New England: Predicted finish, 14-2, division champions
The Patriots are far and away the most talented team in the division. Their offensive line and Wideouts are both great, and Brady is a great leader of the offense. Adding Fred Taylor as a runner will only aid a running game that is deep, but lacks a star. Their defense is anchored by Vince Wilfork, a superb nose tackle, and is one of the top units in the league. If Brady stays healthy, the Patriots are too balanced and too strong to succumb to anyone else in this division.
Buffalo: Predicted finish, 8-8, second in division
The Bills are an interesting team, because they have some great talent at the skill positions. Lee Evans, a quality receiver who has always needed a compliment, is now a very solid #2 behind Terrell Owens. Owens, always a character question, is unquestionably one the top talents at the wideout position in sports. Since it usually takes a few years before everyone gets tired of him, I'm predicting a pretty big season for TO. When Marshawn Lynch returns from his suspension, he should provide a needed boost in the backfield, and continue to build on his impressive season last year. Trent Edwards needs to develop as a quarterback for this team to have any success. There defense needs to answer some questions as a unit, and is without a star to lead it. In the end, the Bills are a mediocre team, but a team that should entertain on offense occasionally with it's talent at wideout and running back. However, they are still a few signs away from the playoffs, and playing in a division with New England will not help their cause.
Miami: Predicted finish, 7-9, third in division
Some people might think I am underselling the Dolphins, a playoff team from a year ago who kept most of their key players. But there a few reasons why I think last year was more of a fluke than the start of a trend. First, I think the Wildcat offense, while undoubtedly entertaining, is highly overrated. At first, it was successful because it was something defensive coordinators had not seen before. Now, these guys have had a few years to digest it, and will come prepared on Sundays. I think that it is good to put in the offense to add another dimension, but should be used very sparingly. If the Dolphins run several plays from the Wildcat, it will not be to their benefit. Secondly, the Dolphins last year led the NFL in turnover difference. While a lot of this does come from taking care of the ball, without a dominating defense, some of it was just plain luck. I see the Dolphins taking a step back this year, and having to tinker with their team in the offseason to make another run at the playoffs in 2010.
New York: Predicted finish, 5-11. last in division
Mark Sanchez is not Joe Flacco, nor is he Matt Ryan. Not all of this has to with talent (although I do think he is the least talented of the three). He is just not in a situation where a rookie quarterback is capable of thriving. His team has underwhelming talent, and he is not being asked to manage the game, but rather to win them, with a mediocre supporting cast, Thomas Jones, an admirably well-balanced back at the peak of his career, is starting to fade. There will definitely be growing pains for Sanchez this season, and many crazy New Yorkers may call for his head. However, Jets fans must accept that this is a rebuilding (Don't you absolutely hate that word being affiliated with a team of which you are a fan?) year. Sanchez may turn out to be a decent quarterback, but he will more than likely have some struggles this year.
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