(By Gerry Wang)

AFC EAST

1.) New York Jets - They will emerge as the leader of the pack in what is most likely the league's toughest division. Bill Parcells is a coaching genius, who knows how to get his players to overachieve. They were 30 minutes from the Super Bowl last year. This is their year. They'll be the AFC Champions.

Players to watch:
->Keyshawn Johnson - Now that Wayne Chrebet is injured, Keyshawn's the man. Throw him the damn ball, and watch him break records.

->Curtis Martin - The running game is crucial to success. Martin had an off year last year, but still finished w/ close to 1300 yards. He'll surpass last year's numbers quickly.

Significant offseason pickups:
-> Steve Atwater - Solid veteran formerly of the Denver Broncos. He likes to hit people.
-> Eric Green - Solid veteran TE. Everyone underestimates the role of the TE. But if you have one that could catch as well as block, your entire offense benefits.

Predicted record: 11-5
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2.) Miami Dolphins - Despite a crappy running game, Miami will succeed on the strength of their defense and Jimmy Johnson's craftiness. Their passing game has improved, now that Tony Martin has reunited w/ his main man Dan Marino, and OJ McDuffie is finally getting the recognition he deserves as a quality wideout. But alas, their running game will do them in during playoff time.

Players to watch:
-> Karim Abdul-Jabbar - He not only has the weirdest name in the NFL, but he's also the key to the Dolphins success. He'd better have a good year. He's their only good RB.
-> Tony Martin & O.J. McDuffie - One of the more formidable tandems in the league. They should make Marino look young again.

Significant offseason pickups:
-> Cecil Collins - Enigmatic rookie running back. He was injured in the preseason, but should be read to go. He adds much need depth to their running game.

Predicted record: 10-6
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3.) Buffalo Bills - I narrowly picked them over the Colts, simply because they've always seemed like a team full of geezers. But as I look at their roster, I see that it's rather youthful. The Bills will be a team that comes out of nowhere to stun some people. They have a good running game, and an improved passing game, and they've got tremendous depth at QB. I was a Doug Flutie skeptic and I still am. If he has as good a season this year as last year, then the Bills will surprise everyone.

Players to watch:
-> Antowain Smith - The successor to Thurman Thomas, he is a punishing back that should have a breakout year if not for injuries.
-> Eric Moulds - Oh man, he was a rotisserie god-send last year. If he puts up even better numbers, people in Buffalo should be saying, in a few years, remember James Lofton and Andre Reed? Those guys sucked compared to Moulds.

Significant offseason pickups:
-> Peerless Price - Those who watched the NCAA Football National Championship game should know the damage this speedy receiver can do. If he does as well in the NFL as he did in college, Price and Moulds will be the best receiving duo in the future.

Predicted record: 10-6
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4.) New England Patriots - You gotta feel sorry for the Patriots. They lost their rising star running back, Robert Edwards, in a freak accident during a charity beach football game. Now their running game is zippo. This translates into doom for Drew Bledsoe and company. However, their passing game is still intact. Terry Glenn returns from injury, as does Troy Brown and Vincent "Ultimate" Brisby. Ben Coates is also back, and ready to be the premiere TE in the league again. Oh yeah, Shawn Jefferson too. (He's the one who made those controversial catches at the end of the Buffalo game. I'm sure Rice is still haunted.)

Players to watch:
-> Drew Bledsoe - He always seems to have bad luck. Whether it's his coach bolting for his receivers going down like paper dolls, or his reliable running back gone for the year. But put him in a right situation, and he's one of the best passers in the NFL.
-> The Defense - Ty Law is the best CB in the AFC. The linebackers are also bloodthirsty savages, although the loss of Ted Johnson will sting. But still, expect the Patriot defense to fight like the Revolutionaries against the Red Coats.

Significant offseason pickups:
-> Andy Katzenmoyer - He flourish in college until his senior year, but is now impressing people in the pros. Watch for him to make a difference at the middle linebacker position.

Predicted record: 9-7
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5.) Indianapolis Colts - It's a shame they're in the AFC East and they have to play everyone twice. Because the Colts are loaded w/ youthful talent. Peyton Manning, minus the interceptions, had a phenomenal rookie season. Hopefully he'll be more poised this year and not force throws. The Colts lost Marshall Faulk but gained Edgerrine James, who has Faulk-type talent, but is a better power runner. The receiving corps is also underrated.

Players to watch:
-> Peyton Manning - The next Joe Montana. Forget Jake Plummer. Peyton will soon usurp his peers as the next great quarterback.
-> Marvin Harrison - He was injured last year, but is back healthy this year. He's always good for almost one long bomb per game.

Significant offseason pickups:
-> Edgerrin James - He's also a player to watch, but I didn't want this section to be empty. He demolished my team (UCLA) last year while he was at Miami. Cost us the Fiesta Bowl, man. He should create some more nightmares for his NFL opponents.

Predicted record: 8-8
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AFC EAST RECAP
New York Jets (11-5)
Miami Dolphins (10-6)
Buffalo Bills (10-6)
New England Patriots (9-7)
Indianapolis Colts (8-8)