The countdown to kickoff is underway. As the NFL season approaches, we’ll be breaking down each division and making wins projections for every team. First up: the AFC East.
1. New England Patriots
COACH: Bill Belichick
2014 PROJECTION: 11-5
2013 RECORD: 12-4
OVER/UNDER WINS: 11
ODDS TO WIN SUPER BOWL: 8-1
First and Goal: Tom Brady hasn’t lost his fastball. WR Julian Edelman has earned his trust. Newcomer WR Brandon LaFell will help. Brady makes everyone better anyway. RB Shane Vereen is dangerous out of the backfield. As long as RB Stevan Ridley doesn’t fumble, he’ll thrive behind an elite offensive line (even without Logan Mankins) that will kill for Brady. Bill Belichick is still the best in the business. The arrival of CBs Darrelle Revis and Brandon Browner (four-game suspension) and return from injury of Jerod Mayo and Vince Wilfork gives Belichick his most formidable defense since the Bruschi-Vrabel-Seymour-McGinest-Law-Milloy days. Chandler Jones has 15 sacks written all over him. PK Stephen Gostkowski booted a 60-yarder in preseason.
Fourth and Long: Who knows if TE Rob Gronkowski can avoid the injury bug?
2. New York Jets
COACH: Rex Ryan
2014 PROJECTION: 9-7
2013 RECORD: 8-8
OVER/UNDER WINS: 7
ODDS TO WIN SUPER BOWL: 66-1
First and Goal: Muhammad Wilkerson and Sheldon Richardson anchor an ornery front seven. S Calvin Pryor, the team’s No. 1 pick, takes no prisoners. WR Eric Decker will have to be the Go-To Guy. Nick Mangold and D’Brickashaw Ferguson anchor a solid offensive line.
Fourth and Long: Can Geno Smith start fast and render Mike Vick irrelevant? Or does a quarterback controversy loom? Is there a cornerback in the house? You still here, Dimitri? Who’s the No. 2 receiver?
3. Miami Dolphins
COACH: Joe Philbin
2014 PROJECTION: 7-9
2013 RECORD: 8-8
OVER/UNDER WINS: 7 1/2
ODDS TO WIN SUPER BOWL: 66-1
First and Goal: Now that Dan Marino has been hired as a special adviser, let him work with Ryan Tannehill and new offensive coordinator Bill Lazor. LT Branden Albert and No. 1 draft pick RT Ja’Wuan James help everyone forget Bullygate and 58 sacks allowed. TE Charles Clay is no one-hit wonder. WR Mike Wallace remains the deep threat. There is depth on the defensive line. 2013 No. 1 draft pick OLB Dion Jordan will be expected to help Cameron Wake rush the passer once he serves his four-game suspension. Rookie WR Jarvis Landry is a keeper.
Fourth and Long: The right guard position was unsettled all summer. RB Knowshon Moreno is an upgrade over Lamar Miller, but how much of one? Playing musical linebackers is intended to improve the run defense. Cornerback opposite Brent Grimes is iffy.
4. Buffalo Bills
COACH: Doug Marrone
2014 PROJECTION: 5-11
2013 RECORD: 6-10
OVER/UNDER WINS: 6 1/2
ODDS TO WIN SUPER BOWL: 75-1
First and Goal: KellyStrong. No. 4 overall pick WR Sammy Watkins will be a star as long as EJ Manuel progresses. RB C.J. Spiller is a playmaker, but 1,000 yards rushing will be difficult with a bull’s-eye on his chest. Head coach Doug Marrone, a former offensive line coach, has built a bigger, more agile unit. The defensive line, led by DE Mario Williams, is outstanding, especially if DE Jerry Hughes (10 sacks) is no one-hit wonder. CB Stephon Gilmore has a chance to be a shutdown corner.
Fourth and Long: Manuel appears primed for a Sophomore Jinx. Tackling machine OLB Kiko Alonso is likely lost for the season. DT Marcell Dareus reported out of shape following a police-blotter offseason. ILB Brandon Spikes is a run-stuffer but a liability in coverage. Replacing ball-hawking FS Jairus Byrd will be a problem.