AFC East optimist, pessimist view of every team

The AFC East was expected to be one of the NFL's top divisions, but that hasn't panned out. Here are reasons to be optimistic and pessimistic about every team in the division through Week 6.

Buffalo Bills (4-2)

Optimist: The Bills have dealt with and, for the most part, overcome plenty of adversity and should find themselves back in the playoffs. The offense is again one of the top units in the NFL, sitting third in points (173) and fifth in total yards (2,249). Buffalo's defense is the biggest surprise and a key reason for the team's success, as it ranks first in sacks (24), second in takeaways (13) and fifth in points allowed (89). 

Pessimist: While the defense is excelling now, the unit could struggle as the season unfolds because it has already lost three key contributors for the season with injuries: LB Matt Milano, CB Tre'Davious White and DT DaQuan Jones. Buffalo can't rely on a severely undermanned defense to perform at its best every game, so it needs more consistency from the offense, which produced just 14 points against the lowly Giants in Week 6. That's easier said than done because Buffalo lacks a reliable No. 2 option in its passing attack. 

Miami Dolphins (5-1)

Optimist: Miami looks the part of a championship contender thanks to a prolific offense, The Dolphins are averaging the most points in the league (37.2) and have recorded the second-most yards through six games in NFL history (2,992). Wideout Tyreek Hill is on a historic tear, racking up the most receiving yards through six games (814), and seems poised to become the first player to amass 2,000 receiving yards in a season.

Pessimist: Although the Dolphins have flashed Super Bowl potential, they got blown out by Buffalo in their first real test this season and, overall, haven't faced many obstacles. Their opponents have a combined 9-26 record. Things get more challenging as they have the fifth-most difficult remaining schedule, per Tankathon. After starting 8-3 last season, Miami lost five straight and nearly missed the playoffs; though this group appears to be the front-runner in the division, another late-season collapse isn't out of the question.

New England Patriots (1-5)

Optimist: The Patriots are making a convincing argument for being the worst team in the NFL, but if there was ever a season to be terrible, it might as well be this one. The 2024 NFL Draft class is considered to be loaded with generational prospects at multiple positions, including quarterback, with reigning Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams and North Carolina's Drake Maye leading the way. New England must start from scratch, and securing a franchise quarterback would be a great place to start.

Pessimist: Due to tiebreakers, the Patriots currently are in line to hold the sixth overall pick in the draft — out of range to land one of the top quarterbacks. With Bill Belichick, New England should luck into a few more wins, inching the HC closer to surpassing Don Shula in all-time victories. If the Patriots miss out on Williams and Maye, drafting a lineman and sticking with Mac Jones may be their best option. That means next year's product will not differ much from this season.

New York Jets (3-3)

Optimist: If quarterback Aaron Rodgers hadn't suffered a season-ending Achilles injury four plays into his Jets career, we'd probably be talking about the team as a Super Bowl contender. However, even without the future Hall of Famer, the Jets are a solid team. With its most grueling stretch behind it, New York could win 10 games. Providing RB Breece Hall (426 rushing yards) maintains his efficiency and the defense continues to frustrate QBs, Gang Green has a legitimate chance to reach the postseason.

Pessimist: Despite the promise New York is showing, it is still one of five AFC teams with a 3-3 record and would be left out of the playoffs if the season ended today. With the talent on hand, more wins should come, though that might not be in the Jets' best interest long term if they aren't a title contender. They'll probably play their way out of a top-15 draft pick, so New York must make the postseason for it to be satisfied with securing a late first-round selection.