In what is the first of a six-part preview, today we will be looking at one of the NFL’s more wide open divisions — the AFC East.

NEW YORK JETS

The Jets, who won a single football game just two short years ago, figure to improve on a surprising 9-7 season last year under coach Bill Parcells.

The Jets made a serious upgrade at a key position in the off-season, signing running back Curtis Martin away from the New England Patriots.

The Jets still do not have a quarterback who can take them to the promised land, however, and will start the season with Glenn Foley.

Wide Receiver Keyshawn Johnson, the No. 1 pick in the 1996 draft, will look to have a breakout year.

Defensively, the Jets are lead by linebackers Mo Lewis, Marvin Jones and a solid secondary that features big play man Otis Smith and Aaron Glenn.

NEW ENGLAND

PATRIOTS

The Patriots have a lot to prove this season — namely, that they can win without Bill Parcells. They will be severely tested on both sides of the ball, as RB Martin is now with the Jets.

They still have one of the best QB’s in the game in Drew Bledsoe, and with wide receivers Terry Glenn and Shawn Jefferson, along with TE Ben Coats, the offense should survive.

On defense, the Pats return a unit that finished 7th in the AFC last year and features young talents DE Willie McGinest and LB Chris Slade. While there are a couple of open spots in the secondary, one of the league’s top safety tandems — Willie Clay and Lawyer Milloy — return.

MIAMI DOLPHINS

In what may be QB Dan Marino’s final season, the Miami Dolphins look to rise above the mediocrity that has plagued them the last five years.

They will have a tough time doing this without a solid running game, and the Dolphins attempted to address this need with first round draft pick John Avery.

They are also looking to get better on the other side of the ball, as they attempt to build around centerpiece Zach Thomas.

BUFFALO BILLS

The Bills appeared to only hurt themselves in the off-season following a disappointing 6-10 season. They lost big play LB Bryce Paup to the Carolina Panthers and solid CB Jeff Burris to the Colts.

They did acquire QB Rob Johnson, but they may have paid a high price for a player who can certainly be described as unproven. RB Antowain Smith showed promise in the backfield, and Quinn Early figures to be a main target for Johnson.

Ageless Bruce Smith leads a defense that also includes gargantuan DT Ted Washington. The unit did take some hits in the off-season, and the way the D responds is a key to the season.

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

The Colts took a major dive last year, finishing 3-13. They should improve with QB Peyton Manning, but rookie QB’s often struggle. The enigmatic Marshall Faulk will be back, and TE Ken Dilger is one of the league’s top young stars.

The defense was bad last year but should improve with Jeff Burris and a solid linebacking unit.

Although it can’t be called one of the best division’s in the league, it should at least be a competitive one that could yield a few surprises.