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Season Predictions – AFC East
Home of the Jacksonville Jaguars, who finished off their magical season in grand fashion, where they are looking to match the Rams as the only repeat champions. There are landmines on their path, especially within the division as the quality throughout the division will make for some challenges. Here’s how I see it playing out.
1) Jacksonville Jaguars
Why will the Jaguars win the division?
Very similar to the Bears, Jacksonville doesn’t have any holes to point to on their roster. Herbert is a solid franchise QB, good productive RB’s with solid receiving targets behind one of the better OL’s will again allow Shaun to score lots of points. The DL is probably the best in the PAFL overall, while the back 7 is certainly capable. In short, it’s tough seeing Jacksonville being underdogs in many contests this year
Where could the Jaguars fall short?
It won’t be an issue of the Jags falling short, but rather the Bills beating them H2H, which could make things interesting in the division. Like Chicago, their biggest enemy will be the game engine, though Jacksonville resides in a tougher division than Chicago does, and might take a random loss.
Verdict
Jacksonville will be competing for the top seed, and while the playoffs are almost certain, it wouldn’t be a shocker to see the division beating itself up a bit. That said, Jacksonville is well set to make a run deep in the playoffs
2) Buffalo Bills
How could the Bills upset the apple cart and steal the division from the Jags?
Derrill has built a solid team that resembles Jacksonville in many ways, only just a bit shy in most positions. We all know Lamar is having an MVP season in the NFL this year; Derrill will have to navigate with last year’s Lamar with help from his friends. There is quality at RB (would like to see 1 more though) and the passing attack is solid, but has no one like Hill leading the way. Likewise, the DL is very solid and the entire D can stand up most weeks. Overall, this is a team that can make a Super Bowl run.
Why the Bills might fall short
Quite honestly, they just don’t match Jacksonville across the board at most positions (would maybe like one more CB with durability, but hey, who wouldn’t), though that doesn’t mean they can’t pull off the win on any given week. All in all, the Bills are well poised to get double digit wins, but whether that equates to the division remains to be seen.
Verdict
I fully expect some of the best games this year to be between the Bills and Jaguars; while the division will be competitive, it may lead to Cincinnati grabbing top seed. Still, Buffalo should be one of the top teams in the AFC
3) Cleveland Browns
How can the Browns make the playoffs?
Stanley looks to be a step down from last year, but still boasts a solid squad. There are solid, if not spectacular RB’s and Diggs is one of the top WR’s in the league. The heart of the Browns will again be their defense, where they boast a trifecta of CB’s that can shut down many passing attacks, with a solid front 7 that can stop the run and pressure the QB. It’s always easier to win if the other team doesn’t score, and Cleveland should again have one of the best D’s in the league
How could Browns finish 3rd in the division?
Cleveland will boast a QB by committee that won’t strike fear in their opponents, and are fairly stationary, behind a somewhat rocky OL. With a running attack that lacks serious YPC, teams will be able to focus somewhat on Diggs, leading to some low scoring affairs
Verdict
Cleveland will be poking at the playoff balloon again this year, but I’m not sure they will challenge the top 2 teams in the division. Stanley knows how to coach, but even if they manage to slow down either Buffalo or Jacksonville, will it be enough to allow the offense to score enough to overcome it? I suspect not over the course of 17 games.
4) New Orleans Saints
How could the Saints surprise and sneak into the top half of the division?
Don is in the middle of his team renovation, and has some nice pieces. Walker is a solid #1 RB and there are some young WR’s that will be making a name for themselves, along with some nice young players that should continue to blossom.
How could the Saints finish near the bottom of the division?
There simply aren’t the horses to compete yet in this division, and it will show over the course of the season. The QB’s will be a committee effort, and once you get by Olave, you are looking at potential rather than production at this point.
Verdict
The hopper is full of draft picks and there will be more high draft picks to come. The race with Miami to stay out of the basement will be real, but better days are ahead for Saints fans.
5) Miami Dolphins
How could Miami stay out of the basement?
Miami has the ability to score with a decent rushing attack and a top WR in Chris Godwin, along with a decent OL and a solid defense. The Dolphins should be able to compete against the middling teams and maybe even surprise in the division
How could Dolphins finish in the basement?
I made the mistake of picking the Dolphins higher than I should last year, but it will all depend seriously on coaching and using the tools they got. Don’t get me wrong…I don’t think Miami will be pressing the top 3 teams in the division, but they can win a few games, based on the talent they have.
Verdict
On paper, the Dolphins should be able to stay out of the basement and maybe even sneak out a win or two in the division, but they somehow fell short last year. While I think Miami will be hard-pressed to make the playoffs, they have the ability to boast a solid team.
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