NFL Playoffs Picture 2019: AFC East Teams Ranked

Since Tom Brady and Bill Belichick joined forces in Foxborough almost two decades ago, the AFC East has almost invariably been a procession.

The New England Patriots have won the division in 17 of the 19 seasons during which Brady has played professional football, and last season they clinched a 10th divisional title in a row.

While the New York Jets and the Buffalo Bills have reasons to expect improvement, there is little to suggest the Patriots will not extend their dominance of the division to an 11th straight year this season.

Here's what to expect from the AFC East this time out.

New England Patriots

Brady is a year older—he turned 42 at the beginning of August—and has lost Rob Gronkowski, one of his favorite offensive weapons.

The Patriots also waved goodbye to defensive end Trey Flowers but have recruited well, adding Demaryius Thomas and Cameron Meredith at wide receiver to replace the departed Cordarrelle Patterson and Chris Hogan.

Seven months on since winning the sixth Super Bowl of the Brady-Belichick era, the Patriots have one of the easiest schedules in the league and are favorites to lift the Lombardi Trophy again.

According to Oddschecker, the Patriots are 9/50 favorite to win a divisional title for the 11th consecutive season. Betting against them is a futile exercise, even more so when it comes to the AFC East.

Prediction: 13-3

New York Jets

The Jets have a new coach in the shape of Adam Gase and a shiny new running back in the shape of Le'Veon Bell. Quite what kind of return the duo will deliver remains anyone's guess, but for the first time in a long while there's genuine optimism in the Big Apple.

Gregg Williams is the new defensive coordinator and will be pleased with the recruitment of defensive linemen C.J. Mosley and Quinnen Williams.

Bell's arrival is a major boost for second-year quarterback Sam Darnold, who showed promising signs in the back half of last season.

Aside from Bell, Darnold can also count on new wide receivers Jamison Crowder and Josh Bellamy, who arrived from the Washington Redskins and the Chicago Bears respectively.

Second favorites to win the AFC East at 7/1, the Jets should establish themselves as the second force in the division.

Prediction: 9-7

Buffalo Bills

Like the Jets, the Bills have worked hard in the summer to improve the options at the disposal of second-year quarterback Josh Allen.

Buffalo has added wide receivers Cole Beasley and John Brown from Dallas and Baltimore respectively, while T.J. Yeldon will bolster the team's running game.

At 11/1 the Bills are an optimistic shot to win the division but could challenge the Jets for second place, particularly if Allen gets more protection from his offensive line.

Prediction: 7-9

Miami Dolphins

The Dolphins are 51/1 outsiders to win the AFC East and with good reason. Miami has lost considerable talent on both sides of the ball and first-year coach Brian Flores has his work cut out.

Quarterbacks Josh Rosen and Ryan Fitzpatrick have moved to Miami as the Dolphins have moved on from Ryan Tannehill after seven frustrating season and big things are expected from running back Kenyan Drake.

The Dolphins went 7-9 last season and a repeat of that record seems very optimistic.

Prediction: 3-13