AFC East
New England Patriots (Last season: 12-4)
Head coach: Bill Belichick
Key player: Rob Gronkowski (tight end)
The perennial division winners should have no trouble reaching the play-offs again, especially after the high-profile addition of cornerback Darrelle Revis. If everybody, including Gronkowski, can stay healthy a Super Bowl run seems a realistic aim.
New York Jets (Last season: 8-8)
Head coach: Rex Ryan
Key man: Geno Smith (quarterback)
That the Jets finished at .500 last year was thanks to some fine coaching from the outspoken-but-underestimated Ryan. But the big city demands more and all eyes are on quarterback Smith. If he can be solid, New York has a chance to compete for a wildcard berth.
Miami Dolphins (Last season: 8-8)
Head coach: Joe Philbin
Key man: Ryan Tannehill (quarterback)
Following the Jonathan Martin scandal last year, Miami will want to be hitting the headlines for the right reasons. They have a stout defence and an exciting new offensive coordinator in Bill Lazor. However, the Dolphins will start the season with a completely fresh offensive line, which usually spells trouble.
Buffalo Bills (Last season: 6-10)
Head coach: Doug Marrone
Key man: CJ Spiller (running back)
Despite having an outstanding-looking defence and some fearsome weapons on offence, the Bills will go nowhere unless second-year quarterback EJ Manuel makes massive strides. Marrone is already on the hot-seat and that does not look like changing anytime soon.
AFC North
Cincinnati Bengals (Last season: 11-5)
Head coach: Marvin Lewis
Key player: Geno Atkins (defensive tackle)
Cincinnati have been beaten in the first round of the play-offs in each of the last three seasons, yet possess maybe the league's most talented roster. The off-season brought a big extension for under-pressure quarterback Andy Dalton amid both coordinators getting head-coaching jobs. There are question marks but they should still win the division.
Pittsburgh Steelers (Last season: 8-8)
Head coach: Mike Tomlin
Key player: Ben Roethlisberger (quarterback)
Usually a powerhouse, the Steelers have not made the play-offs in two years, yet recovered from a dreadful start to finish .500 last year. While their defence is not what it was, Pittsburgh have two major factors going in their favour: an outstanding head coach in Tomlin and one of the league's better quarterbacks in Roethlisberger.
Baltimore Ravens (Last season: 8-8)
Head coach: John Harbaugh
Key player: Joe Flacco (quarterback)
Having missed the play-offs in defence of their Super Bowl crown last year, Baltimore will be determined to bounce back this time around. Much will depend on whether new offensive coordinator, former Houston Texans head coach Gary Kubiak, can bring consistency out of Flacco.
Cleveland Browns (Last season: 4-12)
Head coach: Mike Pettine
Key player: Joe Haden (cornerback)
Operating under a new head coach in Pettine, the perennial joke Browns have an outstanding defence but real concerns at quarterback. If Brian Hoyer or Johnny Manziel proves the answer, watch out; if not, it'll be another year in the doldrums.
AFC South
Indianapolis Colts (Last season: 11-5)
Head coach: Chuck Pagano
Key man: Andrew Luck (quarterback)
Many are tipping Indianapolis to make further progress as Luck enters his much-anticipated third season. The man under centre will need to be good as he attempts to overcome a poor defence and questionable offensive line, although a post-season berth seems a certainty in a weak division.
Tennessee Titans (Last season: 7-9)
Head coach: Ken Whisenhunt
Key man: Jake Locker (quarterback)
It has almost been overlooked that the injury-plagued Locker started impressively last season before being sidelined. With new coach Whisenhunt aiding his development, the quarterback could make a big jump forward. As such, the Titans - widely expected to be one of the league's worst teams - may surprise some people.
Jacksonville Jaguars (Last season: 4-12)
Head coach: Gus Bradley
Key man: Toby Gerhart (running back)
By their own admission in 'rebuild mode', Jacksonville will merely be hoping to just improve upon last year. They have made some nice pick-ups, notably Gerhart and Seattle pair Red Bryant and Chris Clemons, yet will still struggle to compete for the division. Expect rookie quarterback Blake Bortles to start sooner rather than later.
Houston Texans (Last season: 2-14)
Head coach: Bill O'Brien
Key man: JJ Watt (defensive end)
Having recruited exciting head coach O'Brien from college, Houston should improve - especially with a defence featuring Watt and first overall pick Jadeveon Clowney. However, there are major concerns at quarterback, where recently-acquired Ryan Mallett is battling it out with Ryan Fitzpatrick.
AFC West
Denver Broncos (Last season: 13-3)
Head coach: John Fox
Key man: Von Miller (outside linebacker)
More determined than ever following their thrashing against Seattle in Super Bowl XLVIII, many are tipping Denver to go one better. You know Peyton Manning and the offence will be great, but can the defence catch up? Off-season additions Aqib Talib, DeMarcus Ware and TJ Ward are huge upgrades and, if Miller can stay healthy, the Broncos could be great on both sides of the ball.
Kansas City Chiefs (Last season: 11-5)
Head coach: Andy Reid
Key man: Justin Houston (outside linebacker)
Kansas City faded away a little after starting 9-0 last year and ultimately surrendered a 28-point lead against Indianapolis to exit the play-offs at the wildcard stage. A treacherous schedule means even getting back to the post-season would be impressive this time around.
San Diego Chargers (Last season: 9-7)
Head coach: Mike McCoy
Key man: Philip Rivers (quarterback)
Having returned to the play-offs in McCoy's first season, the Chargers look like a team to watch. A young and promising defence should combine impressively with an offence led by the rejuvenated Rivers to ensure San Diego are playing big games comes January.
Oakland Raiders (Last season: 4-12)
Head coach: Dennis Allen
Key man: Maurice Jones-Drew (running back)
Hope springs eternal in Raider Nation with rookie quarterback Derek Carr pencilled in as the new saviour. Sadly, despite several eye-catching veteran signings, this team will endure another year of misery as a tough division and nightmare fixture list heralds Allen's likely exit.