This is probably the most competitive division in the NFL.

Last season, New England, Miami and New York finished 9-7 and Buffalo was 8-8. The Jets won the division on a tiebreaker the last day of the season and New England and Miami didn't even make the playoffs.

It looked like more of the same this year - with Buffalo improved - until Chad Pennington, the Jets' rising quarterback, broke and dislocated his left wrist Aug. 23.

That would seem to make New England the favorite, pressed by Miami, which picked up linebacker Junior Seau in the San Diego Chargers' fire sale on veterans. Buffalo will challenge, and the Jets should be competitive as long as Vinny Testaverde, Pennington's replacement, stays healthy.

1. PATRIOTS

Coach: Bill Belichick (28-23, fourth year)

2002 record: 9-7, second in division.

Key newcomers: LB Rosevelt Colvin, S Rodney Harrison, rookie DT Ty Warren.

Key losses: CB Terrell Buckley (Miami), TE Cam Cleeland (St. Louis), FB Marc Edwards (Jacksonville), WR Donald Hayes (Jacksonville).

Overview: Pass-rush specialist Colvin should thrive in Belichick's 3-4 defense. CB Ty Law, one of the game's best, could be in his last year with New England because of his huge contract. QB Tom Brady played well last year, but took too many risks. RB Antowain Smith is coming off a sub-par season and the team did virtually nothing to address the position in the draft or free agency.

Super stat: Brady is 5-0 in overtime games.

2. DOLPHINS

Coach: Dave Wannstedt (32-19, fourth year)

2002 record: 9-7, third in division.

Key newcomers: LB Junior Seau, QB Brian Griese, S Sammy Knight, CB Terrell Buckley, TE Marco Battaglia, DT Jeff Zgonina.

Key losses: TE Desmond Clark (Chicago), LB Derrick Rodgers (New Orleans).

Overview: QB Jay Fiedler needs to stay healthy. LB Zach Thomas has never played next to a guy like Seau before. Ricky Williams has emerged as the best RB in the league. Nine players with Pro Bowl experience are on defense.

Super stat: Williams led the NFL in rushing last season with 1,853 yards.

3. JETS

Coach: Herman Edwards (20-15, third year)

2002 record: 9-7, first in division because of tiebreakers, lost to Raiders in divisional playoff game.

Key newcomers: WR Curtis Conway, OL Brent Smith, K Doug Brien, rookie DL Dewayne Robertson.

Key losses: WR Laveranues Coles, G Randy Thomas, KR Chad Morton, K John Hall (all four headed to Washington), FB Richie Anderson (Dallas).

Overview: Conway needs to fill the shoes of Coles. Robertson, who has been compared to a young Warren Sapp, could dominate right away. RB Curtis Martin needs a big season. QB Chad Pennington could be the most popular New York quarterback since Broadway Joe. But a wrist injury Aug. 23 will sideline him about 12 weeks. Veteran Vinny Testaverde will start.

Super stat: Testaverde turns 40 on Nov. 13.

4. BILLS

Coach: Gregg Williams (11-21, third year)

2002 record: 8-8, fourth in division.

Key newcomers: LB Takeo Spikes, LB Jeff Posey, DT Sam Adams, FB Sam Gash.

Key losses: WR Peerless Price (Atlanta), FB Larry Centers (New England), K Mike Hollis (NY Giants), TE Jay Riemersma (Pittsburgh).

Overview: QB Drew Bledsoe actually exceeded expectations with a Pro Bowl season last year. WR Josh Reed takes over for deep threat Price and must make teams pay for doubling Eric Moulds. Spikes can be a Pro Bowler now that he's out of Cincinnati. With Bledsoe, Moulds and RB Travis Henry, the Bills have one of the most explosive, balanced offenses in the AFC.

Super stat: Defense ranked 29th against the run last season.

- Enquirer news services