Team Needs: AFC

AFC EAST

Buffalo Bills

2011 record: 6-10
Biggest need: Pass rush

After jumping out to a surprisingly strong start, the Bills managed one win in the final nine games due to a crumbling passing game and porous defense. The backfield is the lone offensive strength after C.J. Spiller’s late-season emergence as a complement to Fred Jackson’s Pro Bowl first half. The Bills remain committed to Ryan Fitzpatrick, but the front office will be tasked with re-signing Stevie Johnson and adding an upgrade over Donald Jones on the opposite side. The primary defensive issue hasn’t changed: Buffalo’s 29 sacks tied for third-lowest in the NFL.

Miami Dolphins

2011 record: 6-10
Biggest need: Franchise quarterback

Matt Moore led Miami to six wins in the final nine games, but the front office views him as more of dependable stop-gap as opposed to a long-term solution. Despite owner Stephen Ross’ “infatuation” with Peyton Manning, he’s more likely to end up with Matt Flynn behind a rebuilt offensive line. The Fins boasted one of the league’s elite defenses in the second half of the season. New coordinator Kevin Coyle could use a pass-rushing complement to Cameron Wake and a situational nose tackle to replace free agent Paul Soliai in flex packages.

New England Patriots

2011 record: 13-3
Biggest need: A quality secondary

Falling one misfire and several drops shy of a fourth Lombardi trophy, the Pats enter the offseason with a short to-do list on offense. They must retain Wes Welker via the franchise tag or a long-term contract and add a vertical threat on the outside. Bill Belichick’s 3-4 defense was strong up the middle in the playoffs, but he needs major reinforcements at cornerback and safety while picking up a pass-rushing outside linebacker. Belichick is one again loaded with draft picks, boasting two each in the first and second rounds.

New York Jets

2011 record: 8-8
Biggest need: Antidote to the locker room poison

Rex Ryan enters the 2012 offseason squarely on the hot seat. It certainly doesn’t help that his offense sits in no-man’s land with a regressing quarterback, a locker room cancer at No. 1 receiver, a pedestrian ground game, and a deteriorating offensive line. In addition to playing peacemaker, Ryan must team with GM Mike Tanenbaum to replace Plaxico Burress, add a backfield playmaker, and infuse the offensive line with young talent while adding a sorely-needed pass rusher and safety on defense.

AFC NORTH

Baltimore Ravens

2011 record: 12-4
Biggest need: More boldness, creativity on offense

After falling one Lee Evans foot shy of the Super Bowl, coordinator Cam Cameron enters 2012 in the spotlight. Cameron’s predictable schemes and unimaginative play-calling held Joe Flacco and the offense back while the defense fell just shy of elite. GM Ozzie Newsome will likely place the franchise tag on Ray Rice, explore a long-term deal for Flacco, and ultimately lose LG Ben Grubbs to free agency. Newsome’s shopping list includes Grubbs’ replacement, a successor to C Matt Birk, and another playmaker at receiver on offense. The defense needs an infusion of youth at linebacker and safety.

Cincinnati Bengals

2011 record: 9-7
Biggest need: Defensive backs

Mike Zimmer’s defense finished an impressive seventh in total defense, but his secondary stumbled down the stretch. The Bengals need an early-round talent at cornerback and at least one safety, with Reggie Nelson reaching free agency. On the other side of the ball, free agents Cedric Benson and Jerome Simpson are longshots to return. Conventional wisdom suggests owner/GM Mike Brown will address running back early in the draft while adding a mid-tier receiver in free agency.

Cleveland Browns

2011 record: 4-12
Biggest need: Offensive playmakers

It’s hard to blame the Browns for backing off the commitment to Colt McCoy, but he never had a chance with drop-plagued rookie Greg Little as his top playmaker. Team president Mike Holmgren figures to be in on Baylor’s Robert Griffin III, perhaps with a veteran free agent as a fallback option. Once quarterback is addressed, Holmgren and GM Tom Heckert will have to add at least one difference-maker at receiver while re-signing Peyton Hillis or finding a replacement. Leading tackler D’Qwell Jackson is a candidate for the franchise tag, so defensive right end may be the top priority for Dick Jauron’s crew.

