2012 champs: New England Patriots
Likeliest threat in 2013: Miami Dolphins
Why Miami?
There's no reason Miami can't compete in the AFC East. Don't laugh. My colleague Bucky Brooks just penned (OK, typed) an excellent piece on the potential of the Dolphins' offense in 2013. The addition of receiver Mike Wallace gives this club a vertical presence that will force teams to play the whole field. You can bet that Miami -- which is very high on running back Lamar Miller -- will run the football. Defensively, new acquisitions Dannell Ellerbe, Brent Grimes and top draft pick Dion Jordan should give the Dolphins a top-10 unit.
How it can happen:
» The Dolphins must beat the Patriots, at least in Sun Life Stadium. Miami has dropped five of its last six HOME GAMES versus New England.
» Quarterback Ryan Tannehill has to double his 2012 touchdown output. If he throws just 12 touchdown passes again, that will indicate trouble in the red zone -- and lead defenses to tighten up the box against the run.
» The Patriots, who lost receiver Wes Welker and are dealing with an injured Rob Gronkowski, figure to be vulnerable in the passing game. If Grimes can make an impact, the Dolphins will be tough for New England -- or anyone else -- to throw on.