We continue to chug along through the NFL previews as the preseason unfolds and we start to learn more about how each team is shaping up with the new season approaching.
It is time to look toward the AFC East. Since Tom Brady left Foxborough and Josh Allen became an MVP-level quarterback, the division has been dominated by the Bills. The 2025 season looks like it could bring a similar outcome. However, it remains an intriguing group of teams for us to explore.
Buffalo Bills
last Season Summary
The Bills have been stuck at a similar stage for the past few seasons, consistently falling just short against the Chiefs during their playoff runs. The 2024 season was no different, as their offense ran extremely hot behind the play of league MVP Josh Allen, who scored 40 total touchdowns and led the second-most efficient offense in the league based on EPA per play.
Running back James Cook had a true breakout year, establishing himself as a top-five player at his position. His emergence, in my opinion, allowed Allen to thrive even more.
Defensively, the Bills were solid against the run, which was especially important given the direction the NFL was trending last year. However, their pass defense was a concern, ranking just 22nd in the league based on EPA per play. Despite that, Buffalo remained one of the dominant forces in the NFL, and many expect that trend to continue in 2025.
Key Additions
WR Elijah Moore
Edge Joey Bosa
LB Shaq Thompson
CB Tre’Davious White
DT T.J. Sanders (R)
Edge Landon Jackson (R)
Key Losses
WR Amari Cooper
WR Mack Hollins
Edge Von Miller
CB Rasul Douglas
CB Kaiir Elam
Core Players
QB Josh Allen
WR Khalil Shakir
RB James Cook
OT Dion Dawkins
OT Spencer Brown
DL Greg Rousseau
LB Matt Milano
S Taylor Rapp
Season Preview
Offense: To start off, Josh Allen is unanimously considered a top-three quarterback in the league, possessing some of the most freakish tools at the position thanks to his dual-threat ability. There is a strong chance that Allen can replicate his 2024 season from a production standpoint and once again make a serious run for MVP honors.
James Cook emerged as one of the best running backs in the NFL as last season progressed and should continue to grow into his role as the second key weapon in this dynamic offense. The only potential obstacle for him is the ongoing contract dispute. As long as the Bills can resolve that issue by Week 1, Cook should be set for another big year.
The biggest question mark surrounding the Bills is their receiving corps. Their top option is Khalil Shakir, who, in my view, profiles more as a solid number two receiver. Behind him, the rest of the group currently consists of decent, but unspectacular, pro-level players. A strong second year from Keon Coleman will be crucial, and involving tight end Dalton Kincaid more frequently could provide a needed spark. How this pass-catching unit develops will be the main concern for the franchise this season.
The Bills return all five starters along the offensive line, which has been graded by PFF as the third-best unit heading into the season. Spencer Brown’s health will be important, as continuity along the line should give Allen plenty of time in the pocket and help them dominate in the run game.
In 2025, the Bills will likely be one of the most high-powered offenses in the NFL once again, and I don’t think that’s a stretch at all.
Defense: Like on offense, the Bills haven’t lost many key players on the defensive side of the ball heading into the 2025 season. The strength of this unit lies up front. Last year, they ranked as a top-five rushing defense thanks to quality across the interior defensive line and edge defenders who play more like defensive ends than outside linebackers. They have retained Ed Oliver and DaQuan Jones, both of whom should once again be at their best when it comes to stopping the run.
The concern up front is the lack of consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Even though Greg Rousseau recorded eight sacks and returns for another season, the Bills chose to move on from Von Miller and signed veteran pass rusher Joey Bosa. If Bosa can stay healthy, he should help spark their pass rush.
An underrated return for the defense is linebacker Matt Milano, who has played only nine games over the past two seasons. If he can stay healthy, his presence and reliability in the middle of the field will be a major boost to the defense.
Similar to the wide receiver group on offense, the secondary is the biggest question mark on this side of the ball. Last year, they struggled to limit big plays and often gave up crucial third-down conversions. While the lack of pass rush didn’t help, the defensive backs also need to take a step forward.
