The AFC East is shaping up to be a hotbed of competition for the 2024 NFL season, with the Miami Dolphins aiming to clinch the division title for the first time since 2008. However, they’re not alone in their aspirations, as the Buffalo Bills, the division champions for the past four years, and the New York Jets are setting the stage for an intense showdown.
The suggestion that the New York Jets, alongside Aaron Rodgers, could potentially win the Super Bowl may raise eyebrows, especially given Rodgers’ rocky start last season and the Jets’ long playoff drought since 2010. Nevertheless, ESPN’s Mike Clay sees potential in the Jets, highlighting the team’s roster filled with talent, though it’s peppered with veterans who have battled injuries. This analysis positions the Jets as underdogs not to be underestimated in the race for the AFC East crown, contrasting with the New England Patriots, who are currently in a rebuilding phase.
The NFL’s scheduling reflects a confidence in the Jets’ draw, awarding them six prime-time games, a notable spotlight that ties them with the San Francisco 49ers and Dallas Cowboys for the most in the league. This includes a series of prime-time matches early in the season and an international game against the Minnesota Vikings in England, underlining the league’s expectation of the Jets as a team worth watching, despite their lackluster 7-10 record last year.
Both the Buffalo Bills and Miami Dolphins have also garnered significant attention with five prime-time games each, setting the stage for high-stakes matchups that will undoubtedly have playoff implications. Notably, the Bills have a challenging schedule that includes a three-game road stretch and a finale that could determine the division’s standings.
Comparing schedules, the Bills and Dolphins have similar challenges ahead, with key games that could pivot the division’s balance of power. The Dolphins’ schedule features home advantages and challenging road games that will test their mettle as contenders.
Surprisingly, the New England Patriots find themselves with just a single prime-time game, signaling a shift in expectations for a team that has been a perennial powerhouse in the AFC East.
As the 2024 NFL season approaches, the AFC East is brimming with storylines and rivalries that promise to deliver a thrilling contest. With the Bills looking to maintain their dominance, the Dolphins on the rise, the Jets emerging as dark horses, and the Patriots rebuilding, the division is wide open for a new champion to emerge.