5 reasons the Dolphins will win the AFC East

4. New England, no problem

In each of the past 11 seasons, the New England Patriots have come out on top of the AFC East.

Before the Dolphins won the division in 2008, the Patriots were the division champs for five consecutive seasons. What helped the Dolphins win that year? The Patriots were without star quarterback Tom Brady, who sustained a season-ending injury in Week 1.

Now, with Brady in Tampa Bay, the Dolphins have hope again.

If there’s anyone who can outsmart head coach Bill Belichick after coaching alongside him, it’s Dolphins head coach Brian Flores. Belichick’s former colleague is entering his second season with the Dolphins after spending 15 seasons with the Patriots. Flores started as a scout for the Pats before eventually coaching as he assumed five different roles during his tenure in Foxborough.

With ample experience in New England, Flores can use inside knowledge to overtake the Patriots. Last season’s finale may have been an early indication.

In Week 17, the Dolphins handed the Patriots a 27-24 defeat. The Pats needed a win to clinch the second seed for a first-round bye. Instead, the loss forced the Patriots to play an AFC Wild Card Game, which they lose.