Parity in the NFL? 2015 NFL Playoff Predictions: AFC

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Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

AFC East Predictions: New England Patriots – Division Champions

The AFC East is slowly becoming more competitive, but it still belongs to the New England Patriots — with or without Tom Brady in the first four games.

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If you somehow haven’t noticed yet, Deflate Gate momentarily took over the sports world this offseason. Did he do it? Did he really gain an advantage? Is the punishment just? Tons of questions can be asked, and they all were. In the end, it was obvious to me, (and noted by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell that Brady’s attempted cover-up and lack of cooperation attributed as much, if not more, to his four game punishment.

That’s just my two cents.

Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Elsewhere in the division the Miami Dolphins are gradually putting the pieces in place to win games. Guys by the names of Ndamukong Suh, Kenny Stills and Jordan Cameron all joined the team this offseason, however expect all eyes to be on the newly re-upped Ryan Tannehill in 2015.

He now has the weapons; can he produce?

The Buffalo Bills and New York Jets also made some big moves this offseason. Both brought in new, defensive-minded head coaches, and both have added considerable talent to the roster. Ironically, they also share the same common denominator that will keep both of them from reaching the postseason — below average quarterbacks.

In todays NFL, it is possible to win games and remain relevant with an average signal caller. It’s when you drop below that fine line of mediocrity that you’re in trouble.

Despite what some people believe, I have a very, very hard time accepting E.J. Manuel and Geno Smith as legitimate NFL quarterbacks.

Maybe I’m wrong, but probably not.

AFC East Predicted Standings:

  1. New England Patriots
  2. Miami Dolphins
  3. New York Jets
  4. Buffalo Bills

Next: 2015 NFC Playoff Predictions

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