The AFC East is up for grabs this season, the Bills look like the most favourable team. However, you can never count out the Patriots. Here are my record predictions, a possible MVP, and a prospect to watch for during the season.
New England Patriots
The New England Patriots are not going to be their usual dominant self in the NFL as they regularly are. As with the loss of Tom Brady, and replacing him with Cam Newton is not the solution. The Patriots should have traded up in the draft and selected one of the many quarterbacks available. I expect them to struggle this season and will finish second in the division.
Record Prediction: 7-9
MVP: Julian Edelman (WR)
Julian Edelman is the clear choice for team MVP as last season; he had 100 receptions, 1117 yards receiving and six touchdowns. This season, he needs to have similar numbers if the Patriots want a chance at winning seven games this season. I expect him to finish with 95 receptions, 1100 yards receiving and five touchdowns.
Prospect: Josh Uche (LB)
Josh Uche is going to a considerable boost for the New England Patriots at the linebacker spot. Uche, who is coming off a career year at Michigan, finishing with 21 solo tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks on the season. I expect him to have similar numbers in his rookie season, making an immediate impact for the New England Patriots.
Buffalo Bills
The Buffalo Bills have a chance this season to take the AFC East division crown from the New England Patriots. With the pieces they have in place, I believe they will have a strong season from start to finish. Josh Allen is starting to make a name for himself, and I believe that they will take the division this year.
Record Prediction: 11-5
MVP: Josh Allen
Coming off a solid year for the Buffalo Bills, Josh Allen will need to continue to be dominant if they want to win the division. Allen who last season, finished with over 3000 yards passing, 20 touchdowns, and only nine interceptions. I expect him to have similar numbers this season, finishing with 3500 yards passing, 25 touchdowns and seven interceptions.
Prospect: A.J. Espensa (DE)
A.J. Espensa will be a massive boost for the Buffalo Bills, as he brings a much needed speed boost the the Bills Defensive line. Espensa who last season finished with 32 solo tackles, 14 tackles for loss, and 11.5 sacks on the season. I expect him to have similar numbers for his rookie campaign, finishing the season with 34 solo tackles, 16 tackles for loss, and 13 sacks on the season.
Miami Dolphins
Despite adding Tua Tagovailoa, who is will make a big difference on the field. The Miami Dolphins are still going to be bad this season. I expect them to struggle defensively against division rivals like the Bills, and conference rivals as well. I predict they will be at the bottom of the division, not wining more than 5 games.
Record Prediction: 5-11
MVP: DeVante Parker (WR)
Devante Parker is the clear choice for the MVP of the Dolphins, as last season he stepped up big, finishing with 72 receptions, 1202 receiving yards and nine touchdowns. Look for him to have similar numbers this season with Tua Tagovailoa throwing him the ball this season.
Prospect: Tua Tagovailoa (QB)
Tua Tagovailoa is going to be a star player in this league, as I expect him to have a big rookie season with the Dolphins, despite not having many weapons to throw to other than DeVante Parker. Tagovailoa who finished last season, 2840 yards passing 33 touchdowns and only three interceptions while leading Alabama to an 11-2 record.
New York Jets
The New York Jets will be in a similar spot to the MIami Dolphins this season, as they too do not have any of the pieces to have success. Sam Darnold has yet to prove to the NFL world that he deserves to be a starter, Le’veon Bell is not the same player he was in pittsburgh and will have to have an pro-bowl season if the Jets want to win any games this season. I expect them to be at the bottom of the division and win no more than four games.
Record Prediction: 4-12
MVP: Le’veon Bell
If the Jets are going to have any chance at winning some games this season, it is going to come off the back of Le’veon Bell. Bell who last season racked up only 789 yards and three touchdowns. However he was the best player on the Jets and who is still on the team. If Jamal Adams wasn’t traded to the Seahawks then he would the team MVP, but that is not the case. I expect Bell to have stronger numbers as the Jets did add some protection up front for Bell. Most likely, I see him finishing with 950 rushing yards and 5 touchdowns.
Prospect: Mekhi Becton (OT)
Mekhi Becton will make an immediate impact for the New York Jets, and I expect him to dominate in his rookie season. Becton who played 2,300 snaps in his college career only allowed four sacks, which is insane. He also was awarded the Jacobs Blocking Trophy in 2019, being named the ACC’s best blocker. I expect him to have a solid season with the New York Jets, and help them win a few games.