3. New England Patriots
Players to Watch: Tom Brady, Stevan Ridley, Danny Amendola, Rob Gronkowski, Dont'a Hightower, Jerod Mayo, Aqib Talib It's seems as if the Patriots' glory days may be coming to a close, but that won't stop coach Belichick and Tom Brady from locking down their division and making another push for a Super Bowl. Losing one of Brady's favorite targets, Wes Welker, could be very costly, but replacing him with the younger, much improved Danny Amendola may prove to be a great front office decision. Further, the loss of now incarcerated Aaron Hernandez will inarguably hurt the Pats passing game and ability to spread defenses, but that shouldn't stop Gronkowski (barring an injury on the field or in a shady club somewhere) from having another fantastic season. Defensively, the Patriots are improving. Adding Aqib Talib was fantastic for their horrid passing defense. And taking into account the young Alabama star Dont'a Hightower's ability to rush and severely punish the QB and outside runners, the Patriots can control which side of the field opposing offenses target. Expect a breakout year from Hightower, and expect the Pats to finish 10-6 and fourth in the AFC.