NFL ‘08 Predictions: AFC East

Also see: NFL '08 Predictions: NFC North | NFC West | NFC East | NFC South | AFC North | AFC West

It had to happen that days before this article was due, the biggest name in NFL drama had to get traded to this division. Why, oh why, could I have not written about the AFC East last week? The AFC East is the most interesting division in the entire NFL. Can the Patriots be as dominant as in 2007? Can they recover from the most disappointing loss perhaps in NFL history? Can Miami turn things around from one of the worst seasons in NFL history? They've taken some steps to be a far better team, but how far can a team really go in one season?

And of course, the Jets made the trade for Brett Favre. But can one man take this team from quite bad to contender? Then there's the Buffalo Bills, who have continued to flirt with the playoffs. Will this be the year they break through? I'd have to say this is the most unpredictable division in the NFL.

New England Patriots

I believe the New England Patriots have passed their prime. That is not to say they won't be dominant or that they won't even win the Super Bowl, that is simply saying they were better in 2007 than they will be in 2008. 18-1 Isn't going to happen, no matter how you look at things.

Drafting Jerod Mayo was a good move for a team filled with aging, slowing linebackers. Hopefully, Mayo can learn a thing or two from Mike Vrabel and Tedy Bruschi before they're at and beyond retirement age.

Laurence Maroney seems to be coming into his own as a premier NFL back, and one would hope that Tom Brady, Randy Moss, and Wes Welker can continue their reign of offensive terror with Maroney getting better each week.

But the question marks for the Patriots are the aging defense and overcoming the mental barrier of losing the Super Bowl, a perfect season, and the title as greatest team ever all in one game. That alone will be enough to cause a few losses throughout the season as they work the bumps out.

I think the most exciting games in 2008 will occur between the Patriots and the New York Jets. Last year, the Jets didn't have the firepower to compete with the Patriots, but with Brett Favre slinging for the Jets, some revenge for Spygate isn't out of the realm of possibility. So go to your friend's house with NFL Sunday Ticket to make sure you see those games in Weeks 2 and 11.

Prediction: 12-4

Buffalo Bills

The Bills are probably not quite ready to sincerely challenge the Patriots for the division championship. Add in the potentially improved Jets and Dolphins and it could be a tough year for the Bills to finally secure a wild card spot.

The Bills don't have the quarterback necessary to be an elite team. Trent Edwards looks like he could have elite capabilities, but the Bills under Dick Jauron are going to feature Marshawn Lynch as much as they possibly can, which means Edwards won't become a great quarterback until either Jauron or Edwards leaves Buffalo.

One problem that seems to be facing Buffalo is the potential move to Toronto in the next few years. Whether rumor, realistic or anything in between, that has to be a far larger distraction than most teams are dealing with.

Prediction: 10-6

New York Jets

What can you really say? Before the trade, I had the Jets at 4-12. I've worked it out to get them to 7-9, but who really knows how they'll do? I really think we're dealing with the most unpredictable team and the most unpredictable player in Favre.

The investment in Thomas Jones will continue to payoff for the Jets as they'll have a more competent and threatening passing game under Favre that will loosen up defenses a bit. Add to that premier fullback Tony Richardson and not only should Jones be off to the races, but Favre will have an extra source of protection in the passing game with Richardson.

Hopefully, the defense can continue to keep the games close and Favre and company can put away the victories.

Prediction: 7-9

Miami Dolphins

Five years ago, I was a big Chad Pennington supporter. I really thought he was the next Joe Montana. The similar poise, confidence, and accuracy were uncanny, but injury and what I'll bill as a lack of mental confidence have led to his downfall. I was honestly quite surprised when the Jets kicked Pennington to the curb so quickly. Would there be no team willing to give up a late round pick for a potential starting quarterback, or even a veteran backup quarterback. I guess the Jets didn't feel like shopping him around, but he landed in Miami as part of one of the biggest team makeovers in sports history.

I think Tony Sparano will be a great NFL head coach, but it will take more than one year to turn the pathetic 1-15 Dolphins of 2007 into a contender.

Prediction: 4-12