Fantasy football burning questions: Analyzing the AFC East
To help you enjoy all the fun the season has to offer, USA TODAY Sports is conducting a virtual tour through each of the NFL's eight divisions to get a sense of the most important issue or question facing every team from a fantasy standpoint.
Whether it's a new arrival or departure, an important position battle, a player under the gun or a potential breakout, we have the fantasy insights to help shape your draft strategy.
Today, we take a closer look at the AFC East.
Buffalo Bills (13-4 last season)
Is overrated in fantasy?
Well, it's technically impossible to be underrated if you're the QB1, but let's look a little closer at what's made Allen so valuable. First off, it's consistency. Every year from 2020 to 2023, he was either the No. 1 or No. 2 fantasy quarterback – before slipping to No. 4 last season.
Second, Allen's rushing ability puts him over the top. He's carried the ball over 100 times each of the past six seasons, with a career-high 15 rushing TDs in 2023 and another 12 last season. But slipping below 4,000 yards passing for the first time in five years cost him valuable fantasy points and led to his "slide" to No. 4.
Despite the offseason additions of Joshua Palmer and Elijah Moore, Allen's receiving corps is still uninspiring. Khalil Shakir had a bit of a breakout last year, but still managed just four touchdown catches, while highly touted rookie Keon Coleman was horribly inconsistent. Allen can't rely primarily on his legs to get the job done. Resist the temptation to draft him early.
Top players ()
Josh Allen (QB1, overall: 23)
James Cook (RB16, overall: 44)
Khalil Shakir (WR38, overall: 82)
Dalton Kincaid (TE12)
Miami Dolphins (8-9)
Can De'Von Achane maintain his explosiveness over a full season?
As one of the fastest players in the league, Achane undoubtedly has big-play potential. But standing just 5-9 and weighing 188 pounds, he can't be a typical workhorse back. Even so, he rushed for over 900 yards and caught 78 passes last season and finished as the RB5 for the season.
However, Miami's offense, especially wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, took a step backward. Achane, who played in all 17 games, didn't have the huge fantasy-winning weeks that peppered his injury-shortened 2023 season. His rushing average fell from 7.8 yards per carry to 4.5.
Achane will still be extremely valuable in PPR leagues after leading all running backs with 78 receptions and 592 yards. Just don't expect the volume of other elite running backs.
Top players ()
De'Von Achane (RB5, overall: 14)
Tyreek Hill (WR16, overall: 28)
Jaylen Waddle (WR27, overall: 54)
Tua Tagovailoa (QB22)
New York Jets (5-12)
Is the Justin Fields breakout coming?
Another year, another quarterback for Gang Green. But even in the aftermath of the Aaron Rodgers experiment, there seems to be a flicker of hope for the Jets. It begins with new head coach Aaron Glenn, a defensive mastermind who'll have one of the league's best units at his disposal. The real question is on the other side of the football.
Alongside running back Breece Hall and wideout Garrett Wilson, Fields will have the best opportunity of his career to succeed. He did show flashes in 2022, when he rushed for 1,143 yards and eight TDs with the Chicago Bears. But to take the next step, he'll have to improve in the passing game. That's where new offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand, coming over from the Lions with Glenn, factors in. The Jets offense hasn't ranked higher than 23rd in scoring or total yards since 2015, but with Fields (still only 26) at the controls, improvement should follow.
Top players ()
Garrett Wilson (WR13, overall: 22)
Breece Hall (RB13, overall: 39)
Justin Fields (QB10, overall: 88)
New England Patriots (4-13)
How much difference will WR Stefon Diggs make?
While rookie QB Drake Maye occasionally looked good as he was thrown directly into the fire, the Patriots offense was pretty abysmal overall. The Pats averaged a league-worst 176 passing yards per game with Maye throwing to a revolving cast of receivers. Several of those receivers are back again, but now heading the group is offseason aquisition Stefon Diggs.
The four-time Pro Bowler was limited to eight games and 41 receptions last year in Houston due to a torn ACL, but when fully healthy, Diggs, 31, gives Maye a clear go-to target. Keep an eye on their chemistry during training camp. Adding standout Ohio State RB TreVeyon Henderson in the second round of the draft should help open up the offense even more.
Top players ()
TreVeyon Henderson (RB25, overall: 71)
Stefon Diggs (WR41, overall: 90)
Drake Maye (QB16, overall: 108)
Rhamondre Stevenson (RB37)
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: AFC East fantasy football preview: Biggest question for each team
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