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AFC East Power Rankings: Who Is In The Basement?

By Cyrus Geller

Jan 3, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA;New England Patriots defensive end Rob Ninkovich (50) hit Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17) during the second half at Sun Life Stadium. The Dolphins won 20-10. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA;New England Patriots defensive end Rob Ninkovich (50) hit Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17) during the second half at Sun Life Stadium. The Dolphins won 20-10. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
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I’m bored. So here are my AFC East power rankings:

1. New England Patriots

This one is obvious. Not only are the Patriots the best team in the division, but they are the best in the conference, and possibly the best in the entire league. On paper, Tom Brady is surrounded by his best group of offensive weapons he has had since 2012, possibly even since 2007. Defensively, this unit was top-10 last season, and they will only get better this year.  Injuries are the one thing that can derail this train.

2. Buffalo Bills

I think the Bills, Jets and Dolphins are all relatively close to each other in terms of talent, but I’m going to give the edge to the Bills here. They have a talented defense on all three levels, and there is talent on the offensive side of the ball as well. LeSean McCoy, Charles Clay, Sammy Watkins and Robert Woods make a solid group to get the ball to, however, when it comes to dethroning the Patriots, you need a competent quarterback. Tyrod Taylor can be electric, but he isn’t ready to carry a team past Bill Belichick and Tom Brady yet.

3. New York Jets

We all know the Jets will have a tough defense, but when your starting quarterback is going to be Geno Smith (potentially), you could have the ’85 Bears defense and it wouldn’t matter. Smith is one of the worst quarterbacks that has ever come through the AFC East, which is saying a lot when you consider all the losers that have come through this division. It is honestly a shame to see Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker‘s talents get wasted with no quarterback to get them the ball consistently.

4. Miami Dolphins

I actually liked what the Dolphins did in this year’s draft, but it may not be enough to keep them from finishing in last place this year. Unlike the Bills and Jets, Miami’s defense isn’t good enough to bail their offense out enough to keep them afloat in the playoff race. This means it is all on Ryan Tannehill‘s shoulders to keep the Dolphins relevant, and I don’t think he can do it, specifically against the incredibly talented defenses of this division.

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