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NFL Playoffs 2022: Which team will win the AFC East in 2022?

By Kris Mcandrews

Jan 9, 2022; Orchard Park, New York, USA; New York Jets quarterback Zach Wilson (2) is sacked by Buffalo Bills defensive end Mario Addison (97) in the second quarter at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2022; Orchard Park, New York, USA; New York Jets quarterback Zach Wilson (2) is sacked by Buffalo Bills defensive end Mario Addison (97) in the second quarter at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports /
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For years the AFC East was the New England Patriots‘ personal playground.

From 2001-2019 they won the division 17 times. Buffalo has taken the mantle the past two seasons, will their reign continue? Or can the Jets, Dolphins, or Patriots jump to the top of the class.

All predicted win totals are provided by WynnBet.

NFL Playoffs
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – JANUARY 02: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Zach Wilson #2 of the New York Jets in action against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at MetLife Stadium on January 02, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Buccaneers defeated the Jets 28-24. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /

NFL Playoffs 2022: New York Jets   5.5 O -160/U +145

What I Like:

The Jets took full advantage of the opportunities afforded them in the draft. Using their four picks inside the top 40 to draft: CB Sauce Gardner 4th overall, WR Garrett Wilson 10th overall, DE Jermaine Johnson II 26th overall, and RB Breece Hall 36th overall.

Each of these players should make an immediate impact on the team with significant playing time as rookies.

Adding Laken Tomlinson and hopefully getting a fully healthy Mekhi Becton back should help solidify a fairly decent offensive line.  Elijah Moore should take another big step forward this season too, which should help the offense move the ball.

Areas of Concern:

This defense was pitiful last season.  They finished worst in the league in both points and yards allowed. Given that HC Robert Saleh is a defensive guru, this hurts.

In order for the team to make any gains this season, the defense needs to play better. The offense has its own struggles and isn’t equipped to get into shootouts with the playoff-caliber teams in the conference.

Zach Wilson’s growth and development are also a big question. Physically he has the right makeup but his decision-making and ability to read defenses are questionable. Near the end of the year, he did improve, only throwing one INT in his last six games.

If the defense can improve and put the offense in better field position, and if the offense can limit turning the ball over, the Jets can be more competitive in games.

Key Games:

Starting the year @ Baltimore is a challenge. Games 6-9 is one of the toughest runs in the league.  Week 6 @ Green Bay, week 7 @Denver, Week 8 vs New England, and Week 9 Vs Buffalo. This stretch will show what kind of mettle this team is made of.

My Prediction: 5-12

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