The AFC East might be the most unpredictable division heading into 2024. Aside from the AFC North, there is no clear cut favorite to take the division. For the last four seasons, the Buffalo Bills have taken the division (the first two seasons with ease and the last two seasons with some adversity). Now they might be facing their toughest journey going into 2024. There was a haul on the roster with many roster cuts and limited cap space. This might be the most questionable roster the Bills have had since 2018.
At the same time, the Bills have the best continuity on the coaching staff and the best quarterback in the division. This division is not for the other three teams to win, it is Buffalo’s to lose. However, there is a higher chance than the last four seasons that the Bills could very well lose it.
The NFL kickoffs with the regular season in less than two months. Bills fans will be at Highmark Stadium in Week 1 as Buffalo will host the Arizona Cardinals. It is the start of their quest to win their fifth consecutive division championship. While Bills fans should remain hopeful about Buffalo having a successful season, not everyone has the same mindset.
Maurice Moton from Bleacher Report released an article in which Moton predicts each team in every division who will finish last. While the Bills are not projected to finish last (that spot belongs to the New England Patriots), they are predicted to lose the division for the first time since 2020.
Here is what Moton predicted for the AFC East:
"Miami Dolphins: 11-6Maurice Moton, Bleacher Report
New York Jets: 10-7
Buffalo Bills: 9-8
New England Patriots: 4-13"
Moton shows no faith for the Buffalo Bills
The Bills have won 10+ games the last five seasons. Projecting them to win nine games this year is not unrealistic, but highly unlikely. At the same time, putting faith in the Miami Dolphins and New York Jets to finish above the Bills is ridiculous.
The Dolphins are in a dilemma when it comes to giving their quarterback Tua Tagovailoa a long-term extension. While he has been a proven accurate thrower of the football, he cannot win in cold weather games. In addition, the Dolphins had a five game lead over the Bills for the division last year but Tua’s performance down the stretch caused Miami to lose control. The Dolphins lost a lot of underrated players this offseason. They may have a similar offense but major changes were made on the defense.
As far as the Jets, there is no doubt that they have made some upgrades. At the same time, there are serious concerns about Aaron Rodgers. He is coming off a major injury from last year and he has been in the media this offseason when it comes to his commitment on the field. Not to mention, they seem to get hit with some bad luck year in and year out.
This Bills team will be tested big time next season, especially with new pieces on the roster. At the end of the day, the AFC East is Buffalo’s to lose.