AFC East: New England Patriots Seek To Reign Supreme Another Decade

Tom Brady
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Since 2001, the New England Patriots have finished in first place in the AFC East every year. That includes three seasons where they tied with other teams.

The one constant during this run has been future Hall of Fame quarterback Tom Brady. He has been named to the Pro Bowl fives times since 2001, led the team to four Super Bowls, and won three.

His contract expires after this season, and the Patriots might be taking a gamble not re-signing him before the inevitable players strike. The 33-year-old may be entering his prime and is the undisputed leader of the team.

If Brady were to leave New England after this season, the following results could be devastating. The franchise could disintegrate back into mediocrity like they were mired in from 1967 to 1975, and in the early 1990's.

Here is how things could shape up in the AFC East in 2010.

1. New England Patriots

Jerod Mayo
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Pros: Tom Brady at full health and in a contract year. Multiple weapons at Brady's disposal. An above average offensive line. Good depth at most positions. 

Cons: A linebacker corps good against the run, questionable versus the pass. A young defensive secondary still learning. Unknown depth at wide receiver, in case Wes Welker isn't close to a hundred percent. Defensive line full of role players. A grueling schedule. 

Players To Watch: Tom Brady, Randy Moss, Wes Welker, running backs committee, inside linebacker duo of Jerod Mayo and Brandon Spikes 

Key Games: Week 1 vs. Cincinnati, Week 2 @ New York Jets, Week 6 vs. Baltimore, Week 7 @ San Diego Chargers, Week 8 vs. Minnesota, Week 10 @ Pittsburgh, Week 12 vs. Indianapolis, Week 13 vs. NY Jets, Week 15 vs. Green Bay 

Predicted Finish: 12 - 4

2. New York Jets

Nick Mangold
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Pros: Improvement at wide receiver. An effective offensive line. Multiple blitz packages that confound opponents. Cocky grit that starts at the coaching staff. Excellent cornerbacks. Good linebackers versus the run. 

Cons: Questionable safety play. Running game an unknown commodity. Loss of Calvin Pace forces an old Jason Taylor to play more than expected. Defensive line depth questionable. Need to sign star cornerback Darrelle Revis. Quarterback Mark Sanchez's propensity for the turnover.  

Players To Watch: Running backs duo of Shonn Greene and LaDainian Tomlinson, offensive line, Dustin Keller, David Harris, Jason Taylor, Mark Sanchez, the return of wide receiver Santonio Holmes after suspension 

Key Games: Week 1 vs. Baltimore, Week 2 vs. New England, Week 5 vs. Minnesota, Week 8 vs. Green Bay, Week 11 vs. Houston, Week 12 vs. Cincinnati, Week 13 @ New England, Week 15 @ Pittsburgh 

Predicted Finish: 9 - 7

3. Miami Dolphins

Vontae Davis
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Pros: Up and coming defense. Steady and experienced running backs. Strong kicking game. Acquisition of Brandon Marshall to bolster receivers corp. 

Cons: Offensive line is questionable between the tackles. Safeties are average versus the deep ball. Outside linebackers are average. Return game has digressed from last year with loss of Ted Ginn Jr. 

Players To Watch: Chad Henne, running back duo of Ricky Williams and Ronnie Brown, Brandon Marshall, Anthony Fasano, Vontae Davis, defensive line 

Key Games: Week 2 @ Minnesota, Week 3 vs. New York Jets, Week 4 vs. New England Patriots, Week 6 @ Green Bay, Week 7 vs. Pittsburgh, Week 8 @ Cincinnati, Week 9 @ Baltimore, Week 14 @ New York Jets, Week 17 @ New England 

Predicted Finish: 7 - 9

4. Buffalo Bills

James Hardy
Doug Benc/Getty Images

Pros: Deep, versatile, talented running backs corps. Young, improving offensive line. Strong defensive secondary. 

Cons: Erratic quarterback play. Questionable wide receiver play, beyond Lee Evans. Mediocre outside linebackers. Iffy defensive line depth. 

Players To Watch: C.J. Spiller, Lee Evans, Marshawn Lynch, Fred Jackson, Donte Whitner, Jarius Byrd, Paul Posluszny 

Key Games: Week 2 @ Green Bay, Week 3 @ New England, Week 4 vs. New York Jets, Week 7 @ Baltimore, Week 11 @ Cincinnati, Week 12 vs. Pittsburgh, Week 13 @ Minnesota, Week 16 vs. New England, Week 17 vs. New York Jets 

Predicted Finish: 3 - 13