Who will win: The Patriots clearly lack the near-flawless composition of the the teams that dominated the NFL during the aughts. They have holes at running back and in the pass rush, and a neophyte secondary. However, the Patriots still have a stranglehold on the division — they’ve won six of the past seven years — and feature the director (Bill Belichick) and leading man (Tom Brady) from their dynasty years not long gone.
Who could win: The Jets have revved up for the most anticipated season in franchise history with the premise that talent plus trash talk will equal a title. The equation might not be that simple. Questions abound: Can the offense, led by sporadically successful second-year quarterback Mark Sanchez, gel? Will Darrelle Revis show rust? Is Rex Ryan ready to lead a team to a title? Even with the variables, this team won’t surprise anyone.
You will know ... : Chad Henne enters his first full season under center for the Dolphins. He can rely on a bulldozing ground attack that was fourth-best in the NFL last season. He has a bona fide No. 1 receiver in Brandon Marshall and the firepower in his right arm to get Marshall the ball down the field. And, for good measure, a former No. 1 overall pick at left tackle, Jake Long, covering his back.
You might not know ... : From 1990 through 1993, the Bills won 49 regular-season games under Marv Levy and made four Super Bowl appearances. Since last reaching the postseason in 1999, the Bills have won 66 times, under four coaches, all since fired. Welcome to Buffalo, Chan Gailey.
Jersey connection: Devin McCourty, just 23 and the No. 27 pick in April’s NFL Draft, begins the season as one of the Patriots’ starting corners. It is yet to be seen how the former Rutgers standout will fare, but it is certain he fits in. No player in the New England secondary is over the age of 27. The unit’s average age is 24.7 years old.
