The AFC East is shaping up to be one of the NFL's most competitive divisions in 2022, and after two decades of dominance, the field is seemingly open once again. There's one clear favourite though, and if healthy, the other three teams all have the potential to battle it out for one of the three Wild Card spots in 2022.
After being so one sided for years, there is a genuine energy around the AFC East, and if Zach Wilson, Tua Tagovailoa, Josh Allen and Mac Jones are at their best, some of these divisional games will be must-see TV. The youngest Quarterback division in the league, the AFC East is going to be full of intriguing storylines, and the following is one prediction for each team as we head into what could be the best and most exciting NFL season ever.
Buffalo Bills - An MVP and a Super Bowl
It's no secret that the Bills have been loading up for a Super Bowl run, and after a heart-breaking playoff loss just a few months ago, they're certainly primed to go one step further in 2022. Not only that, but a team this stacked is going to add plenty of individual awards too, as John Allen has all the tools at his disposal to become the 2022 Most Valuable Player in the NFL.
In every phase of the game, the Bills right now are set, and with an MVP caliber QB, they set themselves apart from the AFC East, but when the playoffs come, they'll have to be at their best several weeks in a row if they finally want to take the next step. It's not going to be easy, as the AFC has become even more stacked this past off-season, but with a few smart deadline moves, no one should be able to stop Buffalo as they look to win their first Super Bowl in franchise history.
Miami Dolphins - Tua and Tyreek magic, but no playoff appearance
In a wild NFL off-season, the Miami Dolphins made perhaps the biggest splash when they acquired the speedy and talented Tyreek Hill from the Chiefs to give Tua Tagovailoa yet another weapon on the offence. Despite the less than flattering videos that have been posted online, the Tua to Tyreek hookup is one we are going to see plenty in the upcoming NFL season.
Unfortunately, in a very tough AFC, it's not going to be enough for this talented Miami squad to vault back into the playoffs. The AFC is just getting tougher too, and if they want to match up with these powerhouse teams, they still have a few more moves to make before they can be seen as genuine playoff threats.
New England Patriots - A dynasty takes a step back
The New England Patriots have been the dominant force in the AFC for two decades now, but understandably, they haven't quite been the same since No. 12, and arguably the greatest QB of all time Tom Brady let town for Tampa Bay. Mac Jones had a good rookie campaign, but the offence looks quite average heading into 2022, and if reports from camp are anywhere near true, this could be the worst offence in the AFC East.
They may not be terrible as an overall squad in 2022, but with so many good teams in the AFC, it's just really hard to see New England sneaking into the playoffs for a second year in a row, and if they do struggle, there's a potential that we could see some changes in Boston.
New York Jets - Rookies shine and New York take a leap
The Jets have been struggling mightily for years now, but through savvy free agent moves and some good drafting, they have a young roster primes to battle it out every week as they look to climb out of the cellar of the AFC East. 2022 saw them draft a fantastic class of rookies, led by Breece Hall, Jermaine Johnson, Garrett Wilson and most notably Sauce Gardner, who will all make an immediate impact at the NFL level.
The playoffs are a stretch in 2022 for Gang Green, but with a good young roster and performances from all their young, bright stars, the Jets could take a leap to 7, 8 or potentially 9 wins, and after their performances in recent years, this would be a great campaign to build upon. This all hinges on Zach Wilson, and if he can show he's the guy for this team going forward, then this season will be a massive success and building block for the Jets.
Photo credit: Shawn Dowd / USA TODAY NETWORK
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