The AFC East was dominated by the New England Patriots so long that it became almost an afterthought for awhile. But the New York Jets have become the fashionable favorite this year and the Miami Dolphins should be in the mix as well.

None of the bloggers we contacted followed up with us on this project. So I’m standing alone with my predictions for this one.

Andy Tellijohn, zoneblitz.com

New York Jets
New England Patriots
Miami Dolphins
Buffalo Bills

Entering training camp I felt confident that the Jets had made themselves the team to beat in 2010. As we head into the season I’m sticking with the pick but I feel less solid in my convictions.

I like Rex Ryan and how he’s building the team. And I love teams that run the ball and play defense. Check and check for the Jets. But I also think teams that voluntarily put themselves in the crosshairs of other teams run the risk of getting hit in the mouth. And if the team suffers a couple tough losses the bravado could turn to doubts. Let’s keep in mind that this was a 9-7 team that barely made the playoffs before making the playoff run last year. And they’re minus Thomas Jones as well. I think they win the East. But it will be a dogfight.

When I looked at New England’s roster before training camp it looked old and tired. I wasn’t putting the team out to pasture by any stretch but I did think the team looked vulnerable. Then I saw Tom Brady lead the Pats down the field at will in an early preseason game and it hit me that a team with Brady, Randy Moss and Wes Welker on offense and Bill Belichick at the helm was still going to be tough to knock off, even if they are on the downside of the Super Bowl dynasty.

Rumor has it Bill Parcells is disappointed in Chad Henne’s development. What I saw last season led me to believe that he has what it takes to be a winner in this league. And the addition of Brandon Marshall will nicely complement a solid, two-headed running game and solid defense. I think they finish third but there’s no reason this team couldn’t jump up and take the division if things broke right.

Buffalo … there are some bright spots. I think CJ Spiller is going to be good. But they’re still a distant fourth in this division.

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