2014 AFC East Predictions

1. New England Patriots (13-3): The biggest offseason signing by the New England Patriots is clearly the addition of cornerbak Darrelle Revis. Revis made a name for himself on the New York Jets, when he made three All-Pro teams and was considered to be the best cornerback in the league. Revis suffered an off-year last season coming off of ACL surgery, and he then signed a one-year deal with the Pats who are looking to replace Aqib Talib. Revis is bound to improve in 2014, and may even return to his original form as the league's best cornerback. The Pats signed Seahawks corner Brandon Browner right before the Revis signing, yet he will be forced to miss the first four games of the season; however, once he returns, the Patriots may have the best cornerback-duo in the league. The Pats also drafted an injury-prone defensive tackle Dominique Easley, who tore his ACL twice in two years, but clearly is a talented defensive prospect. On offense, star quarterback Tom Brady will look to avoid a slow start like last season due to his relatively inexperienced receiving corp, but if tight end Rob Gronkowski manages to play for the majority of the season, the Patriots could have the best record in the AFC.

2. New York Jets (9-7): The New York Jets signed three big names on offense in the offseason, which could drastically help or hurt this team. Four-time Pro-Bowler Michael Vick is an incredible talent with great arm strength and the ability to run the ball. Although the Jets signed him, he is second behind Geno Smith on the depth chart, which may change after training camp. The Jets also added speedy running back Chris Johnson, as well as wide receiver Eric Decker to improve the entire offense. The Jets defensive line is young and talented, consisting of Defensive Rookie of the Year Sheldon Richardson, Muhammad Wilkerson, and Damon Harrison (deemed "Sons of Anarchy"). The Jets managed to finish 8-8 last season, and with even more talent on this roster, they can make a run at a spot in the playoffs. I believe if Michael Vick manages to start in more than 12 games, the Jets will make the postseason.

3. Buffalo Bills (8-8): In my opinion, the Buffalo Bills managed to sign the best prospect from this past NFL Draft in wide receiver Sammy Watkins, which will surely help second-year quarterback EJ Manuel. Manuel's first season was less than stellar, seeing how he threw just 11 touchdowns with 9 interceptions. Buffalo's receiving corp has a lot of young talent, with guys like Watkins, Robert Woods, and Mike Williams from Tampa Bay, yet they also have a running back duo of CJ Spiller and Fred Jackson to take some pressure off of Manuel. On defense, defensive end Mario Williams has played all 32 games within the past two seasons, as he has obtained 23.5 sacks while on the Bills. Williams is one of the main reasons why the Bills ranked second in the league in sacks last season, enough to keep this defense afloat. Hopefully, the pass rush can continue their dominance into 2014, enough to give Buffalo a shot at the postseason.

4. Miami Dolphins (6-10): 2014 will likely be Ryan Tannehill's last season as a starter in Miami if the Dolphins' record fails to improve. While the Dolphins managed to reach a .500 record for the first time since 2009, the Dolphins added some pressure on Tannehill by signing Matt Moore from the Carolina Panthers. Wide receiver Mike Wallace is the clear star of this offense, even though he had the lowest touchdown total of his career, and also failed to eclipse 1,000 receiving yards. Miami's pass rush managed to do relatively well thanks to All-Pro defensive end Cameron Wake, as well as Pro-Bowl defensive tackle Randy Starks. Thanks to recent acquisitions, the Dolphins may have one of the best cornerback duos in the league thanks to Brent Grimes on one side, and now, Cortland Finnegan out of St. Louis on the other. The Dolphins do not have enough talent or experience on this roster though, especially on offense, to contend for a spot in the playoffs. 

Start 'Em, Sit 'Em (Week 8)

Start 'Em:
Fred Jackson, RB, Buffalo Bills
Fred Jackson has dominated the Bill's backfield despite having to share carries with C.J. Spiller all season.  Now, imagine the game that Jackson could have with Spiller completely out of the picture.  Though he did have an injury scare last week, Jackson is second to none when it comes to toughness.  Expect Jackson to get into the end zone at least once against a poor Saints defense.

Terrance Williams, WR, Dallas Cowboys
Having solidified his spot as Tony Romo's second favorite wide receiver, Williams should be worthy of a flex spot in your team this week with a good matchup against the Detroit Lions.  In a game that is destined to be a shootout, Williams will receive more than enough passes to have a significant fantasy game.

Michael Vick, QB, Philadelphia Eagles
If Vick is able to go this week (which seems likely), he should have a field day against the Giant's weak secondary.  The giants defense has allowed the third most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks this year, and many of those games came against quarterbacks with a lower pedigree than Vick (see Alex Smith and Nick Foles).  Though his run game will likely be limited this week, Vick has the arm to put up great numbers nonetheless.

Sit 'Em:
Steven Jackson, RB, Atlanta Falcons
If you are a Steven Jackson owner, you're probably thrilled to insert him into your lineup after being injured for the last four weeks, but not so fast.  First off, Jackson is going up against a tough Arizona run defense that has allowed the sixth fewest fantasy points to opposing running backs.  Also, Jacquizz Rodgers has performed admirably in Jackson's absence, especially in the passing game.  Rodgers should be on the field for nearly every passing down which will certainly work to limit the effect that Steven Jackson could have on this game.  Lastly, you have to remember that Jackson is an old-ish running back and the Falcons will probably look to ease him back into the offense after his injury.  When taking all of this into consideration, it is clear that Jackson should not be in your lineup this week.

Geno Smith, QB, New York Jets
Smith has been very inconsistent this year, but recently he has been much improved from his horrid start.  Last week against a decent Patriot's defense, Smith had a very good game, but the Pat's mediocre pass rush is nothing compared to what the Bengals have up front.  Carlos Dunlap, Geno Atkins, James Harrison, and Vontaze Burfict will put pressure on Smith all game long and will likely take him out of his comfort zone.  Unless you are in a two quarterback league, leave Smith on your bench this week.

Harry Douglas, WR, Atlanta Falcons
Douglas seems like a good fantasy start this week, coming off of a huge game and being Matt Ryan's favorite target (now that White and Jones are injured).  However, Douglas will be blanketed by Arizona's Patrick Peterson and the Falcons will likely be playing run-out-the-clock for much of the second half.  Don't be fooled by Douglas' breakout week 7, as he should be falling back to earth in week 8.