Outside of flat-out cheating, no single factor has helped the New England Patriots more in their numerous Super Bowl runs than playing in the pathetic AFC East. In recent years the other teams have made a concerted effort to catch the Patriots, but considering the three other squads are quarterbacked by Ryan Fitzpatrick, Ryan Tannehill and Tyrod Taylor, it’s a safe bet it won’t happen.
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Before we get into it, here’s your code key for this year’s 2016-17 GMS NFL Football Preview : Z = Clinches home field advantage, Y = Clinches division, X = Clinches wild card spot
Y – New England Patriots: 11-5
I’ve already stuck my neck out that the Patriots will start 1-3 this season, but that changes nothing as far as where they’ll end up this season. It could be 10-6 or 11-5, but either way New England will win the AFC East again and be its only representative in the AFC playoffs.
They always manage to grab a few quality wins with Brady under center so while I might take a look at their schedule and see four more games they should lose (Bengals, Steelers, Seahawks and Ravens), it probably won’t happen. They’re a lot like Freddy Krueger that way. They just won’t go away. They’ll still have a solid defense, will score a lot of points (when Brady is back) and make us all way to nervous in the playoffs. We’re stuck with them.
Last season: 12-4, lost the AFC Championship to the Denver Broncos
Miami Dolphins: 9-7
The Dolphins will be better under new head coach Adam Gase and will likely be in the playoff hunt late in the season. If a team like the Bengals or Ravens falter, there’s every chance Miami will be able to sneak in. As it is, I see too many weaknesses on this team in the clutch category and a young team can’t make the jump without a couple of guys on offense can make the plays when no one else can. Do you really believe Ryan Tannehill is that guy? If so, all I can say is, thanks for reading, Ryan. Your wife is way too hot for you.
Arian Foster isn’t an upgrade over Lamar Miller, but more of a push as long as he can stay healthy. They have weapons at receiver and their front seven is good, bordering on elite. The ingredients are there for the Dolphins. It just won’t happen this season.
Last season: 6-10, did not make the playoffs
New York Jets: 8-8
The Jets barely missed the playoffs last season and plenty of people are picking them to sneak in this season and even contend with the Patriots for the AFC East. I am not one of those people. Ryan Fitzpatrick had the season of his life and still managed to turn into a pumpkin in the final game just in time to cost the Jets a playoff spot. There’s no chance in hell he duplicates his 2015 season again. None.
That being said, the Jets still have talent all over the team, especially on their defensive line. Unlike the Dolphins, they do have some clutch guys on both sides of the ball in Brandon Marshall and Darrelle Revis, but the holes are too big. And the Jets made no real effort to fill the biggest one (a franchise quarterback) in the draft. Christian Hackenberg? Come on.
Last season: 10-6, did not make the playoffs
Buffalo Bills: 6-10
The Bills are going to start strong, beat the Pats in Week Two and everyone, especially Rex Ryan, will get excited about the whole thing. Then about week six or seven it’ll all start falling apart. Sound familiar? That’s pretty much how last season for the Bills went.
Ryan is convinced his defensive system can win with just adequate play at quarterback and he’s right, sometimes. It can happen, but the surest way to screw up your team’s playoff fortunes is lackluster play at quarterback and regardless of everybody telling you anything positive about Tyrod Taylor, he is not that guy. If Rex’s team plays otherworldly on defense they have a chance. Last year the couldn’t do it. They won’t be able to this year either. Mark Sanchez… Geno Smith… Tyrod Taylor. You’d think he’d learn.
Last season: 8-8, did not make the playoffs