To address these concerns, the Bills moved on from Rasul Douglas and former first-round pick Kaiir Elam. They will look to rebuild with a new group that includes 2025 first-round pick Maxwell Hairston, an athletic standout from Kentucky and veteran corner Tre’Davious White from the Chargers. It’s clear the Bills are not standing still and are taking necessary swings to improve their secondary. Still, we will need to see how these changes translate on the field before making any definitive judgments.
Best Future Bet: James Cook Over 950.5 Rushing Yards @ $1.87
Down the stretch last year, James Cook looked special. He ran decisively and consistently beat NFL-level athletes with ease. If the Bills end up paying him anywhere near what he’s reportedly requesting, I expect to see a jump in his usage. You simply can’t invest heavily in a running back and not feature him as much as possible. I think he should break 1,000 yards this season, but the 950.5 yard line looks like a solid value bet.
Status: Contender
Miami Dolphins
last Season Summary
After a strong 2023 NFL season, the Miami Dolphins took a step back last year for a variety of reasons. The biggest concern revolves around their $200 million quarterback, who unfortunately may be just one serious head knock away from having to consider retirement. While that is purely speculative, it’s worth noting that even after his most recent concussion, there was widespread talk about Tua Tagovailoa possibly stepping away from the game.
The Dolphins are a completely different team when Tua is on the field. He seems to run Mike McDaniel’s scheme flawlessly, something other quarterbacks on the roster have struggled to replicate. With Tua missing six games last season, the offense struggled as a whole. Even future Hall of Famer Tyreek Hill had one of his least productive seasons as a pro.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Dolphins were actually quite solid. They were among the most efficient pass defenses in the league and also held their own against the run. Without that defensive performance, this team could have easily ended up with a top-10 pick in the 2025 draft. It’s fair to say that their second-place finish in the division was largely thanks to the strength of their defense.
Key Additions
WR Nick Westbrook-Ikhine
OG James Daniels
S Ashtyn Davis
S Minkah Fitzpatrick
DT Kenneth Grant (R)
OG Jonah Savaiinaea (R)
Key Losses
RB Raheem Mostert
TE Jonnu Smith
OT Terron Armstead
OG Isaiah Wynn
DE Calais Campbell
CB Jalen Ramsey
S Jevon Holland
S Jordan Poyer
Core Players
QB Tua Tagovailoa
WR Tyreek Hill
WR Jaylen Waddle
RB De’Von Achane
Edge Jaelan Phillips
Edge Bradley Chubb
CB Jack Jones
S Minkah Fitzpatrick
Season Preview
Offense: Everyone knows that the key to the Dolphins getting back to their high-powered and fast-paced offense is Tua Tagovailoa staying healthy, particularly when it comes to avoiding further head injuries. When he is fit, he unlocks the speed and explosiveness of the team’s playmakers with his quick decision-making and impressive accuracy. The hope is that Tua can stay on the field, and even playing around 15 games would be a major improvement over 2024.
When it comes to playmakers, everything starts with Tyreek Hill, who has been one of the most explosive players in the league over the past five years. There are two key factors with Hill. First, the team needs him to fully buy in, as there have been some rumors about a possible split between him and the franchise. Second, keeping him healthy will be essential if he is going to return to being a top-five wide receiver.
His running mate, Jaylen Waddle, is a high-level NFL pass catcher in his own right. A dangerous threat after the catch and an elite speedster, Waddle will be looking to stay healthier this season after an inconsistent 2024.
One of the biggest losses for the Dolphins in the passing game will be tight end Jonnu Smith, who was involved in a blockbuster trade we will discuss later. He was their second-most productive pass catcher last season, and his departure leaves a noticeable gap.
In the run game, De’Von Achane will once again be the number one option. I expect him to produce another strong season, whether that’s through the air or on the ground. He remains one of the most dynamic and versatile weapons in the league.
Outside of Tua’s injury concerns, the biggest question mark is the offensive line. The Dolphins went through a complete overhaul this offseason, moving on from Terron Armstead and Isaiah Wynn. They responded by signing James Daniels in free agency and selecting Jonah Savaiinaea in the second round of the draft. As things stand, the changes make sense on paper, but I am not fully convinced this group will be significantly better in 2025.
