NFL 2023: AFC East Breakdown

The 2023 NFL season is around the corner, which means it’s the perfect time to take a look at how each team will potentially shape up this season. 

We continue with the AFC East.

BetMGM AFC East Best Bets: Bills Div Winner (+130), Damar Hamlin CBPOTY (=300)

New York Jets

Season Recap: This was the second season under head coach Robert Saleh for the Jets. The team came out blazing to start the season and improved on their 4-13 record from the season prior. Even though they had a 7-4 start, the Jets collapsed late in the season. The team had a six game losing streak to end their season and missed the playoffs with a Week 17 loss to the Seattle Seahawks.

Despite the offensive struggles with quarterback Zach Wilson, the defense made huge strides in the right direction. They ranked fourth in defense in scoring and yardage, allowing only 316 points and 5,288 total yards. The Jets also were the first team to win both Offensive and Defensive Rookies of the Year with Garrett Wilson and Sauce Gardner respectively winning the awards.

Offseason: Now that the Jets are officially this year’s Hard Knocks training camp team, it will be interesting to follow how their new quarterback, Aaron Rodgers adjusts to the team. The team also spent the offseason adding depth to the team, especially big guys who can protect Rodgers when he steps on the field.

Make/Miss the Playoffs: Make

Miami Dolphins

Season Recap: This was the first season for the Dolphins under new head coach Mike McDaniel. For the first time since 2016, the Dolphins made the playoffs in a tricky AFC conference. By Week 12, the team had their best start since 2001 with an 8-3 record. After that, they suffered a late-season collapse and went on a five game losing-streak.

However, they managed to match their 9-8 record from the previous year and made it to the playoffs. Despite a late rally in the Wild Card round, Miami fell to their division rival Buffalo Bills, 34-31.

Offseason: The Dolphins fired defensive coordinator Josh Boyer and replaced him with Vic Fangio, who became the highest paid defensive coordinator in the NFL due to his well-known incredible defenses. The team also acquired Jalen Ramsey in a trade with the Los Angeles Rams.

Make/Miss the Playoffs: Miss

New England Patriots

Season Recap: After an early season injury to starting quarterback Mac Jones, Bailey Zappe stepped up to lead the team to two straight wins in Weeks 4-6. After his recovery, Jones returned but lost five of their next seven games including their final game to the Buffalo Bills. Ending the season with an 8-9 record, the team failed to make the playoffs.

Offseason: The Patriots brought back a number of defensive talent, but lost a lot of offensive talent during the offseason. The team also had a plentiful draft to make up for some of the depth.

Make/Miss the Playoffs: Miss

Buffalo Bills

Season Recap: The Bills began this season being defending AFC East champions. Not only did they clinch the division title for the third time in a row, but they also improved from their 11-6 record from last season. The Bills had a dominant season up to Week 17 where their Monday night game against the Cincinnati Bengals was declared a “no-contest” after Damar Hamlin collapsed on the field. Nonetheless, the Bills rallied for Hamlin and won their last game of the season and finished 13-3. Unfortunately, they were not able to clinch the first seed because of the cancellation, which went to the Kansas City Chiefs.

In the playoffs, the Bills defeated Miami in the Wild Card Round, 34-31. They fell to the Bengals, 27-10, losing the divisional round for the second consecutive season.

Offseason: The Bills were approved to have a new stadium that began construction in May 2023. The new stadium will be finished before the 2026 season. In other news, Hamlin has since been cleared to play football. Some other transactions include boosting the offense and defense depth. The Bills had a handful of notable players depart the team, so it will be interesting to see how this influences the upcoming season.

Make/Miss the Playoffs: Make

Division Winner Prediction: Bills

The Bills already won for three consecutive seasons, so I don’t see why they wouldn’t go for four. I think the team has the most experience out of everyone, so I think it makes sense to trust the Bills more to win the division – but the Jets could give them a run for their money.