Madden NFL 16 ratings continue with a division-by-division look at team ratings. Next up: the AFC East.
The AFC East has gone through New England for much of the league’s existence, with the Patriots winning three of the last 5 division titles, Season 1, Season 2, Season 5.
Is this the year for the Dolphins to dethrone them? Will the improved Bills content?
The Patriots begin the new season loaded with talent, starting with TE Rob Gronkowski (99 OVR) and QB Tom Brady (97 OVR). HB LeGarrette Blount (80 OVR) starts in the backfield, but Jonas Gray (72 OVR) will see some playing time. Julian Edelman (89 OVR), Brandon LaFell (83 OVR), and Danny Amendola (79 OVR) are the WRs.
Defensive standouts include FS Devin McCourty (94 OVR) and ROLB Dont’a Hightower (93 OVR). Jabaal Sheard (84 OVR) is a quality new addition at DT. After some turnover in the secondary, Malcom Butler (76 OVR) should be a starter at CB.
The Dolphins are still recovering from last seasons shocking AFC Divisional loss . Preseason will tell whether rookie DeVante Parker (76 OVR) earns a start at WR over veteran Greg Jennings (81 OVR). Ryan Tannehill (85 OVR) starts at QB along with new TE Jordan Cameron (84 OVR), while Lamar Miller (84 OVR) returns at HB.
Adding all-world DT Ndamukong Suh (96 OVR) to start alongside LE Cameron Wake (94 OVR) will crush opposing offenses. Brent Grimes (87 OVR) locks down one CB spot, and the other will be chosen from Brice McCain (76 OVR), Zack Bowman (74 OVR), and Will Davis (72 OVR).
The Bills have a lot of talent on paper, but it’s up to new head coach Rex Ryan to put it all together. He must choose a starting QB from Matt Cassell (75 OVR), E. J. Manuel (73 OVR), and Tyrod Taylor (72 OVR). New additions HB LeSean McCoy (88 OVR) and TE Charles Clay (86 OVR) should improve the Bills’ offense immensely.
Buffalo’s excellent defensive line features DTs Marcell Dareus (94 OVR) and Kyle Williams (93 OVR). Stephon Gilmore (86 OVR), Corey Graham (84 OVR), and Leodis McKelvin (80 OVR) are the starting CBs, although promising rookie Ronald Darby (70 OVR) will push for a spot.
The starter at QB will be Ryan Fitzpatrick (78 OVR) or Geno Smith (76 OVR), depending on preseason performance. New arrival Brandon Marshall (89 OVR) will start at WR opposite Eric Decker (86 OVR) and Jeremy Kerley (76 OVR) may get the nod at slot receiver. Chris Ivory (80 OVR) is the starting HB.
The Jets’ defensive line could be dominant, with LE Muhammad Wilkerson (96 OVR) and Sheldon Richardson (91 OVR) being bookended by Damon Harrison (88 OVR). Keep an eye on first-round pick Leonard Williams (80 OVR) as well. The Jets have reunited the band at cornerback, with Darrelle Revis (97 OVR) being joined by Antonio Cromartie (86 OVR).