Defense: There have also been wholesale changes on the defensive side of the ball, starting in the trenches. The Dolphins moved on from Calais Campbell and brought in first-round rookie Kenneth Grant, who enters the season with major hype surrounding his athletic traits. Zach Sieler will anchor the defensive line as he aims to record double-digit sacks for a third straight season.
On the edge, there is some genuine excitement. Former first-round pick Jaelan Phillips, out of Miami, has flashed high-level ability when healthy, although injuries have held him back. Paired with him is Bradley Chubb, a major acquisition in 2022, who missed all of the 2024 season. If both can return to form, the Dolphins could have a highly productive pass rush.
The secondary is where the biggest questions lie. The Dolphins made one of the most shocking trades in recent memory by sending their “ultimate chess piece” Jalen Ramsey to the Pittsburgh Steelers. In return, they brought back former first-round pick and All-Pro safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, who returns to the team that originally drafted him. Defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver will need to adjust to the loss of his most versatile player, but having the football IQ and leadership of Fitzpatrick on the back end should be a huge asset.
Alongside Fitzpatrick is Jack Jones, a boundary corner known for creating game-changing plays throughout his career. Still, with so many changes, it’s hard to predict how this unit will compare to last year.
Before diving into this breakdown, I wasn’t particularly high on the Dolphins due to the lingering injury concerns surrounding their key players. But if they can stay healthy, there’s a real chance they return to top form this season.
Best Future Bet: Dolphins Over 8.5 Wins @ $2.15
The Dolphins are a risky team to back, and it could be a wild ride given all the question marks surrounding them. That said, it’s reasonable to believe they could actually outperform last year’s version of themselves. If that happens, they have a solid shot at going over the 8.5-win mark this season.
Status: Playoff hopeful
New England Patriots
last Season Summary
The Patriots always want to compete because it is part of their DNA, but year one without Bill Belichick was a tough watch for fans. Jerod Mayo led the historic franchise to a 3–14 record. Offensively, they were one of the worst units in the NFL and rarely got out of first gear.
There was a spark when Drake Maye became the starter. He showed everything you would hope to see from the third overall pick in his rookie season. His tools were clearly on display, and while it is still early, the comparisons to Josh Allen from a skill set standpoint do not seem far-fetched.
Defensively, the Patriots also struggled. They graded out poorly and were ranked 29th in the league on that side of the ball. For a defensive-minded head coach like Jerod Mayo, that was not an ideal start, but it is fair to say he was not helped by the lack of talent across the roster.
Key Additions
WR Stefon Diggs
OT Morgan Moses
C Garrett Bradbury
DL Milton Williams
Edge Harold Landry
CB Carlton Davis
OT Will Campbell (R)
RB Treveyon Henderson (R)
WR Kyle Williams (R)
HC Mike Vrabel (Coach)
Key Losses
QB Jacoby Brissett
OT Chukwuma Okorafor
DT Davon Godchaux
CB Jonathan Jones
HC Jerod Mayo (Coach)
Core Players
QB Drake Maye
WR Stefon Diggs
RB TreVeyon Henderson
OT Will Campbell
DL Milton Williams
Edge Harold Landry III
CB Christian Gonzalez
S Minkah Fitzpatrick
Season Preview
Offense: From an offensive perspective, the Patriots will go as far as second-year quarterback and first-time full-time starter Drake Maye can take them. As mentioned, he has all the physical tools and appears to have a strong football IQ. If Maye can provide top-15 quarterback play this season, that would be a major success given the ecosystem he is stepping into.
Speaking of that ecosystem, the Patriots were not shy about investing in his supporting cast. It starts with veteran All-Pro wide receiver Stefon Diggs, who signed on to be the team’s number one option. While Diggs may not be at his peak anymore, he still brings plenty to the table and should help Maye get comfortable at the NFL level. Outside of Diggs, the team features names like DeMario Douglas and Mack Hollins, but the most exciting player in my opinion is third-round pick Kyle Williams. For my money, he was the second-best route runner in the draft behind Travis Hunter and could be an immediate impact player.
