Projected Records - AFC East

Buffalo Bills 5-11
Keys to Defeat: The Bills took a chance with Terrell Owens, who many people consider a team killer. While he may be a bit over-charismatic at times, you can't deny he's one of the the best WRs in the modern age of football. The way he still speeds down the field and makes plays on the ball makes you think he could play for another five more years and not lose a step. That being said, adding an elite receiver to a weak passing attack is not going to revamp a team into a championship contender. Trent Edwards has done nothing to show he can lead a team to the playoffs, and the running game has question marks all over it. The offensive line took a massive hit when they traded their only good blocker, Jason Peters, to the Eagles. While it earned them an additional round 1 pick, they did little to replace his talent, and its going to be noticeable. And I haven't even touched on the defense yet, where their only real play maker is Leodis McKelvin. I don't see them getting very far in one of the toughest divisions in the league.

Miami Dolphins 8-8
Keys to .500: The Dolphins made an excellent turnaround from 2007 when their greatest victory was to just avoid going 0-16, bringing in new staff, and new QB to lead them into the playoffs. I'm doubting the path will be as smooth this year. While the Dolphins didn't lose too much in the off season, they did little to boost a weak offense. Ronnie Brown will give them a Pro Bowl RB if he can stay healthy, but their young receivers still have some work to do, and Pennington needs to step up as more than a game manager if they want make it back to the playoffs.

New England Patriots 14-2
Keys to Victory: Bostonites rejoice, Golden Boy Brady is back. While he's unlikely to emulate his 2007 form, he's still one of the top three QBs in the league, with arguably the best group of WRs. I was surprised to seem them part with Ellis Hobbs, but it only goes to show that they're very confident in their new secondary. Leigh Bodden is a player to watch, playing on a one-year contract, he has everything to prove, and just one short year ago, before he got shipped off to place he really didn't want to be, he was one of the best young corners in the league. The Pats have the tools necessary to be the most dynamic offense in league, with some great depth at TE and enough talent at RB to rotate players and keep everyone fresh. Just watch out if Brady goes down again.

New York Jets 10-6
Keys to Victory: The Jets weren't bad last year, but the all the mediocrity left a sour taste in the management's mouth and they decided it was time for a change, canning the "Boy Genius" and bringing in defensive guru Rex Ryan. He went to work immediately, bringing over old buddies Bart Scott and Jim Leonhard. Jim's presence will free up Kerry Rhodes to wreck havoc as Ryan's new Ed Reed, and Bart will work with David Harris to make one of the best MLB tandems in the league. The Jets already had a stout defense with Kris Jenkins and Calvin Pace, and Ryan's expert defensive knowledge will propel the Jets to at top 5, or even top 3 defense. On the other side of the ball, the Jets went hard after Mark Sanchez, the top QB prospect after Matt Stafford. The receiving core gets a bit dry after Cotchery and Keller, but there's enough depth to rotate plays and and take advantage of match ups. Assuming Sanchez lives up to the hype, I think he lead the team to a winning record without putting up Matt Ryan stats.