2019 NFL predictions: How will the AFC shake out?
AFC East
- New England Patriots 11-5
- Buffalo Bills 8-8
- New York Jets 6-10
- Miami Dolphins 2-14
Tom Brady and the Patriots are coming off another Super Bowl win last year and shouldn’t have an issue winning another AFC East crown again. Losing Trey Flowers to Detroit and Adrian Clayborn to Atlanta on defense won’t help, but Belichick always finds someone to replace players he loses. Brady loses one of his favorite targets, Rob Gronkowski, to retirement but hopefully rookie first-round talent N’keal Harry becomes a top weapon of choice for Brady.
The Bills kept busy during the offseason with several key additions to the offensive line to help protect Josh Allen in year two and to help their crowded backfield as well. This team should have a strong run game and have a top-tier defensive unit with newcomer Ed Oliver, their first-round pick this year, ready to make an immediate impact.
Longtime defensive lineman Kyle Williams retired in the offseason and his shoes will be hard to fill but McDermott knows how to get the most out of his defense. This team could make the playoffs if everything goes well but I believe they’re one year away from that. Look for them to be an exciting unit who can beat some good teams.
The Jets, like the Bills, didn’t waste time in free agency making moves this offseason. Le’Veon Bell and C.J. Mosley were two of their biggest acquisitions who should stand out along with rookie Quinnen Williams.
My area of concern for the Jets was the hiring of Adam Gase as coach after an unsuccessful stint with the Dolphins. To top it off, issues between Gase and former general manager Mike Maccagnan led to Maccagnan’s firing after the draft. I still see too many holes for them to be a playoff team next year but it’s not impossible if Sam Darnold can take the next step.
The 2019 NFL season will likely be a tough one for the Miami Dolphins. They have many holes on this roster and ultimately, I think they could land the number one overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. Whether they use that on a franchise quarterback like Tua Tagovailoa or Justin Herbert will be determined by the play of Josh Rosen this season.
Right now, Rosen is battling for the starting quarterback role with journeyman Ryan Fitzpatrick and there is no guarantee either can secure the starting role. If Rosen does not prove himself this season, the Dolphins will be looking for their quarterback of the future in 2020. Losing Ja’Wuan James to Denver, a key opponent on the offensive line is worrisome to whoever starts at quarterback.