I know, I know, it is only March. But damn it, predictions is what I do. I am going through a bit of withdrawal here, so humor me. Besides, this is a much more fun way to explore what’s been happening in free agency. So here we go.

Today I am starting a series of posts outlining my predictions for each division in 2008 along with some fantasy implications to go along with them.

After a little over a week of free agency here is what I think the NFL standings - starting with the AFC East - will look like this time next year.

2008 AFC East Final Standings:

1) New England Patriots

2) Buffalo Bills

3) New York Jets

4) Miami Dolphins

Thoughts:

I don’t think anyone can dispute taking the Patriots again. Their biggest competition will be outside of the AFC East.

I really like the Bills to make a move this year. Dick Jauron had them winning with a battered - and very young - defense. Enter LB Kawika Mitchell, add another year of experience and you have yourself a playoff team.

The Jets are the Jets. Looks like they are looking to run the ball in 2008 with the upgrades at o-line, the signing of Tony Richardson and noodle arm Pennington as the only starting caliber QB on the roster.

Miami has a long way to go and a short time to get there.

Fantasy notes - Brady and Moss will be number one and you will have to spend some serious jack to get them on your team (but a casual football fan could tell you that). Also, Jabbar Gaffney gets a very slight boost with the departure of Donte Stallworth. That defense gets older and takes a hit with the loss of Samuel and Gay but Bill has done more with less.

A healthy Buffalo defense with the addition of veteran LB Kawika Mitchell could be a potential waiver wire sleeper.

Thomas Jones and the rest of the Jets rushing offense gets a serious upgrade due to the additions of veterans G Allen Faneca, G Damien Woody and FB Tony Richardson punching holes. Should help the passing game as well. UPDATE: Jesse Chatman signs with the Jets. I’m sure he’ll be primarily a back-up but it does muddy the water a bit.

It is still pretty early - and something else might materialize here - but on paper, the new Josh McCown to Ernest Wilford connection isn’t turning to many heads.

Well that will do it for the AFC East. Remember, I am going to do the entire league - division by division - and you are not going to wanna miss a single word. I’ll be back in few days with my pick for the AFC North crown. It may just surprise you. See you then.

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