The beasts of the AFC East return in 2013 having won four straight AFC East crowns, and 10 of 12. This isn’t your older brother’s New England Patriots however; Bill Belichick and company haven’t won a Super Bowl since 2004, and have lost back to back appearances in 2007 and 2012. However, New England’s choke-hold on its division seems to grow stronger each year. The Buffalo Bills are limping into 2012, and have little idea of what a prototypical starting quarterback may look like. The New York Jets have become the most entertaining team in football, off the field that is; with more SportsCenter Not-Top 10 wins than playoff appearances in the Rex Ryan-era, the New York Jets are the mayor of struggle-city. And finally in Miami, sure ownership finally splashed the cash and brought in marquee-level free agent signee Mike Wallace , and the now-headed for injured reserve Dustin Keller ; but questions remain surrounding sophomore quarterback Ryan Tannehill , and the virtually untested Lamar Miller. The AFC East is at its weakest point in the better part of this millennium, and while Buffalo and Miami seem to be on the rise with new beginnings, this is still the Patriots division to lose.

Before New England is anointed, yet again, with the AFC East crown, they will face 16 opponents determined to knock the Patriots down from their “elite” status. The first week of the season for the AFC East features a division matchup between the Patriots and Bills, the Jets take on Darrelle Revis and his new team, the Buccaneers, and the Dolphins take a trip to Ohio to face the Browns. While the Patriots believe themselves a class above their division mates, the Bills, Dolphins, and Jets must prove they are made of enough mettle for a run at the reeling Patriots. Recent memory have made it hard to picture a different color than blue atop the AFC East rankings, but the 2013 Patriots have a new identity from those teams that hoisted the Lombardi Trophy seemingly so long ago. Buffalo could make a statement with a division victory in their home opener, while Miami looks to get a tough conference win. The Jets will have to overcome quarterback troubles and a challenging opponent from the NFC. For New England, it appears business is as usual in the great-white North, though their roster may speak otherwise.

Miami Dolphins at Cleveland Browns

Paul Brown stadium will host the first game on the Miami Dolphins’ 2013 slate, and a tough conference opponent is the foe. Cleveland has a new identity on both sides of the ball, and Miami will have their hands full with Trent Richardson and Joe Haden.  For the Dolphins, establishing the run early against a Paul Kruger -led front seven will be a key to victory. Wallace must also find space deep to open up possession routes for counterpart Brian Hartline if the Dolphins hope to escape Cleveland with a win. 

Late summer is a beautiful time of year in Ohio, and Cleveland should stand as a splendid backdrop to the first bone-crunching Sunday of the season. Both combatants pose a seemingly equal threat to another, so expect this contest to be tightly matched. Miami will have to control Richardson and the Browns’ talented offensive line, and force Brandon Weeden to throw the football more than Cleveland would like if they hope for a victory. Cameron Wake and new acquisition Dannell Ellerbe must get pressure in the backfield early and often, or it could be a long afternoon for a unit ripe with potential. On the offensive side of the ball, look for heavy doses of Lamar Miller, who will be expected to contribute and set the tone of games early and often for the Dolphins this year. The success of either team in this game depends on its’ ability to run the football, and limit touches for its’ rookie quarterback.

Prediction: Miami will look to run the ball frequently against a tough Browns’ defense to set up the deep ball to Wallace. Cleveland is no pushover, so expect this defensive contest to be close. Nevertheless, Weeden is still the quarterback in Cleveland, so look for Miami to eke out a tough road win and ruin their opponent’s home opener.
Miami 17 Cleveland 13

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at New York Jets

The Geno Smith era will begin in New York on September 9th and with it comes uncertainty surrounding Rex Ryan’s job. Ryan will have to prove there is still a fight within an oft-abused defensive unit, and show an offense that could compete above a high-school level. With Mark Sanchez likely to be unavailable for the season opener, it appears to be sink or swim for the Jets’ second rounder. On the opposite sideline from the most entertaining train-wreck in football will be a promising Buccaneers unit, led by Head Coach Greg Schiano. Tampa Bay’s high-powered offense will likely have their way with a timid Jets’ defense which pales in comparison to the 2007 unit that came close to winning the AFC Championship. Revis-island has a new home on the Gulf Coast of Florida, and a refurbished Buccaneers defense looks ready to dominate the opposition, and make Tampa Bay a legitimate wild-card contender.

With uncertainty at quarterback, and a lack of talent at wide receiver, new running back Chris Ivory will have to shoulder the load for New York alongside the elusive Bilal Powell. If the Jets’ cannot get their rushing attack going early, Tampa could roll in their season opener away from home. The Buccaneers will utilize every component of their potent offense, working the ball downfield with Vincent Jackson and Mike Williams , and winning the battle at the line of scrimmage with heavy doses of Doug Martin. In all seriousness, the Jets’ will be hard-pressed to get their first win of 2013 against a tough opponent from the NFC South.

Prediction: The Jets are not on par with their opponents for their season opener. Starting an un-tested rookie against a much improved defensive unit that includes their former face of franchise in Revis is a start to a season Jets’ fans should not look forward to. While Ryan and company will try to make a statement to their home crowd, their opponent is in a class above their ramshackle roster.
Tampa Bay 34 New York Jets 13

New England Patriots at Buffalo Bills

Tom Brady is getting lonely. The franchise quarterback will be missing his top five receivers from 2012 on opening day of 2013, and will look to find the success of old with some new faces. Luckily for New England, their Week 1 opponents will offer about as much resistance as particle board to locomotive, and the Patriots will find their form early. Even with its lack of tested-depth at wide receiver, New England’s rushing tandem of Shane Vereen and Stevan Ridley should annihilate a mediocre Buffalo front seven for a third straight meeting. If the Patriots can’t outscore a weakened Bills’ offense, Vince Wilfork and Jerod Mayo anchor a talented defensive front and will be able to pick up the slack.

For the Bills, a team with little hope entering 2013, the Marrone era begins with an unfriendly matchup. Watch for heavy use of franchise rusher C.J. Spiller and backup Fred Jackson in an attempt to open up the passing game for either Jeff Tuel or E.J. Manuel. Wide receivers Stevie Johnson and Robert Woods round out an offensive unit ripe with potential, but lacking experience. Manuel’s status for Week 1 will certainly affect this matchup, but a win may be out of reach regardless for northern New York’s favorite franchise. With safety Jairus Byrd facing plantar fasciitis, the Bills’ improved defense could be missing its most vital member. Former first round selection Marcell Dareus will be expected to anchor a struggling defensive unit as he is now entering his third season. Buffalo must find a way to stop the Patriots’ explosive offense, or it will be another long Sunday in Bills-nation.

Prediction: Brady will continue to be the best there is, and will be complemented nicely by Vereen and Ridley throughout the contest. Tight end Zach Sudfeld will fill in nicely for the injured Rob Gronkowski, and the Patriots will roll the hapless Bills in their season opener, with the only bright-spot in Buffalo occupied by the electric Spiller. If Manuel plays this contest could be a bit closer, but for now, expect a dominant Patriots team to have their way with a lesser division foe.
Patriots 38 Bills 20