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NFL: Predicting each division winner for 2018

By Chris Wilson

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - FEBRUARY 04: Injured quarterback Carson Wentz #11 of the Philadelphia Eagles holds the Lombardi Trophy after defeating the New England Patriots 41-33 in Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium on February 4, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - FEBRUARY 04: Injured quarterback Carson Wentz #11 of the Philadelphia Eagles holds the Lombardi Trophy after defeating the New England Patriots 41-33 in Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium on February 4, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /
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NFL 2018 NFC East
FOXBORO, MA – DECEMBER 24: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots runs off the field after the game against the Buffalo Bills at Gillette Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Tim Bradbury/Getty Images) /

AFC East: New England Patriots

The New England Patriots have owned the AFC East during the 21st century, winning the division all but two times, including each of the past nine years. 2018 will likely be no different, although there are strong indications that the Patriots’ dynasty is finally nearing its end.

The Patriots got worse over the offseason, losing a number of key contributors, including tackle Nate Solder, running back Dion Lewis, cornerback Malcolm Butler and wide receivers Brandin Cooks and Danny Amendola. In addition, fellow receiver Julian Edelman faces a potential four-game suspension — and quarterback Tom Brady is another year older.

Luckily for New England, the rest of their division provides little in the way of competition for the top spot, with the Buffalo Bills entering rebuilding mode after their nine-win 2017 season, and the Miami Dolphins spinning their wheels over the offseason.

The New York Jets appear to be the most improved team in the AFC East, but aren’t ready to compete with a Brady-led New England team. Provided TB12 stays healthy — and doesn’t experience a “Manningesque” drop-off in play — the Patriots will once again take the division crown and compete well into January next season.