Why are the Buffalo Bills favorites to win the AFC East?

No franchise in the AFC East has won more divisional titles than the New England Patriots’ 22. No other team in the AFC East other than the Pats of the always competitive Bill Belichick also has a better chance of reclaiming top spot from the Buffalo Bills in 2022.

Although the four franchises have added depth to their talent base by bringing in names like Tyreek Hill (Miami Dolphins), the truth is that the stage is set for a dance between two partners, with the Bills on the leading foot after being backed by several sportsbooks as number one contenders for the Super Bowl.

The Bills finished last season with an 11-6 record and 5-1 in the AFC East, which was enough to win the division and book a spot in the postseason, where they crushed the Patriots 47-17 in the Wild Card round. After that came heartbreak, losing to the Chiefs with just 17 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter.

Josh Allen is going into his fifth season in the NFL, no longer a new kid on the block. The quarterback’s laser-precision arm, in addition to his ability to get out of the pocket with his athletic qualities, has made the Wyoming alum number one candidate for the MVP award.

Bills backed by NFL-leading defense

The Bills had the best-ranked defense in the NFL last season, giving up an average of 273 yards and 17 points per game.

For one reason or another, the Bills haven’t taken the definitive step to turn them from Super Bowl contenders into participants in the season-ending finale. Part of the reason is the Patriots, who bestride the historic rivalry against Buffalo with a 77-47-1 record, putting together a 15-game winning streak during the Tom Brady era.

Belichick has declared that his quarterback, Mac Jones, reported for training camp much better-prepared than for his rookie year. The difference is not only perceptible in his physique but also in his reading of plays.

Jones will no longer have Josh McDaniels as his offensive coordinator after he departed for the Raiders with Matt Patricia overseeing plays during preseason, which has thrown up some trouble for the Pats. Still, New England has enough talent on both sides of the ball to go toe-to-toe with Buffalo in the standings and aim for a postseason tilt.

Dolphins, Jets in rebuild

In recent years, the Miami Dolphins have made more headlines off the field than on it. A lawsuit from former coach Brian Flores and contacting Tom Brady when he was under contract with the Buccaneers have been among issues that have dogged the South Florida franchise’s progress.

However, the team is undergoing a rebuild, bringing in former 49ers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel.

McDaniel’s job will be made easier by the arrival of star receiver Hill, as well as Jaylen Waddle and tight end Mike Gesicki. The Dolphins have also added dual-threat running back Chase Edmonds.

The New York Jets, meanwhile, will be forced to start the season with veteran backup quarterback Joe Flacco while starter Zach Wilson continues to recover from knee surgery. The Jets have practically no chance of winning the division this season as they focus on rebuilding and not jeopardizing the progress made in recent years.

2022 AFC East predicted records