The AFC East was once the stomping grounds of Tom Brady and Bill Belichick, where for decades they dominated. Up until recently, the trio of Buffalo, New York and Miami was constantly looking up as New England claimed title after title. In more recent times, Buffalo has managed to make their mark, claiming the last 4 division crowns. The past has passed, times are changing, and anything goes in 2024.
1.) Buffalo Bills
Josh Allen has managed to solidify himself as one of the top quarterbacks in the league, and he may just be entering his prime. At just 28 years old, Allen has the potential to really leap in stardom, if he can limit his mistakes. Allen has thrown 78 interceptions since joining the league, which is the most in the NFL during that span. If Allen were to miss time, Buffalo would turn to Mitchell Trubisky, who was the 2nd overall pick in 2017. Trubisky has had mixed results in his career, showing some highs and lows for the Bears, Steelers and Bills. Third on the depth chart is Shane Buechele, a quarterback from SMU that has not had any playing time during his few seasons in the NFL.
2.) Miami Dolphins
Tua took advantage of having both Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle in 2023, managing to lead the NFL in passing yards. He has improved in each of his four seasons in the NFL, increasing his passing yards and touchdowns season by season. Does he have the ability to maintain and build upon his successful campaign in 2024? If Tagovailoa can have a repeat season, regardless of the health of his star receivers, he may be poised to take that next step. Backing up Tua is Mike White, who has managed to put up some big numbers on occasion when given the opportunity. It is unlikely that White or his back up counterparts, Skyler Thompson or Gavin Hardison from UTEP, can take the Dolphins where they want to go if Tua goes down.
3.) New York Jets
We need a few full weeks of Aaron Rodgers in New York before we truly know what the 40-year-old has left in the tank. The good news is Rodgers has a Hall of Fame resume and when healthy, has been one of the best in the league. He is the most competent quarterback that New York has had in years and has a full assortment of weapons at his disposal. The Jets went out and got a seasoned veteran back-up in Tyrod Taylor, who may be the exact opposite of Aaron Rodgers. Taylor has proven he can win games in a pinch, and that may go a long way for New York in 2024. Third on the depth chart is the rookie from Florida State, Jordan Travis. Travis led FSU to an undefeated start before suffering an injury late in the season. The Jets also have another rookie, Andrew Peasley from Wyoming.
4.) New England Patriots
Mac Jones is gone. That is not an earth-shattering fact, but it is important to know that the Patriots have moved on. The opportunity to change the direction of a once-proud franchise is now in the hands of Drake Maye. The UNC star was the 3rd overall pick in the NFL draft, and he has a lot of eyes on him to become the new face of New England. Currently, Maye is listed as the 2nd option, with veteran Jacoby Brissett expected to start the season. Brissett has had success in stints as a bridge quarterback and could be a good mentor for the young rookie. Bailey Zappe, who took over for the benched Jones in 2023, is listed as next up. The Patriots elected to draft another quarterback after Maye, an unpolished talent with a massive arm, in Joe Milton from Tennessee.
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