NFL '13 Preview: AFC East

By Joe Pantorno

It's been the most entertaining of divisions for both good and horrifying reasons. Whether it was Aaron Hernandez or the Butt Fumble or a shocking draft pick, we were enthralled. Not much has changed in terms of where the teams are falling this year, but we'll be talking about these teams all season.

1. New England Patriots

So they lose Hernandez, they lose Welker, two of Tom Brady's biggest targets. But fear not Pats fans, Rob Gronkowski is practicing in full pads and they've picked up Danny Amendola.

As long as Tom Brady is throwing the ball, however, you could put me in at tight end and I'd feel pretty confident that we might win a game or two.

The defense is always cause for concern. Last year, they were the 25th ranked defense giving up 373 yards per game. It's not a fantastic Patriots season, but this division is pretty weak, so a they'll still coast with an 11-5 record.

X-Factor: Stevan Ridley

When it comes to the Patriots, I feel like these guys come out of no where and just produce. Maybe it's just the uniform.

If Stevan Ridley can have the sort of fantasy season that he is being projected to have, the Patriots will have a legitimate threat of a running game, something they really haven't had since Corey Dillon.

The Pats could lead the AFC in scoring if he can put up 1,200-1,300 yards on the ground this year.



2. Miami Dolphins

I like this team and there's plenty of talent on offense, except the offensive line. Ryan Tannehill has two big time targets now in Mike Wallace and Brian Hartline which will open up the possibility of a big season from RB Lamar Miller.

But this is Tannehill's year. He has the backing from the organization and if I was Joe Philbin, I tell him to let it fly.

The defense is lacking in the secondary and also at linebacker. The fact that their schedule is ridiculously difficult won't help many feel like they're on the rise. But they are.

Just don't pay attention to their 8-8 record for now.  Even though that'll be more than solid for this team. I'm also a tad partial to this team as I have a very good friend working there this year, and she's also a loyal Dolphins fan, so I'll be pulling for them. (Hi Hayle!)

X-Factor: Dion Jordan

I am most excited to see this guy play over any other draft picks this year. But as one of the biggest names on the Dolphins' defense already without playing a single down, he's going to attract plenty of attention.

If he's able to get 7-9 sacks this season, some big time pressure will be taken off the secondary and linebackers. We've seen teams with good D-lines win games overcoming bad secondaries.




3. Buffalo Bills

I think we've all gotten over the shock of that first round pick in EJ Manuel. Well, good news, we all have the opportunity to see if this pick works out immediately. Announced today that it's his starting job, Manuel is the future of Buffalo, but it's not going to be the best year for them.

C.J. Spiller is one of the best running backs in the league and wide receiver Stevie Johnson has the ability to become a force so there's plenty of potential for this team.

But like the Dolphins, the Bills have a real tough schedule as well. But, like Miami, we're going to see some promise this year and I have a feeling Manuel is going to prove a lot of people wrong. This year, I say Buffalo goes 7-9.

X-Factor: EJ Manuel

He was picked 16th overall and that sent everyone nuts. But he has a fantastic opportunity here. He was able to beat out Kevin Kolb for the starting job even while nursing an injury.

It shows the Bills have faith in him and will be giving him the green light for at least half the season. He'll have to be catastrophically awful to be benched.






4. New York Jets 

They're such a joke. Such a freaking joke and I feel so bad for Jets fans. The organization is so poorly run and I feel they care more about the tabloids then they do about winning football games.

I mean, this whole off-season was just one big, stupid circus. They lose Revis, they have no receivers, no running backs. This season is going to be brutal. But there is a light at the end of the tunnel. And he's our X-Factor. But for now, the Jets are going 5-11.



X-Factor: Geno Smith

There's something here and he will be fun to watch after a season that will be filled with growing pains and little support.

He was a Heisman candidate early last year with West Virginia but he showed us why he's capable of being in the big time. I give him three years and he might be on the same level as Cam Newton. He just needs to behave himself.