With the 2024 NFL regular season quickly approaching, teams around the league are faced with the difficult task of cutting down their roster to 53 players in hopes of starting the year with Super Bowl aspirations. Every team will be fighting for a playoff spot, either as division winners or wild card contenders. FOX Sports’ Colin Cowherd has made predictions for how each division will play out, with the AFC East being one of them.
The Buffalo Bills have won the AFC East four years in a row, and according to Cowherd, they are likely to do it again. Despite the absence of star receiver Stefon Diggs, quarterback Josh Allen has shown he can still lead the team to victory. Key addition WR Keon Coleman is expected to step up as a deep ball threat, alongside Dalton Kincaid and Khalil Shakir. The biggest question for the Bills is whether they can finally break free in the playoffs and make a run for the Super Bowl.
The Miami Dolphins had the number one offense in the NFL last season, led by quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. Despite a quick playoff exit, the Dolphins have retained their explosive offensive lineup and added safety Jordan Poyer to bolster their defense. The biggest question for Miami is whether their star players can stay healthy throughout the season, as injuries plagued the team last year.
The New York Jets finished third in the AFC East last season, with quarterback Aaron Rodgers sidelined for most of the year due to injury. The Jets have made significant changes in the offseason, adding new tackles Tyron Smith and Morgan Moses to strengthen their offensive line. The biggest question for the Jets is whether they can break their playoff drought, now at 13 years, with Rodgers back on the field.
The New England Patriots, under new head coach Jerod Mayo, are predicted to finish fourth in the AFC East by Cowherd. The team is in a rebuilding phase, with rookie quarterback Drake Maye leading the offense. Despite a less-than-stellar offensive roster, the Patriots have a solid defense that can challenge opponents. The biggest question for the Patriots is whether Mayo is the right man to lead the team through this transition period.
In conclusion, as the 2024 NFL season approaches, teams in the AFC East will be vying for a chance to secure a playoff spot. The Bills are favored to win the division again, while the Dolphins, Jets, and Patriots face their own challenges and uncertainties. The season will ultimately reveal whether these teams have what it takes to make a Super Bowl run and come out on top in a competitive division.
