AFC EAST PREVIEW
BUFFALO BILLS (15-4)
Strengths: A Josh Allen-led passing attack which set numerous single-season records last year, and featured All-Pro receiver Stefon Diggs, who became Buffalo’s first player to lead the NFL in yards receiving and catches. Cole Beasley and Gabriel Davis also return, with the Bills filling Brown’s departure by signing 12-year veteran Emmanuel Sanders. On defense, Buffalo features an established secondary made up of safeties Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer and cornerback Tre’Davious White.
Weaknesses: A running attack made up of Devin Singletary and Zack Moss, which was inconsistent in failing to take advantage of defenses honoring the pass. On defense, run-stuffing tackle Star Lotulelei’s return after opting out for COVID-19 reasons should bulk up a defensive front which got pushed around last year.
Tipico Sportsbook Says: Win Super Bowl: 10-1. Over/under wins: 10.5.
MIAMI DOLPHINS (10-6)
Strengths: The Dolphins led the NFL with 29 takeaways last year, and All-Pro CB Xavien Howard had 10, the most in the league since 2007. The versatile S Jevon Holland makes a talented secondary even better, and the pass rush could be improved with the addition of DE Jaelan Phillips. Miami is also well-stocked at TE, ensuring plenty of targets for second-year QB Tua Tagovailoa.
Weaknesses: OL has been a perennial problem for two decades, which is one reason the Dolphins have no playoff victories during that span, and there are again doubts about how well they’ll block. Settling on a RT – Tagovailoa’s blind side – and improvement by second-year LT Austin Jackson are vital. The ground game won’t scare anyone: Last year 66 players, including nine QBs, had a longer run than any Dolphins.
Tipico Sportsbook Says: Win Super Bowl: 30-1. Over/under wins: 9.5. 2020 record in parentheses
NEW YORK JETS (2-14)
Strengths: The hiring of coach Robert Saleh created a wave of optimism throughout the facility, with several players remarking how much they respected the coach’s approach and philosophy. Now those good vibes need to transfer to the field. The defensive line should still be a force despite losing Carl Lawson for the season with a ruptured Achilles tendon. There’s some depth at wide receiver with Corey Davis, Jamison Crowder, Elijah Moore and Keelan Cole. Weaknesses: The Jets have a rookie quarterback Zach Wilson still learning life in the NFL, but Wilson could turn himself into a strength if he progresses the way Saleh believes he will. A lot will also depend on the revamped offensive line, which has struggled the past few years and is learning a new zoneblocking scheme.
Tipico Sportsbook Says: Win Super Bowl: 100-1. Over/under wins: 6.5.
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (7-9)
Strengths: The Patriots are vastly improved on the defensive line and at linebacker. The most impressive addition by far this preseason was LB Matt Judon. Along with DT Davon Godchaux, Kyle Van Noy and Dont’a Hightower it should help New England be a faster and more physical defense. The offensive line is equally stout. Tackle Isaiah Wynn and guard Mike Onwenu are imposing on the left side of the line. Trent Brown’s return has also brought some needed size to the right side alongside veteran guard Shaq Mason.
Weaknesses: CB Stephon Gilmore didn’t participate in any of the Patriots’ offseason program or training camp and will begin the season on the physically unable to perform list as he recovers from quadriceps surgery. That leaves J.C. Jackson as the secondary’s top one-on-one defender at the position, with little depth behind him. Tipico Sportsbook Says: Win Super Bowl: 30-1. Over/under wins: 9.5.