AFC East Division Preview

AFC East Team Previews

It’s AFC Week! More specifically, it’s AFC East Day. We’re going team-by-team through the AFC East, previewing the 2023 season for the Bills, Dolphins, Jets, and Patriots. We’ve got everything from personnel and coaching changes, depth charts, draft picks, schedules, fantasy football advice, and more.

Buffalo Bills Team Preview

Team Info

Division:                                   AFC East
2022 Finish (Record):           1st (13-3-0)

Head Coach:                          Sean McDermott
Offensive Coordinator:         Ken Dorsey
Play Caller:                            Ken Dorsey

 

2022 Top PPR Scorers and Tendencies

(Team Tendencies Source Data from NFELO)

Key Changes & Need to Know

• Protecting Josh Allen – Signs have been pointing to keeping Josh Allen on the field by strengthening the O-line and putting the ball in the hands of the running backs
• Increased 12 personnel – With the drafting of Dalton Kincaid, the Bills are likely to run much more 12 personnel in 2023. They were 31st in 12 personnel in 2022
• Nyheim Hines Injury – As training camp was about to kick off, Hines had a freak accident is out for the season

2023 Draft Picks

• 1.25 – Dalton Kincaid TE
• 2.28 – O’Cyrus Torrence G
• 3.28 – Dorian Williams LB
• 5.15 – Justin Shorter WR
• 7.13 – Nick Broeker G

Free Agency

Notable New Players

• Latavius Murray – Running Back
• Damien Harris – Running Back
• Trent Sherfield – Wide Receiver
• Deonte Harty – Wide Receiver
• Connor McGovern – Guard

Notable Players who have left

• Isaiah McKenzie – Wide Receiver
• Tommy Sweeney – Tight End
• Jamison Crowder – Wide Receiver
• Devin Singletary – Running Back

Top Ranked Players – 2023

• Josh Allen QB3
• Stefon Diggs WR5
• James Cook RB31
• Dawson Knox TE19
• Dalton Kincaid TE23

See The Complete Rankings Here

Positional Depth Charts

Quarterback

• Josh Allen
• Kyle Allen

Position Rank: 3rd

Running Back

• James Cook
• Damien Harris
• Latavius Murray
• Darrynton Evans

Position Rank: 14th

Wide Receiver

• Stefon Diggs
• Gabe Davis
• Khalil Shakir
• Deonte Harty
• Trent Sherfield
• Justin Shorter
• Dezmon Patmon

Position Rank: 13th

Tight End

• Dalton Kincaid
• Dawson Knox
• Quintin Morris

Position Rank: 11th

Offensive Line

• LT – Dion Dawkins
• LG – Connor McGovern
• C – Mitch Morse
• RG – Ryan Bates
• RT – Spencer Brown

Position Rank (PFF): 22nd

2023 Projections

Projections Created Using The 2023 Projections Template

Fantasy Football Studs

• Stefon Diggs
• Josh Allen

Fantasy Football Values

• Damien Harris
• Dawson Knox

Fantasy Football Avoids

None

Our Targets

• Stefon Diggs
• Josh Allen
• Damien Harris

 

2023 Schedule

 

Week 1	@	New York Jets
Week 2	v	Las Vegas Raiders
Week 3	@	Washington Commanders
Week 4	v	Miami Dolphins
Week 5	LONDON	Jacksonville Jaguars
Week 6	v	New York Giants
Week 7	@	New England Patriots
Week 8	v	Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Week 9	@	Cincinnati Bengals
Week 10	v	Denver Broncos
Week 11	v	New York Jets
Week 12	@	Philadelphia Eagles
Week 13	BYE
Week 14	@	Kansas City Chiefs
Week 15	v	Dallas Cowboys
Week 16	@	Los Angeles Chargers
Week 17	v	New England Patriots
Week 18	@	Miami Dolphins

Summary

The Bills are the Bills. They don’t look much different than they did a year ago outside of the addition of Dalton Kincaid and a change-up at running back. There is some speculation they want to rely less on Josh Allen, particularly in the run game, so we may see the pass rate come down slightly and running back usage go up in the red zone. Otherwise, they’re the favorites to win the AFC East again and they will likely be among the final four teams vying for the opportunity to represent the AFC in the Super Bowl.

Added: The Ezekiel Elliott signing has minimal impact on Rhamondre Stevenson’s ranking. However, Pierre Strong’s breakout candidacy is dead.

