AFC East Preview


We’ve made it to August, which means the NFL Season is just around the corner! Over the course of the month, I’ll be previewing each of the division races, looking at the teams in order of finish from 2025. Below, we continue with the AFC East. Let’s dive in!

New England Patriots (13-4)
About: The Patriots were a worst to first glamour story in 2025, making it all the way to the Super Bowl. Arguably the roster is better in 2026, with A.J. Brown and Romeo Doubs bolstering the passing game. But the schedule is harder, the spotlight is brighter, and the off-season was more tumultuous due to scandal surrounding the team's Head Coach. That presents a challenge. The Patriots are a good team, but a return to the Super Bowl is a tall order.
Prediction: The team wins between nine and 11 games and makes a playoff push again.

Buffalo Bills (12-5)
About: The Bills were a good team that got jumped by the Patriots in the East and just missed out in the Divisional Round. Now, they've added D.J. Moore to pump up the passing game and changed Head Coaches. Will it be enough? The window for Josh Allen and this team feels like it is shrinking, posing the question if not now, when?
Prediction: The Bills will win between 10 and 12 games and be in the mix for the AFC East and a playoff berth. With Josh Allen, nothing is impossible.

Miami Dolphins (7-10)
About: The Dolphins flamed out in 2025, though the team finished stronger than it started. That wasn't enough for Mike McDaniel to keep his job. He's in Los Angeles now, while Jeff Hafley begins a rebuild. Tua, Jaylen Waddle, and Tyreek Hill are all gone. The passing game is, charitably, a work-in-progress for Malik Willis, while De'Von Achane remains the Dolphins' most valuable weapon on offense. I suspect this will be a rough season.
Prediction: The Dolphins are in the bottom third of the league as they work to turn over the roster.

New York Jets (3-14)
About: The Justin Fields experiment didn't work in 2025. Now, it's on to the second Geno Smith era. That leaves things tense for Aaron Glenn, who needs to show progress or risk being terminated. The offense has talent, including Breece Hall, Garrett Wilson, and Kenyon Sadiq. But is Geno the right man for the job? And can the defense get back on track? A lot is at stake for the Jets in 2026, and it won't be easy.
Prediction: The Jets will be better and could even push to be over .500. Will they make the playoffs? It's possible but I think they fall just short.

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