Did the Patriots make the necessary changes to take the whole thing this year? Is Buffalo finally ready to contend? Are the Jets all hype? Another Dolphins rebuilding era? Here's my AFC East preview:

Nobody's arguing the Jets defense is stout. They've got tons of talent, but don't be deceived by their yardage totals, where they ranked fifth best in the league for yards allowed. They were also 26th in the league for points allowed. They drafted Quinton Coples in the first round to shore up the defensive line at end, but that was all they drafted on defense. With the line upgraded somewhat, Bart Scott and Calvin Pace should both improve at linebacker this year, and Jim Leonhard returns at safety, where they also added LaRon Landry from Washington. The Jets will hope to keep Mark Sanchez' passing attempts low by going back to the ground game. Shonn Greene will be the featured back, but Joe McKnight will back him up instead of LaDanian Tomlinson. Santonio Holmes is still the main target, although tight end Dustin Keller is capable as well. Look for the Jets to utilize the wildcat, and see if Tim Tebow can contribute to an offense that certainly needs the help. The problem is: how many teams have you seen go to the Wildcat and have a lot of success? This could be the year the Jets finally realize Sanchez isn't the answer, and it could be a painful lesson for them too. Another ugly factor for Ganggreen: opening schedule includes New England, Pittsburgh, San Francisco and Houston. A slow start could derail the season early.

13-3 despite a defense that wasn't stellar last year was quite an accomplishment. But, could yet another fall to the New York Giants in the Super Bowl despite being possibly the NFL's best regular season team affect them mentally this year? Don't bet on it. Bell Belichick is the best at motivating a team, and he's got a big job this year after the Super Bowl letdown. Face it, making the play-offs is routine for this team. The good news: on paper, this is one of the NFL's easiest schedules. Rob Gronkowski and Wes Welker return as Tom Brady's main targets, and look to Stevan Ridley, Shane Vereen or even Joseph Addai to share the runningback duties until one of them proves to be the main guy. Offensively, they're right on target to pick up where they left off last year. The team drafted defense with their first six picks in this year's draft, and knowing Belichick, he expects several of them to start. Chandler James at end, Donta Hightower at linebacker, and Tavon Wilson at safety could all earn starting jobs quickly. A youth movement on defense might be just what the doctor ordered, but how fast this group matures is key. If the defense improves appreciably, the Patriots are an even bigger threat than last year.

The Bills had a nice first half last season, but the second half exposed the team for what it was: a team with big needs on defense. They addressed those needs nicely, signing defensive end Mario Williams from Houston, and drafting Stephon Gilmore at corner from South Carolina. They also re-signed several key players in Stevie Johnson, Scott Chandler, and Kraig Urbick. Fred Jackson was clutch at runningback before he was injured. If Jackson returns healthy, Ryan Fitzpatrick has a young and talented receiving corp to air it out when the defenses are keying on Jackson. The Bills were nearly a .500 team last season, and if they can avoid the injury bug this year, there's no reason not to expect this team to take the next step.

Reggie Bush came out this offseason and said he wants to be one of the top rushers in the NFL this season. Let's hope he makes good on his wish, because the Dolphins don't have a whole lot else going on offensively. They'll test rookie Ryan Tannehill at quarterback, but Matt Moore, who proved competent last season, is waiting in the wings if Tannehill gets off to a rough start. Brandon Marshall is gone, and that leaves Tannehill with Davonne Bess and Brian Hartline as his main options at receiver, which doesn't exactly strike fear into the hearts of opposing secondaries. On the defensive side, at least that unit kept the team in games most of last season, only to have the game blown by an inept offense. There were some key losses on that side of the ball, including Will Allen and Yeremiah Bell in the secondary, and Jason Taylor finally retired too. New coach Joe Philbin has his work cut out for him, so don't expect them to crawl out of the basement this season. If the team can't turn it around in the next few years, expect GM Jeff Ireland to be shown the door.

FINAL PREDICTION:

1. New England

2.Buffalo

3. New York Jets

4. Miami

TOMORROW: AFC NORTH