NFL Preview: Ranking each division by strength

2. AFC East

Divisions facing the AFC East in 2015: AFC South & NFC East

On one hand, the AFC East has improved their rosters all across the board. This is particularly evident on defense, where the New York Jets brought back DBs Darrelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie, the Miami Dolphins landed the offseason’s biggest free agent in Ndamukong Suh and the Buffalo Bills brought in defensive mastermind Rex Ryan to be their next head coach.

On the other hand, every quarterback situation save for the Dolphis is in turmoil. Like a poor man’s Riddler, Geno Smith was already surrounded by question marks before he was sucker punched in the locker room this past week. Ryan Fitzpatrick would likely be a downgrade for the Jets. E.J. Manuel and Matt Cassel have both been suspect in the past, and appear to be regressing throughout training camp. And the New England Patriots will start 2015 with backup quarterback and Adonis Jimmy Garappolo as Tom Brady is suspended for the season’s first four games.

Even with these concerns, every team in the East has improved significantly. The Patriots are still the division’s best team, but their other three rivals have closed the gap, and should present a tough test for any team looking to face them from outside the division.

Next: NFC West