The Patriots also added my third-ranked back in the draft TreVeyon Henderson. Based on his skill set, he could bring a similar impact to what Jahmyr Gibbs brings to the Lions. His combination of ball security, pass protection, elusiveness, and explosiveness is special, and there’s a real chance he ends the season as their RB1.
Outside of Maye himself, the most important factor for this offense is keeping him upright. The last thing a young quarterback needs is constant pressure. The Patriots made serious moves to improve what was one of the worst offensive lines in the league last year. They signed veteran tackle Morgan Moses and drafted the top lineman in the class, Will Campbell, who is expected to be their long-term left tackle. Campbell and Maye could potentially grow together for years to come. With that said there will be bumps in the road, but it’s hard to imagine this line being worse than it was last season.
Defense: The Patriots had the most money to spend in free agency this offseason, and based on league rules, they were required to use most of it, even though it wasn’t a particularly strong free-agent class. Their marquee signing was Super Bowl standout Milton Williams, who will hope to build on his rotational role with the Eagles and emerge as “The Guy” in New England.
In addition to Williams, they signed Harold Landry III from Tennessee. Landry has been a steady and productive pass rusher since entering the league, and he should add some much-needed spark to a pass rush that struggled to make an impact last season.
To strengthen the second level of the defense, the Patriots brought in former Raiders captain Robert Spillane. Known for his physicality in the run game, Spillane should help shore up a defensive front that struggled at times. The concern, however, lies in his pass coverage, which could leave the defense vulnerable over the middle.
On the back end, the Patriots may have the best young corner in the league in Christian Gonzalez. Even with injury setbacks, he has performed at an elite level when healthy, grading as a top-three coverage corner. Although there have been reports of him missing training camp due to injury, he is expected to be ready for the start of the season. To pair with him, the team signed Carlton Davis, who should bring stability to the opposite outside corner spot, an area that has been a weak link in recent years.
Supporting those two corners are safeties Jabrill Peppers and Kyle Dugger, a physically gifted duo who should help provide consistency and versatility across the secondary.
Even with all the investment the Patriots have made, I still don’t see them taking a major step forward like the Commanders did last season. That said, the addition of Mike Vrabel could prove valuable for the franchise’s culture and could be a key influence on the development of Drake Maye moving forward.
Best Future Bet: Patriots Under 8.5 Regular Season Wins @ $2.15
There is plenty of reason for optimism for this young side, with a fun head coach and quarterback duo to keep our eyes on. My biggest worry is that this will be Maye’s first year under the new coaching staff, and there has been plenty of turnover around him. Securing nine wins for this team could be quite a steep task, even with the relatively easy schedule.
Status: Taking a step
New York Jets
last Season Summary
One of the biggest disappointments last season was year two of the Aaron Rodgers-led New York Jets, who ended up looking like one of the worst-run franchises from an optics standpoint. They parted ways with head coach Robert Saleh, who I actually thought was doing a solid job, and followed that up with a flurry of win-now moves that ended up exposing more problems than they solved.
Offensively, the team was well below average, especially in the run game, which struggled behind a mediocre offensive line. But the most disappointing part of the season was the massive drop-off on defense, going from a top-three unit to one that performed in the bottom third of the league across the board.
Key Additions
QB Justin Fields
OT Chukwuma Okorafor
CB Brandon Stephens
S Andre Cisco
OT Armand Membou (R)
TE Mason Taylor (R)
CB Azareye’h Thomas (R)
HC Aaron Glenn (Coach)
Key Losses
QB Aaron Rodgers
WR Davante Adams
TE Tyler Conklin
OT Morgan Moses
OT Tyron Smith
Edge Haason Reddick
DL Javon Kinlaw
CB D.J. Reed
S Jalen Mills
HC Jeff Ulbrich (Coach)
Core Players
QB Justin Fields
WR Garrett Wilson
RB Breece Hall
OT Olu Fashanu
OG Alijah Vera-Tucker
DL Quinnen Williams
Edge Will McDonald IV
LB Quincy Williams
CB Sauce Gardner
Season Preview
Offense: The Jets cleaned house this offseason, moving on from Aaron Rodgers, Davante Adams, Morgan Moses, Tyron Smith, and Tyler Conklin, all of whom were key pieces of the team last year. One of the more intriguing stories was the quarterback movement, which saw the Jets replace the four-time MVP with former Steelers and Bears signal-caller Justin Fields. There’s no doubt he’ll be the guy in Gotham this season. Last year, he started six games and led the Steelers to a 4-2 record before being replaced by Russell Wilson. In my view, the Ohio State product looked really solid in black and gold, and he should be able to build on that performance now that he’s the clear starter.