Overall Team Rank: 8th

Projected AFC East Finish: 1st

Miami Dolphins Team Preview

Team Info

Division:                                   AFC East
2022 Finish (Record):           2nd (9-8-0)

Head Coach:                          Mike McDaniel
Offensive Coordinator:         Frank Smith
Play Caller:                            Mike McDaniel

 

2022 Top PPR Scorers and Team Tendencies

(Team Tendencies Source Data from NFELO)

Key Changes & Need to Know

• Tua’s health – Tua’s health was a big concern in 2022, particularly with concussions. If that becomes a problem again in 2023, they’ve upgraded the backup to Mike White
• 4 x 100m relay team – With the addition of Devon Achane in the draft, this offense has the ability to destroy teams with speed

2023 Draft Picks

• 2.20 – Cam Smith CB
• 3.21 – Devon Achane RB
• 6.20 – Elijah Higgins WR
• 7.21 – Ryan Hayes OT

Free Agency

Notable New Players

• Jalen Ramsey – Cornerback
• Tyler Kroft – Tight End
• Chosen Anderson – Wide Receiver
• Mike White – Quarterback
• Braxton Berrios – Wide Receiver

Notable Players who have left

• Hunter Long – Tight End
• Trent Sherfield – Wide Receiver
• Mike Gesicki – Tight End

Top Ranked Players – 2023

• Tyreek Hill WR4
• Jaylen Waddle WR10
• Tua Tagovailoa QB11
• De’Von Achane RB39

See The Complete Rankings Here

Positional Depth Charts

Quarterback

• Tua Tagovailoa
• Mike White
• Skylar Thompson

Position Rank: 11th

Running Back

• De’Von Achane
• Raheem Mostert
• Jeff Wilson Jr.
• Salvon Ahmed
• Myles Gaskin

Position Rank: 14th

Wide Receiver

• Tyreek Hill
• Jaylen Waddle
• Braxton Berrios – Slot
• Robbie Chosen
• Cedrick Wilson Jr. – Slot
• River Cracraft
• Tanner Conner

Position Rank: 6th

Tight End

• Durham Smythe
• Elijah Higgins
• Eric Saubert
• Tyler Kroft

Position Rank: 28th

Offensive Line

• LT – Terron Armstead
• LG – Liam Eichenberg
• C – Connor Williams
• RG – Robert Hunt
• RT – Austin Jackson

Position Rank (PFF): 20th

2023 Projections

Projections Created Using The 2023 Projections Template

Fantasy Football Studs

• Tyreek Hill
• Jaylen Waddle

Fantasy Football Values

• Tua Tagovailoa
• Jeff Wilson
• Raheem Mostert

Fantasy Football Avoids

None

Our Targets

• Tyreek Hill
• Jaylen Waddle
• Tua Tagovailoa

 

2023 Schedule

 

Week 1	@	Los Angeles Chargers
Week 2	@	New England Patriots
Week 3	v	Denver Broncos
Week 4	@	Buffalo Bills
Week 5	v	New York Giants
Week 6	v	Carolina Panthers
Week 7	@	Philadelphia Eagles
Week 8	v	New England Patriots
Week 9	GERMANY	Kansas City Chiefs
Week 10	BYE
Week 11	v	Las Vegas Raiders
Week 12	@	New York Jets
Week 13	@	Washington Commanders
Week 14	v	Tennessee Titans
Week 15	v	New York Jets
Week 16	v	Dallas Cowboys
Week 17	@	Baltimore Ravens
Week 18	v	Buffalo Bills

Summary

The Miami Dolphins are all about speed. They have two of the fastest wide receivers in the NFL with the lethal duo of Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. They’re probably the fastest at running back as well with Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson plus the addition of track star rookie De’Von Achane. This will make for a fun offense especially in the second year with head coach and offensive guru Mike McDaniel at the helm. The only real question on the offense is at quarterback. Can Tua Tagovailoa build off of last season’s breakout? More importantly, can he avoid more concussion issues? If the answer is yes, the Dolphins will be one of the most difficult to defend offenses in the NFL and a fantasy football gold mine.

