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FOX: Insanely early 2004 NFL predictions: AFC East


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Insanely early 2004 NFL predictions: AFC East

http://www.foxsports.com/content/view?contentId=2112178

The dust has barely settled on Super Bowl XXXVIII/Janet-gate, and here we are already attempting to predict what will happen next season.

So, who will play in the really, really, really big game (a.k.a. Super Bowl XXXIX) in Jacksonville on Feb. 6, 2005? Better yet, what team is going to win next year's Super Bowl?

We'll preview one division a day for the next eight business days, because the Funhouse is all business.

AFC East

1. New England Patriots

2003 record: 17-2, Super Bowl champions

Hope for 2004: They're the defending NFL champions, and should only get better next season. Linebacker Rosevelt Colvin, after missing pretty much all of 2003, will return from injury. Sure, they may lose cornerback Ty Law to free agency, but the Patriots hold seven of the top 60 picks of this year's draft. In these crazy times of free agency and players moving from team to team like college kids on a pub crawl, the Patriots are the closest thing the NFL has seen to a dynasty since the Cowboys of the 1990s. There's no reason to believe they won't keep it up and maybe win another Super Bowl or two in the not-too-distant future.

Reason for doubt: They could lose both Law and mammoth defensive tackle Ted Washington.

Potential free agency loss(es): CB Ty Law, RB Kevin Faulk, OG Damien Woody

Who we think they should get in first round of NFL draft: RB Chris Perry (Michigan), CB Ricardo Colclough (Tusculum) ... yeah, laugh now at some dude from Tusculum getting picked in the first round, you won't be laughing on April 24.

2. Miami Dolphins

2003 record: 10-6

Hope for 2004: The Dolphins should continue to sport a solid defense, and with Ricky Williams running the ball, Miami should be able to control the tempo of football games. The Dolphins have a tradition of being a consistent playoff contender. It's getting to the Super Bowl that's the challenge.

Reason for doubt: Year-in and year-out, the Dolphins almost always go into the season totally overrated.

Potential free agency loss(es): OT Todd Wade, OG Jamie Nails, DE Adewale Ogunleye, P Matt Turk

Who we think they should get in first round of NFL draft: QB Phillip Rivers (N.C. State)

3. Buffalo Bills

2003 record: 6-10

Hope for 2004: New head coach Mike Mularkey will open up the offense with gadget plays and fun not seen in these parts since the K-Gun offense of the late '80s and early '90s. This team is fully capable of reaching the postseason party.

Reason for doubt: Standing in the way of a division title are the dynasty-destined Patriots and the start-out-fast-then-totally-fizzle Dolphins.

Potential free agency loss(es): FB Sam Gash, CB Antoine Winfield

Who we think they should get in first round of NFL draft: DE Kenechi Udeze (Southern Cal), also an instant member of the NFL's all-name team

4. New York Jets

2003 record: 6-10

Hope for 2004: The Jets may not be the best in the division, but with a healthy Chad Pennington at quarterback, this team could be a scare-your-pants-off darkhorse.

Reason for doubt: D-D-D, defense. This unit needs some work. Good thing the Jets' head coach is a former defensive coordinator.

Potential free agency loss(es): RT Kareem McKenzie, K Doug Brien, P Dan Stryzinski

Who we think they should get in first round of NFL draft: LB D.J. Williams (Miami, Fla.)

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