Tucker’s 2024 AFC EAST Projections
By Tucker Harlin
In honor of the Hall of Fame game Thursday, I decided it would be a good idea to release projections for the NFL divisions for the 2024 season.
To be clear, these are not record predictions, but simply a projected order of finish for each team in each division.
1. BUFFALO BILLS
Despite some losses in the offseason, most notably Stefon Diggs, I still like the Bills to come out on top of the AFC East.
Diggs was initially what Josh Allen needed to launch a successful career as an NFL quarterback as his first couple of seasons were less than stellar. The addition of Diggs in 2020 changed Allen for the better.
Diggs’ productivity in 2023 took a big hit, but that proved Allen didn’t require Diggs in order to lead the Bills to the playoffs.
I think the division will be tougher this season if the teams that finish second and third play to their potential, but I still think the Bills are in a better spot.
2. NEW YORK JETS
This may be one of the more controversial picks I have in this new line of projections, but I would not rule out a playoff appearance should the Jets reach their full potential.
A healthy Aaron Rodgers paired with productive weapons in Breece Hall and Garrett Wilson should go well with the already strong defense Robert Saleh has built.
At the same time, this could blow up in the Jets’ faces and see them miss the playoffs once again.
If that’s the case and they don’t suffer too many injuries, it will be a challenge for Robert Saleh to keep his job come Black Monday.
3. MIAMI DOLPHINS
The Dolphins are by far one of the most entertaining teams to watch in the NFL.
The collective track speed Mike McDaniel’s team has on offense is something no other team in the league can boast.
But said track speed has only worked against teams that aren’t close to playoff contention. If the Bill or Chiefs come knocking, the Dolphins are toast.
This team absolutely has the tools to find its way into the playoffs, and a third consecutive wild card appearance would not surprise me.
But the next time the Dolphins win a high stakes game in prime time under Mike McDaniel will be the first.
4. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
This was an easy decision for last in the AFC East.
The Patriots are another good free agency signing and draft class away from being able to say they are playoff contenders.
Jacoby Brissett is never starting the season for a team with playoff aspirations. He’ll eventually hand the baton off to Drake Maye, who is still lacking weapons on the offensive end.
Jerod Mayo is a strong football mind and has what it takes to put the Patriots back on the map, but it’s just not going to be this season.