Overall Team Rank: 13th

Projected AFC East Finish: 2nd

New York Jets Team Preview

Team Info

Division:                                   AFC East
2022 Finish (Record):           4th (7-10-0)

Head Coach:                          Robert Saleh
Offensive Coordinator:         Nathaniel Hackett *NEW*
Play Caller:                            Nathaniel Hackett

Nathaniel Hackett Last 3 Roles

• Denver Broncos (2022) Head Coach
• Green Bay Packers (2019-2021) Offensive Coordinator
• Jacksonville Jaguars (2017-2018) Offensive Coordinator

 

2022 Top PPR Scorers and Team Tendencies

(Team Tendencies Source Data from NFELO)

Key Changes & Need to Know

• New Offensive Coordinator – Prior to 2022’s disaster, Hackett was the OC for the Packers under Matt LaFleur (where he coached Aaron Rodgers) and for the Jaguars under Doug Marrone
• Aaron Rodgers – Welcome to the circus New York. The chips are in on the veteran to lead them on a playoff push
• Breece Hall Injury – suffered a torn ACL in October 2022. How well he’s recovered and ready to go will be a big question

2023 Draft Picks

• 1.15 – Will McDonald IV EDGE
• 2.12 – Joe Tippmann C
• 4.18 – Carter Warren OT
• 5.08 – Israel Abanikanda RB
• 6.07 – Zaire Barnes LB
• 6.27 – Jarrick Bernard-Converse CB
• 7.03 – Zack Kuntz TE

Free Agency

Notable New Players

• Aaron Rodgers – Quarterback
• Randall Cobb – Wide Receiver
• Mecole Hardman – Wide Receiver
• Allen Lazard – Wide Receiver
• Dalvin Cook – Running Back

Notable Players who have left

• Elijah Moore – Wide Receiver
• Braxton Berrios – Wide Receiver
• Nate Herbig – Guard
• Denzel Mims – Wide Receiver

Top Ranked Players – 2023

• Garrett Wilson WR12
• Breece Hall RB17
• Aaron Rodgers QB17
• Tyler Conklin TE16

See The Complete Rankings Here

Positional Depth Charts

Quarterback

• Aaron Rodgers
• Zach Wilson
• Tim Boyle

Position Rank: 16th

Running Back

• Breece Hall
• Dalvin Cook
• Michael Carter
• Zonovan Knight
• Israel Abanikanda

Position Rank: 17th

Wide Receiver

• Garrett Wilson
• Allen Lazard
• Corey Davis
• Randall Cobb – Slot
• Mecole Hardman Jr.

Position Rank: 21st

Tight End

• Tyler Conklin
• C.J. Uzomah
• Jeremy Ruckert
• Zack Kuntz
• Kenny Yeboah

Position Rank: 19th

Offensive Line

• LT – Duane Brown
• LG – Laken Tomlinson
• C – Joe Tippmann
• RG – Alijah Vera-Tucker
• RT – Mekhi Becton

Position Rank (PFF): 23rd

2023 Projections

Projections Created Using The 2023 Projections Template

Fantasy Football Studs

• Garrett Wilson

Fantasy Football Values

• Tyler Conklin
• Corey Davis

Fantasy Football Avoids

• Aaron Rodgers
• Breece Hall
• Allen Lazard
• Mecole Hardman

Our Targets

• Tyler Conklin

 

2023 Schedule

 

Week 1	v	Buffalo Bills
Week 2	@	Dallas Cowboys
Week 3	v	New England Patriots
Week 4	v	Kansas City Chiefs
Week 5	@	Denver Broncos
Week 6	v	Philadelphia Eagles
Week 7	BYE
Week 8	@	New York Giants
Week 9	v	Los Angeles Chargers
Week 10	@	Las Vegas Raiders
Week 11	@	Buffalo Bills
Week 12	v	Miami Dolphins
Week 13	v	Atlanta Falcons
Week 14	v	Houston Texans
Week 15	@	Miami Dolphins
Week 16	v	Washington Commanders
Week 17	@	Cleveland Browns
Week 18	@	New England Patriots

Summary

The Jets will look completely different this year with the addition of quarterback Aaron Rodgers. While that will certainly help them in real life, Rodgers’ fantasy impact may be overstated. His addition, plus a quality defense, will ensure the team is playing with a lead more often or in tight games, which naturally brings down passing volume as it eliminates the need for a comeback. Rodgers also has a long history of playing slow. His teams are always near the bottom of the NFL in pace of play. He’s obsessed with making sure he has the perfect play at the line before snapping the ball. That brings the play clock down within five seconds on the majority of snaps. As a result, Rodgers’ Packers were 31st, 32nd, 30th, and 26th in pace of play over that four year stretch. They averaged 33.4 pass attempts per game over that span. Fewer pass attempts and fewer plays means fewer fantasy points for everyone.

