AFC East Predictions: The New England Patriots Will Repeat As Division Champs

My 2010 NFL predictions continue today, with the next stop being the AFC East. So far I have completed the AFC West, NFC West, NFC East, and AFC North.

The AFC East is one of the more interesting divisions in 2010. The past few years has been dominated by the New England Patriots, despite the Dolphins winning the division crown a few years ago.

However, the New York Jets and Miami Dolphins made big splashes in the off season. Will it be enough to overtake the division champs?

At this point in time, I don't think so.

1. New England Patriots- Think it is a homer pick? Well, think twice. I learned my lesson a few years ago when going against the Patriots, and that isn't happening this time. Tom Brady is still leading a Patriots offense that should be among the league's elite this season.

I see Brady returning to similar form of a few seasons ago where records were being set left and right. I also believe Randy Moss is due another big year, and Wes Welker will be productive at some point during the year.

The draft seems like another good class for the Patriots. Upgrading at the tight end position, and reloading on the defensive give me hope of New England having at least one more good playoff run in them.

Prediction: 10-6

2. Miami Dolphins- I am buying the Miami Dolphins hype more than I did a few months ago. I am really curious to see how Brandon Marshall changes the offense. Will the Dolphins still be run first, or create a more balanced attack?

There is a quarterback competition rising as of late, but under Tony Sparano's system, it seems to be the least of their concerns.

Linebacker Karlos Dansby did receive a huge pay day, and should be a major factor in the run defense. All give credit to Mike Nolan, who should be a major factor in the turn around of this defense.

Wouldn't be surprised to see them make the post-season. For now, I have them on the outside looking in the tough AFC conference.

Prediction: 9-7

3. New York Jets- I am ready to receive the praise from opposing fans, and heat from fans of Gang Green. But after thinking long and hard, my opinion has changed of the Jets. I do not think they are a Super Bowl contender this year. In fact, they are out of my playoff predictions right now.

The preseason hasn't showed me why I should have confidence in Mark Sanchez. Couple that with the fact that Santonio Holmes will miss the first four games, and be ready to see another year of 15+ interceptions from Sanchez.

Letting Thomas Jones go was a big loss. Tomlinson may be decent as a second tier back, but nothing compared to what Jones was.

Let's look at the overall moves. Both LT and Jason Taylor are passed their prime, and received more recognition from the New York media than they deserved. Antonio Cromartie is a solid pick up, but there are questions about his mental aspect of the game, and more importantly, being able to tackle.

And last but not least, the Darrelle Revis factor. I don't know when he'll return, but he is the difference as to whether or not they make the post-season.

If he holds out the whole year, I don't believe the Jets can make the playoffs.

Though I do see him coming at some point, there is a more challenging schedule waiting for them, making it a tougher road than last year.

I don't think they realize what target they have put on their backs, and it is only a matter of time until they implode in New Jersey.

Prediction: 9-7

4. Buffalo Bills- A tough situation to be in if your a Bills fan. The quarterback competition is a three way battle right now, and to be honest, won't make much of a difference.

CJ Spiller and Lee Evans are good, young talents. But who knows if they can ever reach their potential by being in this kind of situation.

The offensive line is one of the weakest units in the league. Though the passing defense was solid last year, who knows how they will do under a new defensive system.

All I can say, get ready for Jake Locker or Ryan Mallet!

Prediction: 3-13

Matt Miselis is an national NFL Featured Columnist for BleacherReport.com.

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