The arrival of the 2016 NFL season is on the horizon as teams enter the pre-season faze. As always we can expect an unpredictable season full of surprises. Can the Broncos reign supreme over the AFC with Mark Sanchez? Will Brady's suspension allow for another team to steal the AFC East? Can the Ravens regroup after a disastrous season plagued with injuries? I hope to answer many of these questions through my predictions. I will choose to rank each team from every division in terms of record and provide brief explanations as to why i made certain decisions. Here is part one of the 2016 AFC division rankings:

AFC East:

1. New England Patriots

2015 ranking: 1 (12-4)

2016 prediction: 1 (11-5) losses to: Cardinals, Bengals, Jets, Broncos, Dolphins

Due to Brady's suspension the team may endure some difficulties early on with Garoppolo at quarterback. The rest of their division is slowly catching up to them and may overtake them within the next couple years. They also have many tough bouts with teams like, the; Bengals, Jets, Steelers, Ravens, Seahawks and Broncos. However, the Patriots have proven for years that they are a threat as long as Bill Belichick and Tom Brady are leading the team. They also added key pieces like Martellus Bennett, Jonathan Cooper and Chris Long through free agency

2. New York Jets

2015 ranking: 2 (10-6)

2016 ranking: 2 (9-7) losses to: Bengals, Patriots, Bills, Chiefs, Cardinals, Seahawks, Dolphins

The Jets surprised everyone by achieving a 10-6 record and narrowly missing the playoffs. Todd Bowles helped reignite a team that was lost under former coach Rex Ryan. The return of Darrelle Revis and development of Muhammed Wilkerson and Sheldon Richardson helped bolster their struggling defense. Ryan Fitzpatrick played some of his best football by eclipsing 30 touchdowns for the first time in his career. Due to a difficult schedule, I don't see the Jets winning the division, but they may sneak into the playoffs with a wildcard spot.

3. Buffalo Bills

2015 ranking: 3 (8-8)

2016 ranking: 3 (8-8) losses to: Patriots, Bills, Jets, Seahawks, Bengals, Steelers, Rams, Jaguars.

As always, the Bills start every season showing some promise, but end up collapsing. This season will be no different. The Bills have some great pieces on both sides of the ball but the concern is whether they can stay healthy or play consistently. The teams biggest issue has been finding stability at quarterback. Both E.J. Manuel and Tyrod Taylor had their chances to impress but neither proved to be THE quarterback. The Bills also have some tough games ahead of them, but could surprise if they play as a cohesive unit.

4. Miami Dolphins

2015 ranking: 4 (6-10)

2016 ranking: 4 (7-9) Patriots, Jets, Bills, Bengals, Seahawks, Steelers, Rams, Cardinals, Ravens.

I honestly cannot remember the last time the Dolphins had above an 8-8 record. They have been mediocre for so long. They have had talent and moments of greatness, but have not been able to utilize it to its full potential. This team lives and dies based on Ryan Tannehill's performances on any given week. He has shown flashes of greatness, but then throws four interceptions the following week. The Dolphins need a better supporting cast around Tannehill because he has proven that he cannot do it all on his own.

AFC North

1. Cincinnati Bengals

2015 record: 1 (12-4)

2016 record: 1 (12-4) losses to: Steelers, Ravens, Giants and Texans

The Bengals will once again reign supreme over their division and finally claim the number one seed in the AFC. The Bengals have made the playoffs several years in a row and have proven to be a top threat. They have a good yet inconsistent quarterback in Andy Dalton, one of the best receivers in the league in A.J. Green and a top defense. The Bengals' main issue is being able to clutch out games and win in the spotlight. They will certainly get to the playoffs, but whether they make it past the first round is still a mystery.

2. Pittsburgh Steelers

2015 ranking: 2 (10-6)

2016 ranking: 2 (10-6) losses to: Bengals, Ravens, Browns, Patriots, Chiefs, Cowboys.

The Steelers have been the definition of a borderline playoff team in recent years. They either barely miss or make the playoffs. Their greatest strength lies in the offense with Ben Roethlisberger, Le'Veon Bell, Deangelo Williams and Antonio Brown. They have struggled with their offensive line which has held back theiroffense at times. Their defense has also collapsed in recent years due to a refusal to let go of aging veterans. The Steelers can outscore any team on a great day, but can get blown out by a team that is able to strike a balance.

3. Baltimore Ravens

2015 ranking: 3 (5-11)

2016 ranking: (10-6) losses to: Bengals, Steelers, Browns, Jets, Giants, Patriots.

The Ravens were the most injury prone team of 2015. The teams ultimate demise was losing key players which included: Joe Flacco, Steve Smith Sr., Justin Forsett, Terrell Suggs and Chris Canty. If all of these players return and stay off the sidelines, the Ravens can surely make a playoff run. Their is not much to say here because the Ravens have the potential and talent to be great. It all depends on the luck of the draw and whether this team can stay in one piece.

4. Cleveland Browns

2015 ranking: 4 (3-13)

2016 ranking: 4 (4-12) losses to: Steelers (x2) Bengals (x2), Ravens, Patriots, Chargers, Bills, Jets, Eagles, Redskins, Dolphins

The Browns have been the definition of mediocrity for the past decade and a half. They have gone through more quarterbacks then any other team in the league. This team has lacked stability and hasn't been able to grow due to a revolving door of departures. I think RGIII will play well enough for them to win some games. They have a lot of talent in the receiver position with players such as Josh Gordon, Corey Coleman and Terrell Pryor. Their team is young and will surely develop if given the time to. This will be a year of transition and I do not expect much of an improvement from this team.

Part 2 will include predictions for the AFC South and West!