Added: The Dalvin Cook signing may be a sign that Breece Hall is not on track to be ready for Week 1

Overall Team Rank: 18th

Projected AFC East Finish: 3rd

New England Patriots Team Preview

Team Info

Division:                                   AFC East
2022 Finish (Record):           3rd (8-9-0)

Head Coach:                          Bill Belichick
Offensive Coordinator:         Bill O’Brien *NEW*
Play Caller:                            Bill O’Brien

Bill O’Brien Last 3 Roles

• Alabama (2021-2022) Offensive Coordinator
• Houston Texans (2014-2020) Head Coach
• Penn State (2012-2013) Head Coach

 

2022 Top PPR Scorers and Team Tendencies

(Team Tendencies Source Data from NFELO)

Key Changes & Need to Know

• New Offensive Coordinator – Bill O’Brien, ex Patriots coach of the past, head coach of the Houston Texans and the last two seasons as OC for Alabama, including coaching Mac Jones in his final season
• Addition by Subtraction – This means that the experiment of the defensive coach and the specials team coach calling plays is over, this can only be a positive for Mac Jones

2023 Draft Picks

• 1.17 – Christian Gonzalez CB
• 2.15 – Keion White EDGE
• 3.13 – Marte Mapu LB
• 4.05 – Jake Andrews C
• 4.10 – Chad Ryland K
• 4.15 – Sidy Sow G
• 5.09 – Atonia Mafi G
• 6.10 – Kayshon Boutte WR
• 6.15 – Bryce Baringer P
• 6.33 – Demario Douglas WR
• 6.37 – Ameer Speed DB
• 7.28 – Isaiah Bolden CB

Free Agency

Notable New Players

• Riley Reiff – Offensive Tackle
• Mike Gesicki – Tight End
• JuJu Smith-Schuster – Wide Receiver
• Ezekiel Elliott – Running Back

Notable Players who have left

• Jonnu Smith – Tight End
• Nelson Agholor – Wide Receiver
• Damien Harris – Running Back
• Jakobi Meyers – Wide Receiver

Top Ranked Players – 2023

• Rhamondre Stevenson RB11
• JuJu Smith-Schuster WR46
• Hunter Henry TE27
• Mike Gesicki TE31
• Mac Jones QB27

See The Complete Rankings Here

Positional Depth Charts

Quarterback

• Mac Jones
• Bailey Zappe

Position Rank: 26th

Running Back

• Rhamondre Stevenson
• Ezekiel Elliott
• Pierre Strong Jr.
• Kevin Harris
• Ty Montgomery

Position Rank: 24th

Wide Receiver

• JuJu Smith-Schuster
• DeVante Parker
• Tyquan Thornton
• Kendrick Bourne
• Demario Douglas
• Kayshon Boutte
• Matthew Slater

Position Rank: 31st

Tight End

• Hunter Henry
• Mike Gesicki

Position Rank: 26th

Offensive Line

• LT – Trent Brown
• LG – Cole Strange
• C – David Andrews
• RG – Michael Onwenu
• RT – Riley Reiff

Position Rank (PFF): 13th

2023 Projections

Projections Created Using The 2023 Projections Template

Fantasy Football Studs

• Rhamondre Stevenson

Fantasy Football Values

None

Fantasy Football Avoids

None

Our Targets

None

 

2023 Schedule

 

Week 1	v	Philadelphia Eagles
Week 2	v	Miami Dolphins
Week 3	@	New York Jets
Week 4	@	Dallas Cowboys
Week 5	v	New Orleans Saints
Week 6	@	Las Vegas Raiders
Week 7	v	Buffalo Bills
Week 8	@	Miami Dolphins
Week 9	v	Washington Commanders
Week 10	GERMANY	Indianapolis Colts
Week 11	BYE
Week 12	@	New York Giants
Week 13	v	Los Angeles Chargers
Week 14	@	Pittsburgh Steelers
Week 15	v	Kansas City Chiefs
Week 16	@	Denver Broncos
Week 17	@	Buffalo Bills
Week 18	v	New York Jets

Summary

Oh how the mighty have fallen. The Tom Brady glory days are dead and gone. Now the Patriots are undoubtedly the worst team in the AFC East and one of, if not the, worst offenses  for fantasy football purposes. They lack talent at wide receiver and tight end. There are major questions at quarterback, and outside of Rhamondre Stevenson, the running back position is full of unknowns. Will Stevenson see the same bellcow workload he did a year ago? All signs are pointing towards that being a no. The good news is, they have an actual offensive coordinator calling plays this year so they should at least be semi competent. Otherwise, this is looking like an ugly season for the Patriots.

Overall Team Rank: 32nd

Projected AFC East Finish: 4th

Who do you think will win the AFC East in 2023? Jump in our Discord and join the discussion!

RANKINGS  | DYNASTY | REDRAFT |

Draft With Us On Underdog! Use Promo-Code: YARDSPER to double your deposit!