fresh Start
Photo Cred: AP Photo/Mark Stockwell
The Belichick era is officially over as 2024 marks the first season without the legendary head coach on the Patriots’ sideline since 1999. Under Bill Belichick, the Patriots won 16 AFC East titles and six Super Bowls. However, with New England’s recent struggles, the team has turned a page and hired head coach Jerod Mayo. Mayo, a former Patriots linebacker who helped win Super Bowl XLIX and later served as a linebackers coach, brings youthful energy to the team. At 37, he is expected to invigorate both the team and its defense.
The Patriots have also selected quarterback Drake Maye, hoping he will become the franchise cornerstone. Standing 6-foot-4 and weighing 223 pounds, Maye has the natural tools to become a star. There is also buzz around rookie quarterback Joe Milton, drafted 190 picks behind Maye, who also has the potential to succeed. While Maye is the likely starter, either quarterback having a breakout season could position the Patriots for future success.
New York Jets: Aaron Rodgers is Back
Photo Cred: USATS/Vincent Carchietta
The Jets appeared to be building something special last season with the addition of multiple MVP Aaron Rodgers to their young roster. However, the 2023 campaign was derailed when Rodgers tore his Achilles just four plays into Week 1. Despite strong performances from their young offensive weapons and a solid defense, quarterback play from Zach Wilson, Trevor Siemian, and Tim Boyle was not enough to overcome the loss of Rodgers. The 2023 season allowed young players like Breece Hall and Garrett Wilson to shine.
Hall rushed for nearly 1,000 yards and scored five touchdowns. Wilson amassed over 1,000 receiving yards and three touchdowns despite inconsistent quarterback play. Heading into the 2024 season, Rodgers aims to return to the form that earned him back-to-back MVP awards in 2020 and 2021. At 40 years old, questions remain about whether his best days are behind him. But the Jets fortunes will largely depend on his performance. With solid quarterback play, the Jets have a chance to win their first AFC East championship since 2002.
