MVN: Most Valuable Network

Every week in MVN Outsider's Great Debate, we take a look at different sides of an ongoing debate in the NFL. MVN Outsider writers will offer key points to support either side of the issue, and we'll also ask a group of football bloggers to chime in with their thoughts on the matter. This week's Great Debate is: Who's your pick to win the AFC East?

Greg Trippiedi offers up three non-Favrearian reasons why the Jets are in charge in the AFC East:

Kris Jenkins = defensive MVP...
The acquisition of Favre aside, it's clear that the New York Jets have won the off-season.  No move has been bigger than the acquisition of a dominating 3-4 NT.  Widely regarded as the most important defensive position in that defense, and one that a majority of 3-4 teams have failed to fill, much like the Jets in 2006 through 2007.  All of a sudden now, things like having a developing shutdown corner (Darrelle Revis), an actual third receiver (Chansi Stuckey) and a superstar do-it-all offensive weapon (Leon Washington), these things are now relevant again.

They've had an obscenely soft schedule, but is it really going to get harder?...
Doesn't look like it.  The Jets play the Titans this week in Tennessee, and then they play Denver, San Francisco, Buffalo, and Seatle in the next four.  So yes, I would be pretty shocked if the Jets were not sitting at 10-5 or better going into what will essentially be an AFC East Championship Game in Week 17 vs Miami.  Meanwhile, if the Dolphins can defeat the Pats again this week, it's over for the Pats, and the Jets will be that much closer to locking up the East.  And, although I wish not to say it, there is a veteran presence at quarterback which should prevent the team from getting off track in the event of a loss, which could be decisive down the stretch, since the Patriots lack this.

If it comes down to Jets and Dolphins in New Jersey for the AFC East title...
and (depending on how the Ravens and Colts fare down the stretch) potentially the final AFC playoff spot, with both teams sitting at 10-5 or better, it would be hard not to side with the Jets.  In the past decade, no team has owned the Miami Dolphins quite like the Jets.  And although both defenses are playing much better, and the Dolphins sport the stronger offense, the Jets have a difficult-to-quantify edge on special teams, and an simple-to-quantify edge in homefield advantage for the game.

In all honesty, I see both the Jets and Dolphins playing in January this year.  But I'll take the Jets and the one game lead to take the division, knowing that if the Jets can beat Miami at home, this division is theirs!

Anthony Brown, meanwhile, argues that the Patriots will retain their title as Beasts of the AFC East:

Organizational superiority...
Look at the won-loss records of the AFC bEast teams since 2005:
Patriots  44-14
Jets  25-33
Bills  24-34
Dolphins  22-36

Pro football is not like the financial sector. Past performance can assure future success.

The Patriots just know who to win. Those other guys are still figuring it out. The Patriots' organizational know-how is more than picking up a star or two. They build a roster without tanking the salary cap, or mortgaging draft picks. They have stability in the NFL's premier coaching staff. This is a resilient team that will overcome any setback.

The defensive edge...
It's a razor thin, that's true. AFC East teams are ranked 12th, 13th, 14th and 15th place in the NFL for yards and for points allowed. New England holds the 12th place position. Defense still wins championships, as the Patriots learned to their chagrin in the Super Bowl. New England's defense will keep them in the race as the last piece falls in place.

Matt Cassel will get it done...
Only one or two men could hope to replace Tom Brady. Matt Cassell is getting more comfortable following Brady. Here are his quarterback ratings for his last four games: 73.7; 76.1; 89.8; 103.4. Don't expect Cassel or the Pats to be fooled by any Dolphin shenanigans Sunday. He may struggle against Pittsburgh November 30, but Cassel is set up for a late season run to put New England over the top.

NFL bloggers from The Phinsider, The Patriot Act, and The Cockpit offer up their takes:

Matty of The Phinsider writes:

Despite how bad I want to be a homer here and say the Dolphins will win the division, I'd have to realistically take the Jets.  After this week's game in Tennessee, I don't see too much trouble ahead on the schedule.  As long as Brett Favre can avoid doing what he does best - choking in big spots by throwing costly interceptions - I think the Jets' defense and the big plays of Leon Washington will be enough for NY to win the AFC East.

Jamie of The Patriot Act writes:

Truly, I feel that the AFC East is wide open this year with Tom Brady on the sidelines. As well as Matt Cassel has played, he can not bail out the Patriots' defense like Brady could last season. Looking at the remaining schedules of each team, there are games that I feel can go either way, and you never know when a team will win/lose a game it should/shouldn't. However, doing my best to predict, I have the Jets taking the division based simply on the schedule. I have the Jets finishing 11-5, the Pats and Dolphins at 10-6, and the Bills continuing their slump to finish 7-9. The Pats have a tough road ahead, literally, as they are at the Fins, hosting the Steelers, and then going on another two-week West coast trip at Seattle and Oakland. If the Cardinals have the divison locked up by Week 16, I can see the Pats winning that game, which I have them losing at the moment. If that ends up being the case, then the Pats finish 11-5. However, against division opponents, the nod still goes to the Jets, based on how I have the season playing out. Borrowing a line from election coverage, "This race is still too close to call."

Joe of The Cockpit writes:

I got the Jets in the AFC East. I have seen them go on the road and beat Miami, Buffalo, and New England. After this week's game against the Titans, their schedule gets a little easier. I think they will take care of business against the garbage of the NFC West, and be able to defend home field in December against the fading Bills and a tough Miami team. The Jets can run the ball and stop the run, which are always two key elements of any serious contender in the NFL. Beyond that, Brett Favre has been protecting the ball as of late and finally seems very comfortable in this offense. Keep an eye on rookie tight end Dustin Keller down the stretch. The guy is a playmaker who adds a new dimension to a Jets offense that already has its share of playmakers.

I think the Jets finish 11-5/12-4 and in first place, with Miami and New England both at 10-6 battling for a wild-card spot, which would obviously go to the Fins if they can take care of New England at home this weekend.

Thanks to The Phinsider, The Patriot Act, and The Cockpit for their participation in this week's debate!