Aaron Rodgers flies into New York (or New Jersey) to take the division and the world by storm. However, the Dolphins and Patriots do their best with key pickups to compete with the likes of Buffalo and also try outplaying the Jets’ upgraded roster.

AFC EAST

MIAMI DOLPHINS

The Dolphins with a healthy Tua looks lethal on offense. Having guys like Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle with a whole bunch of track stars at running back makes them blazing fast across the board. An injured Tua sounds like a Lamborghini with no proper steering wheel. There’s movement, but no proper direction. If Tua stays healthy for 17 games, Miami has direction to the playoffs and more. Whenever defensive end Christian Wilkins receives gets his contract extension, the Fins’ defense could be dangerous with the combination of pass rushing and secondary capable of picking the ball off a lot. If they survive long enough before Jalen Ramsey’s return, they could pose a problem to the entire AFC. They must face the Bills once without Ramsey, but they don’t face them again until Week 18, and they don’t play the Jets until two weeks after the bye. Don’t overlook Miami for the division title just yet.

NEW YORK JETS

New York has one goal: winning the Super Bowl. They will go as Aaron Rodgers does, and he’ll have an array of new weapons to be a potential nightmare to any defense in the league. The Jets defense that Robert Saleh built and fortified are a monstrosity. They’re also a nightmare come to life led by Quinnen Williams, C.J. Mosley, and Sauce Gardner. If Mecole Hardman can stay healthy, special teams will play a big role too. Whether they win the division or not, the Jets are a playoff team. They remind me a lot of the Buccaneers that had a nasty defense combined with an array of talent on offense before acquiring their legendary QB. However, the Bucs had what the Jets currently need: an offensive line. The first six games before the bye tells how the Jets will perform with their O-Line. If they struggle early, expect a move to improve that position because they’re not losing Rodgers before they reach halfway of the season.

BUFFALO BILLS

It felt like this was Buffalo’s Super Bowl last season. Injuries and maybe complacency cost them the opportunity. They were a great team, but it seemed like a lot happened after their bye week. Back-to-back losses against the Jets and Vikings, Von Miller tearing his ACL on Thanksgiving, the Damar Hamlin situation, and surviving past the Patriots and Dolphins before the Bengals ran them ragged in the snow. The offseason wasn’t better. The Stefon Diggs issue is something to watch even if he’s all good. It could still linger during the season. Allegedly, Jordan Poyer thought about Miami before he stayed. Even though the Bills made moves to ensure they will compete for the Super Bowl, it looks like their window closed. If they can overcome a tough schedule starting in November that includes the Bengals, Jets, Eagles, Chiefs, Cowboys, Chargers, Patriots, and Dolphins in the end (good Lord!), they will be a threat this time. Did I forget to mention that Josh Allen’s on the Madden cover this season???

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

The Patriot offense looked downright awful. Not saying that Mac Jones wasn’t good, but the staff and the choice of players that’s not Rhamondre Stevenson or Damien Harris was underwhelming. Tyquan Thornton has potential, but he’s on IR after his shoulder injury during preseason. They did acquire JuJu Smith-Schuster and DeVante Parker, but they’re not convincing unless they involve the tight ends more with the addition of Mike Gesicki. The offensive line must be the strength to help Mac Jones, and hopefully Bill O’Brien can guide them through. There’s no intro needed for the defense. They are the absolute strength of the team and one of the best in the NFL from top to bottom. The Patriots have by far the toughest schedule of the division and no Tom Brady to water it down. Unless defense and special teams carries them to victory 17 times without allowing a score, the Pats will finish at the bottom. Why do I sense a “Crumble for Caleb Williams” or “Diving for Drake Maye” in the back of my head? Interesting…Must be white noise…