One Chance Available – 2025 AFC East Preview

A division pretty much dominated by one team for the last few years shouldn’t have this much intrigue and questions. The 2025 version of the AFC East might have a question not posed in recent years: who will win the division?

 

Buffalo Bills

Record in 2024-25: 13-4

Key Player: Josh Allen – Quarterback

Player to Watch: Keon Coleman – Wide Receiver

The Bills have gotten close to the promised land a few times in recent years, but a promise isn’t a guarantee.

Josh Allen has done everything, but reach a Super Bowl and we should expect more of the same from the reigning MVP. James Cook got his money in the offseason and looks to improve on his 18 touchdowns in 2024. Young wide receiver Keon Coleman (22) is poised for a breakout season, but Allen likes to target his pair of tight ends Dalton Kincaid and Dawson Knox.

The defense fell off a bit numbers wise last year, but they were able to generate a ton of turnovers. Newcomer Joey Bosa (DE) joins Greg Rousseau and Ed Oliver to form a massive front that should prove difficult to move the ball on. The secondary welcomed back Tre’Davious White, but they’ve been losing players on the back end in recent years. The Bills should still be formidable on defense, but it remains to be seen if they can dominate like recent years. Prediction: 11-6

 

Miami Dolphins

Record in 2024-25: 8-9

Key Player: De’von Achane – Running Back

Player to Watch: Jonah Savaiinaea – Guard

The Dolphins are in a “put up or shut up” season and the fans are praying for a healthy campaign in 2025.

Tua Tagovailoa returns after an injury plagued 2024 season and he’s gotten some much needed help upfront with rookie guard Jonah Savaiinaea. Protecting Tagovailoa has been somewhat of a problem in recent years for Miami and the infusion of talent to the offensive line should pay some dividends.

The trio of Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle and Malik Washington might be the fastest set of wide receivers the league has to offer. Newly acquired Darren Waller could make a big difference if he can get back to his production from a few years ago.

Running back De’von Achane is just as fast as his buddies playing wide receiver and he can break big gains seemingly on every play. Ollie Gordon II had a great preseason and should be in line for some work as Achane’s backup.

The defense is chock full of pass rushers with the return of Jaelen Phillips and Bradley Chubb from injury. The emergence of Chop Robinson last season and the recent addition of Matthew Judon gives them a  serious rotation of heavy hitters.

The secondary is unproven outside of Minkah Fitzpatrick and Rasual Douglas. With a bunch of first or second year players in the defensive backfield, it could be a long season if they can’t develop on the fly. Prediction: 9-8

 

New England Patriots

Record in 2024-25: 4-13

Key Player: Christian Gonzalez – Cornerback

Player to Watch: Drake Maye – Quarterback

New head coach, same old Patriots way? Somehow that’s exactly what’s happening in New England with the hiring of Mike Vrabel at head coach. He brings a smash mouth, no excuses kind of attitude to the organization and he’ll expect results.

Young signal caller Drake Maye has an upgraded arsenal of weapons that now features Stefon Diggs as the main receiving threat. DeMario Douglas can now move into a secondary target role alongside tight ends Hunter Henry and Austin Hooper.

The backfield is loaded with Rhamondre Stevenson and playmaking rookie TreyVeon Henderson. The combination of those two should provide a steady flow of first downs and touchdowns.

The defense struggled in the 2024 and is full of players the average fan has never heard of after moving on from a bunch of veterans. Christian Gonzalez is a playmaker in the secondary and the team is confident they’ve found a gem in rookie safety Craig Woodson. They  will have to prove a lot throughout the season, but this coaching staff seems like the right fit  to get the most out of them. Prediction: 9-8

 

New York Jets

Record in 2024-25:  5-12

Key Player: Sauce Gardner- Cornerback

Player to Watch: Garrett Wilson – Wide Receiver

The Jets have missed the playoffs every year since 2010 and you have to think they are eager to get back there.

In comes quarterback Justin Fields with loads of athleticism and subpar passing numbers to steer the ship. He’ll need everything he can get from his top target and former college teammate Garrett Wilson. If Wilson can somehow unlock another level to Fields, than the Jets are in business.

Fields will also rely heavily on his running backs as well. Breece Hall and Braelon Allen are a dangerous one-two punch. Both can take it the house at any time and at the very least, churn out chunks of yards.

New head coach Aaron Glenn wants to rush the quarterback often and leave his guys on the back end in man coverage. Sauce Gardner and company should be up to the task, but they are working in some new starters in the secondary.

Upfront they’re a bit inexperienced, but a massive talent like Quinnen Williams in the middle could really clean up a lot of mistakes. The Jets defense is young, but that could work out well with this type of scheme. Prediction: 7-10