There is little doubt The Patriots are still the class of the AFC East, but the Jets are solid, and the Bills still have a strong D. While Miami will be better, they still are missing the personnel to contend. Pro Football Weekly breaks down the AFC East.
Here are the Vegas pre-season win total lines for the AFC East:
Patriots 11 -115
Jets 9.5 +105
Bills 8.5 +105
Dolphins 6 -130
Patriots
I have watched them throttle my Steelers twice in the past 4 years in the AFC Championship game and it is really hard to ever pick against them. The loss of Weiss and Crennel as coordinators has to have some effect. I have some doubt that Belichick's defensive mind (on a part time basis) can really replace Weiss' genius without losing a step. Furthermore, its hard to think that the loss of defensive leaders Bruschi, Ted Johnson, Ty Law, and Roman Phifer will not negatively impact the D. They are still going to win the division, but won't cover the win total of 11. Tmoney says 10-6.
Jets
Jets fans are relieved that O-coordinator Paul Hackett is long gone and the team will open it up this year under Pennington's healthy shoulder. The D will be equally as solid as last year, despite the loss of Ferguson and Cowart. Coles for Moss and Nugent for Brien are upgrades. The only vunerability is at RT, where 2nd year man Adrian Jones must step in. The Jets will be solid again. Tmoney says 9-7.
Bills
Hey Losman, you ain't no Roethlisberger. But more important, the O-line isn't that good so Losman won't have the protection to get the job done. The D is still solid and they will stay in most games. If they have any injuries at all at QB, O-line or RB, it will be tough to score. Tmoney says 7-9.
Dolphins
I have said here before that the Dolphins will be better this year if not for Saban's discipline alone. The talent is actually better, with an improved and healthy line, and 2 solid RBs. Gus Frerotte can only be better than the 2-headed monster known as AJ Feedler. Tmoney says 6-10.
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Football Outsiders East Picks
Yahoo AFC East
Sporting News AFC East
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