To support Fields, the Jets still have one of his former Ohio State teammates, Garrett Wilson, who is coming off a major contract extension. He should see plenty of manufactured touches this year as the team looks to get the ball in his hands early and often. Aside from Wilson, the Jets don’t have to much flair in their pass catchers, but one name I expect to build off a rough rookie season is Malachi Corley. The 2024 third rounder saw little to no action, but his profile of being a playmaker with the ball in his hands is a skillset they lack on the perimeter.
The biggest key for new coaching staff Aaron Glenn and Tanner Engstrand, who joined from Detroit, will be getting the most out of the Jets’ revamped offensive line. For this offense to click, they’ll need the run game to fire through Breece Hall and give Fields time and space to use his tools as a dual-threat quarterback. The pieces are there with Alijah Vera-Tucker, Olu Fashanu, and Armand Membou, all of whom were highly rated prospects coming out of college. Now it’s just a matter of whether that hard-nosed coaching style can be embraced and turned into results from the big fellas in the trenches.
Defense: For many fans, offense is the main attraction when it comes to watching an NFL team. But for me, and especially when it comes to the Jets this season, the real excitement is in the potential bounce back from their defense. The addition of Aaron Glenn is a huge step in the right direction. He brings not only a sharp mind for defensive schematics, but also the kind of leadership this group needed after a drastic drop-off in performance last year.
For the Jets, it all starts up front with how Quinnen Williams, Will McDonald, and Jermaine Johnson perform this season. Williams and McDonald were key playmakers last year, while Johnson missed time with injury. If those three, along with help from Derek Nnadi, can become a disruptive force in the trenches, it would be the first step toward the Jets re-establishing themselves as a top-tier defense. The biggest concern, though, is the depth behind them. It’s well below average, so any injury to Williams or one of the edge rushers could cause major problems.
At the heart of the defense, they’ll once again rely on Quincy Williams, who has quietly become one of the most impactful linebackers in the league despite playing in a rough situation last year. With him and Jamien Sherwood operating at the second level, Jets fans have reason to feel fairly confident in the production they’ll get from that group.
In the secondary, everything begins and ends with Sauce Gardner. He had his toughest season as a pro last year, a reminder of how up and down the cornerback position can be. Still, the Jets rewarded him with a massive extension, showing their belief in him as a long-term cornerstone. DJ Reed, Gardner’s longtime partner and part of the league’s best cornerback duo in 2023, is now gone. In his place, the Jets have brought in Brandon Stephens and Azareye’h Thomas, who hopes to be the next in the longline of star defensive backs from Florida State. At safety, the starting duo of Andre Cisco and Tony Adams is average but shouldn’t be a liability over the course of the season.
Ultimately, this defense will go as far as their 120-million-dollar superstar can take them. If Sauce bounces back, this group has a chance to be special again.
Best Future Bet: Garrett Wilson over 925.5 Receiving Yards @ $1.87
Many people still see Justin Fields as a running quarterback first and a passer second. But if he wants to be the long-term option in New York, he’s going to need to prove himself with his arm, and that needs to happen now. We saw glimpses of this potential with the Bears in 2023 when he was given a solid weapon in DJ Moore. Fields, while still developing as a passer, has shown he loves feeding his top target. This season, that’s Garrett Wilson, and I see him getting plenty of touches and firmly establishing himself as a star in the league.