2010 Record = 7-9 (3rd in Division)
Key Additions = RB Reggie Bush, LB Kevin Burnett, LB Jason TaylorKey Losses = RB Ronnie Brown, RB Ricky Williams
Schedule = Patriots, Texans, @ Browns, @ Chargers, BYE, @ Jets, Broncos, @ Giants, @ Chiefs, Redskins, Bills, @ Cowboys, Raiders, Eagles, @ Bills, @ Patriots, Jets
Real-Life Outlook = Miami’s defense is one of the most underrated units in the league (throw out two lopsided games against New England, and you have a defense that only gave up more than 18 points once), but offensive ineptitude rules the day. There’s about a 15% chance Chad Henne figures it all out and becomes a reliable NFL starter. He’s going to need to be, as the Dolphins runningback situation is the sketchiest in the league. Reggie Bush will look great in spurts, but is not effective enough between the tackles to be a reliable every-down back. Second round draft pick Daniel Thomas was a popular fantasy sleeper, but has done nothing to generate optimism during the pre-season. Expect the futility of the Dolphins’ backfield to undermine the efforts of the defense and top flight wide receiver Brandon Marshall.
Ceiling = 8-8
Floor = 3-13No Credentials Prediction = 5-11
3. Buffalo Bills
2010 Record = 4-12 (4th in Division)
Key Additions = LB Nick Barnett, LB Kirk MorrisonKey Losses = LB Paul Posluszny, S Donte Whitner, LB Aaron Maybin
Schedule = @ Chiefs, Raiders, Patriots, @ Bengals, Eagles, @ Giants, BYE, Redskins, Jets, @ Cowboys, @ Dolphins, @ Jets, Titans, @ Chargers, Dolphins, Broncos, @ Patriots
Real-Life Outlook = One of the friskiest 4-12 teams in NFL history, the 2010 Bills were a treat to watch. Expect more of the same this season, as Ryan Fitzpatrick will be the starter from week 1 (fantasy folks, you could do much worse if you are in need of a bye-week fill-in than Fitzpatrick, depending on the match-up). Stevie Johnson could be in for the best season from a Bills wide out since Eric Moulds in 2002. Buffalo will be behind plenty again (in case you were wondering, the defense is still horrendous), so expect plenty of balls to be flying Johnson’s way.
Ceiling = 8-8
Floor = 2-14No Credentials Prediction = 6-10
2. New York Jets
2010 Record = 11-5 (2nd in Division, Lost AFC Championship Game @ Steelers)
Key Additions = WR Plaxico Burress, LB Aaron MaybinKey Losses = WR Braylon Edwards, DE Shaun Ellis, DT Kris Jenkins, LB Jason Taylor
Schedule = Cowboys, Jaguars, @ Raiders, @ Ravens, @ Patriots, Dolphins, Chargers, BYE, @ Bills, Patriots, @ Broncos, Bills, @ Redskins, Chiefs, @ Eagles, Giants, @ Dolphins
Real-Life Outlook = So let me get this straight. A team that starts a quarterback that is barely able to complete half of his passes, that downgraded at wide receiver (believe it or not, Braylon Edwards is better than Plaxico), and lost three solid defensive starters is supposed to be a Super Bowl favorite? Unless Mark Sanchez turns into the 1998 version of Vinny Testaverde, this team is destined for another uneven 10-6 season (which most fan bases wouldn’t complain about, but obnoxious Jets fans won’t be satisfied).
Ceiling = 13-3
Floor = 8-8No Credentials Prediction = 10-6
1. New England Patriots
2010 Record = 14-2 (1st in Division, Lost Divisional Round Game vs. Jets)
Key Additions = G Brian Waters, WR Chad Ochocinco, DT Albert Haynesworth, DE Shaun EllisKey Losses = DE Ty Warren, S Brandon Meriweather
Schedule = @ Dolphins, Chargers, @ Bills, @ Raiders, Jets, Cowboys, BYE, @ Steelers, Giants, @ Jets, Chiefs, @ Eagles, Colts, @ Redskins, @ Broncos, Dolphins, Bills
Real-Life Outlook = Only surpassed by Philadelphia in terms of the most high profile off season moves, New England appears poised to win another AFC East title. Signing perennial Pro Bowler Brian Waters will do wonders for the offensive line (expect a big season from Ben-Jarvis Green-Ellis, aka “The Firm”), and the Patriots young defense can only get better. Barring injury, New England will win the division.
Ceiling = 13-3
Floor = 9-7
No Credentials Prediction = 12-4
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