The AFC East showed a lackluster performance in the 2024 NFL season, with only the Buffalo Bills securing a playoff spot, while the New England Patriots, Miami Dolphins, and New York Jets struggled significantly. The Bills fell short in the playoffs against the Kansas City Chiefs, leaving them with room for improvement heading into the next season. In contrast, the Dolphins and Jets faced coaching changes after disappointing seasons. As the teams regroup, key players on these struggling squads could become valuable assets for fantasy managers looking ahead to 2025.

Drake Maye, the Patriots quarterback, emerged as a serviceable fantasy option despite a lack of support from his teammates. His accuracy and potential rushing ability make him a valuable buy in dynasty leagues. Keon Coleman of the Bills showcased promise in his rookie season, and if he can recover from injury, he could become a top target for quarterback Josh Allen. Running back Rhamondre Stevenson is another player to watch, as he has the potential for a bounce-back season with a new coaching regime. Similarly, wide receiver Malik Washington from the Dolphins, while initially unremarkable, could find opportunities in a changing offense.

Building a competitive dynasty football team involves identifying promising rookies, even those who may have underperformed in their inaugural season. Rome Odunze, WR for the Chicago Bears, is a prime example; despite a challenging rookie year, he remains a talented receiver with potential upside as the Bears' offense evolves under Ben Johnson. Similarly, Marvin Harrison Jr. of the Arizona Cardinals has faced criticism after a less-than-stellar debut, but historical precedents show that patience can lead to fruitful results. Jaylen Wright, RB for the Miami Dolphins, struggled in his rookie year but could benefit from a shift in Miami's RB depth chart, especially if Raheem Mostert departs. J.J. McCarthy of the Minnesota Vikings is positioned to take the starting role, and Michael Penix Jr. of the Atlanta Falcons may find opportunities to flourish in a revamped offensive setup.

Former Miami Dolphins quarterback Skylar Thompson has signed a futures contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers, marking the next chapter in his NFL career. Announced by both the team and Thompson's agency, this move provides him an opportunity to compete for a roster spot during the offseason and training camp.

Thompson began his NFL journey with the Dolphins after being selected in the seventh round of the 2022 draft. Throughout his initial three seasons, he faced a mixed bag of challenges. Notably, he secured the backup quarterback role over Mike White last season, even starting a playoff game against the Buffalo Bills.

Despite his early promise, Thompson's performance faltered when called upon in the 2023 season, particularly during a game against the Seattle Seahawks where he sustained a rib injury. Following that, he struggled to capitalize on opportunities, including a fumble in a game against the New England Patriots that led to a touchdown for the opposition.

The Miami Dolphins find themselves in a challenging offseason following a subpar 2024 season, ending with an 8-9 record and missing the playoffs. With a tight budget, the team is currently $2.6 million over the projected salary cap, a significant shift from last year when they started $51.9 million over. The situation is exacerbated by the recent $212.4 million extension for quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, which increases his cap hit to $39.44 million.

In addition to managing Tagovailoa's lucrative deal, the Dolphins will have to make critical decisions regarding their own free agents, such as safeties Jevon Holland and Jordan Poyer, along with multiple guards and defensive players. The team may have to look for economical options in free agency to fill the roster's gaps, especially in light of potential retirements among veteran players.

The Miami Dolphins will be without wide receiver Jaylen Waddle for their upcoming game against the San Francisco 49ers due to a knee injury. Fellow receiver Dee Eskridge will also miss the game, while starting tackles Terron Armstead and Kendall Lamm return to the lineup after being inactive last week.

On the other hand, the 49ers will have key defensive players Nick Bosa and Dre Greenlaw active, despite some notable absences including tackle Trent Williams and running back Isaac Guerendo.