The NY Jets are ready for their second chance after Aaron Rodgers barely suited up last year, putting them in a position to possibly compete for championships if everything goes as planned.
The Jets may not have a perfect roster in arguably the best overall division in football, but between a fairly easy schedule and the improvements made in key areas of need, New York should feel fairly confident in their chances to come out of this season smelling like a rose.
The AFC East is going to be won by whichever team is able to overcome their demons of yesteryear. Will that be the Jets? Time will tell, starting with their season opener against Brock Purdy and a loaded San Francisco 49ers team on Monday Night Football.
AFC East predictions for 2024
4. New England Patriots (4-13)
The rebuild is on for New England, and things are in such dire straits that Jerod Mayo didn't want to put wunderkind quarterback Drake Maye in the line of fire until he has the proper support around him. Even with some quality defensive pieces, 2024 will, by design, be a rough year for the Patriots.
3. Buffalo Bills (10-7)
The Bills lost a lot of talent in the offseason, and there is a very good chance that Sean McDermott will be kicked to the curb after this season. However, on the back of Josh Allen and his immense physical talent alone, Buffalo will be in a position to once again compete for a division title.
2. Miami Dolphins (11-6)
Miami has a breakneck offense led by the game's best receiver in Tyreek Hill, and Tua Tagovailoa has proved, despite his flaws, to be a solid quarterback. The Dolphins could compete for a division title, but they will first need to show that their defense is better than it has been in past years and that the offense can function in December and January.
1. New York Jets (11-6)
If Aaron Rodgers plays well, the Jets will win games. If he doesn't, they will lose. At the risk of watering down the analysis, an inordinate amount of the responsibility for the Jets' success this season will come down to Rodgers proving everyone wrong as he tries to get back on track.
With a strong defense, rebuilt offensive line, and two emerging star skill position players in Breece Hall and Garrett Wilson, the Jets have their best chance in years to finally take a division crown and break their infamous no-playoffs streak.
