The AFC East is going to be a fun division in 2021. There’s an argument that each team is going to be competitive, including the New York Jets, and I’m going to explain why. I’m also going to discuss players to look out for from each team, including some under-the-radar guys. That, and more, in what is going to be one of the most surprising divisions this season.
Bills Mafia Going Big in AFC East
The Buffalo Bills are looking to win back-to-back AFC East championships for the first time since 1990-91. They’re coming off their best season in 30 years, as they went 13-3 and made the AFC Championship game. Expectations are high for the Bills once again, as “Super Bowl or Bust” is the mantra for the season.
The Bills have two critical stretches on their schedule. The first one comes before their bye week when they play the Kansas City Chiefs in KC on October 10th before traveling to Nashville to play the Tennessee Titans on Monday Night Football the week after. Then, Buffalo plays the Saints in New Orleans on American Thanksgiving before hosting the New England Patriots on Monday, December 6th. If the Bills can perform well in those primetime games, watch out for the rest of the season.
Stefon Diggs is an obvious name to know with the Bills. He’s the primary target for quarterback Josh Allen and is looking good at training camp. However, the guy I’m excited to watch this season is Levi Wallace. A former corner from the University of Alabama, Wallace went undrafted in 2018. Since then, he’s started 35 games as Buffalo’s left corner and is entering a contract season. If the Bills are going anywhere this season, they need him to have a great season. Likewise, he wants to secure the bag in the offseason, he needs to have a great season.
Dolphins Looking for Wild Card Spot
I have high hopes for the Miami Dolphins this season. Head Coach Brian Flores is in his third year with Miami after going 10-6 last season. Their defense gave up the sixth-fewest points in 2020 and finished with 29 turnovers, the most in the NFL. Now, with Tua Tagovailoa getting the full reigns as the starting quarterback this year, look for the Dolphins to take another step in 2021.
On offense, the Dolphins group of playmakers is intriguing. Will Fuller is the newest member of the receiving core after signing with Miami in the offseason. Along with wide receiver Jaylen Waddle, who was drafted sixth overall in April, both guys will help Tua thrive this season. I also like the addition of Malcolm Brown at running back as someone who can be a goal-line option for the Dolphins.
Speaking of Miami running backs, my player to watch is Myles Gaskin. He is entering his third season with the Dolphins and is figuring out the NFL running game better. He averaged over 18 touches a game last season, which is more than Aaron Jones, Jonathan Taylor, and Nick Chubb had. Gaskin is a player to keep your eyes on in a big season for the Dolphins.
Patriots Pushing for Playoffs
This is an important season for the New England Patriots. They are entering the second season of the post-Tom Brady era, and so far, it’s hasn’t gone great. New England is coming off a 7-9 season, which is shocking to think they won that many games last season. However, thanks to a huge shopping spree in the offseason, don’t be surprised if the Pats sneak into the playoffs this season.
For the Patriots to do well this season, they need a better showing from Cam Newton. He was underwhelming at times last season with his decision-making and holding onto the ball for too long. He is a solid runner, but it doesn’t mean much if he can’t throw the ball consistently. Here’s hoping Cam can have a bounce-back year with New England.
My player to watch on the Patriots is wide receiver, N’Keal Harry. Drafted at the end of the first round in 2019, Harry is not living up to expectations, as he has 47 career total catches and four touchdowns. He requested a trade in the offseason but has thrived since arriving at training camp. Hopefully, in a normal season with stability at quarterback, the 23-year-old can show off the first-round talent I believe he is.
Jets Flying Low in AFC East
First, I can tell you that the Jets are not as bad as they were last season. At least, they should finish better than their 2-14 record from 2020. However, this is a team trying to establish a new identity and will struggle to do so along the way. Here are some reasons to be excited if you’re a Jets fan.
In short, Zach Wilson looks NFL-ready. He’s made some wonderful throws and is already connecting with fellow rookie Elijah Moore on several plays. In case there was any doubt, Wilson is starting for this team in Week 1 and will take the Jets as far as he can carry them. He won’t have an easy schedule so don’t panic if he struggles this season.
Certainly, I am excited to watch the left side of the Jets’ offensive line. Mekhi Becton is coming off a solid season as a rookie and is only going to get better at left tackle. Now, they’ve added Alijah Vera-Tucker, a first-round pick from USC, to fill the left guard spot. That’s a combined 671 pounds that defensive linemen have to face and it won’t be easy getting by them. Watching Becton and Vera-Tucker is going to be the highlight of Jets games this season.
Conclusion
This is the Bills division to lose. They are the team best built to win now and are certainly a Super Bowl. I believe the Dolphins are finishing second this season and will make the playoffs. I have the Patriots sitting third, missing the playoffs, but they could surprise a lot of people. Finally, I have the Jets winning four to five games and getting another top ten pick in next year’s draft. Still, the AFC East is going to be an exciting division that you won’t want to miss!
Be sure to check out some of our other NFL Divisional Previews!