Buffalo Bills:
The playoff loss to the Broncos was yet another heartbreaker for Bills fans. This team has arguably the scariest QB in the league. It’s hard to ever count this team out with Josh Allen at the helm.
Reasons for optimism:
Josh Allen and James Cook made this offense hum last year, which led to the Bills being the best running team in football (slightly edged out the Ravens). The defense wasn’t elite, but it was closer to good than bad. Also, they’ll get to play the Dolphins and Jets twice this year.
Reasons for pessimism:
The Patriots are good again, so no more easy wins for the Bills. The defense nor the passing attack have been Superbowl caliber. One of those aspects will have to significantly improve this year to truly make Buffalo scary.
Draft:
The Bills have the 26th pick this year and defensive line has got to be a priority. Keldric Faulk or Akheem Mesidor seem like good options here.
Projected Record: 12-5
Miami Dolphins:
The Dolphins weren’t completely terrible last year so hats off to them for that. With that said, they WILL be a bottom 3 team this year. I’ll print this out and eat this article if I’m wrong.
Reasons for optimism:
Achaning is possible. I’ll see myself out.
Reasons for pessimism:
The QB situation is up there with the Browns for worst in the league. The receiving core is questionable and the defense is going to be very very gettable. I’m glad they cut their losses, traded what they could, and accepted their fate as a terrible team this year.
Draft:
I’m a big believer in building the offensive line before your franchise QB, if possible. The Dolphins can do just that and take the best available OT with the 11th pick. They should also take some swing on WRs pretty early too, so their future franchise QB has someone to throw to.
Projected Record: 3-14
New England Patriots:
Why did you have to be so good again, so quickly?
Reasons for optimism:
This is probably the team I have the most optimism for. They have a stud head coach, stud QB, solid run game, good defense, and while the talent on paper lacks at receivers, they play hard and go all out for their coach and team.
Reasons for pessimism:
You can’t ignore the easy schedule they had and then Bo Nix getting hurt, but you play who you play and win as many games as you can. As mentioned, the receiving core could use a higher end play maker. Also, this year’s schedule looks very hard.
Draft:
I think you trade down. The 31st pick could be used for a QB needy team who will want a 5th year option on their QB. Jets? Cardinals? Miami even? Get their 2nd round this year and 2nd next year and draft some wide receivers.
Projected Record: 10-7
New York Jets:
The Jets had recently been a solid defensive team. They hired a defensive coach in Aaron Glenn. That side of the ball should have been pretty good…They ended up giving up almost 30 points a game and couldn’t get an interception.
Reasons for optimism:
Garrett Wilson and Breece Hall will be great weapons for their new QB in 2027!
Reasons for pessimism:
Like the Dolphins, this team stinks. Go ahead and let Geno Smith know I wrote him off for this year, we’ll see if he writes back.
Draft:
Might as well take an elite prospect in David Bailey with the 2nd pick and tank again for a QB next year.
Projected Record: 4-13