Pittsburgh Steelers

2011 record: 12-4
Biggest need: Salary cap relief, an offensive line

The Steelers have already begun restructuring veteran contracts in an attempt to clear up much-needed salary cap space for the retention of younger talents. Restricted free agent Mike Wallace will attract plenty of interest now that the maximum tender is at the first-round level, so the team must have the available funds to match offers. Ben Roethlisberger’s late-season ankle sprain is a reminder that long-term solutions at tackle and guard are long overdue. Dick LeBeau’s defense needs fresh legs, starting with successors to NT Casey Hampton and ILB James Farrior.

AFC EAST

Buffalo Bills

2011 record: 6-10
Biggest need: Pass rush

After jumping out to a surprisingly strong start, the Bills managed one win in the final nine games due to a crumbling passing game and porous defense. The backfield is the lone offensive strength after C.J. Spiller’s late-season emergence as a complement to Fred Jackson’s Pro Bowl first half. The Bills remain committed to Ryan Fitzpatrick, but the front office will be tasked with re-signing Stevie Johnson and adding an upgrade over Donald Jones on the opposite side. The primary defensive issue hasn’t changed: Buffalo’s 29 sacks tied for third-lowest in the NFL.

Miami Dolphins

2011 record: 6-10
Biggest need: Franchise quarterback

Matt Moore led Miami to six wins in the final nine games, but the front office views him as more of dependable stop-gap as opposed to a long-term solution. Despite owner Stephen Ross’ “infatuation” with Peyton Manning, he’s more likely to end up with Matt Flynn behind a rebuilt offensive line. The Fins boasted one of the league’s elite defenses in the second half of the season. New coordinator Kevin Coyle could use a pass-rushing complement to Cameron Wake and a situational nose tackle to replace free agent Paul Soliai in flex packages.

New England Patriots

2011 record: 13-3
Biggest need: A quality secondary

Falling one misfire and several drops shy of a fourth Lombardi trophy, the Pats enter the offseason with a short to-do list on offense. They must retain Wes Welker via the franchise tag or a long-term contract and add a vertical threat on the outside. Bill Belichick’s 3-4 defense was strong up the middle in the playoffs, but he needs major reinforcements at cornerback and safety while picking up a pass-rushing outside linebacker. Belichick is one again loaded with draft picks, boasting two each in the first and second rounds.

New York Jets

2011 record: 8-8
Biggest need: Antidote to the locker room poison

Rex Ryan enters the 2012 offseason squarely on the hot seat. It certainly doesn’t help that his offense sits in no-man’s land with a regressing quarterback, a locker room cancer at No. 1 receiver, a pedestrian ground game, and a deteriorating offensive line. In addition to playing peacemaker, Ryan must team with GM Mike Tanenbaum to replace Plaxico Burress, add a backfield playmaker, and infuse the offensive line with young talent while adding a sorely-needed pass rusher and safety on defense.

AFC NORTH

Baltimore Ravens

2011 record: 12-4
Biggest need: More boldness, creativity on offense

After falling one Lee Evans foot shy of the Super Bowl, coordinator Cam Cameron enters 2012 in the spotlight. Cameron’s predictable schemes and unimaginative play-calling held Joe Flacco and the offense back while the defense fell just shy of elite. GM Ozzie Newsome will likely place the franchise tag on Ray Rice, explore a long-term deal for Flacco, and ultimately lose LG Ben Grubbs to free agency. Newsome’s shopping list includes Grubbs’ replacement, a successor to C Matt Birk, and another playmaker at receiver on offense. The defense needs an infusion of youth at linebacker and safety.

Cincinnati Bengals

2011 record: 9-7
Biggest need: Defensive backs

Mike Zimmer’s defense finished an impressive seventh in total defense, but his secondary stumbled down the stretch. The Bengals need an early-round talent at cornerback and at least one safety, with Reggie Nelson reaching free agency. On the other side of the ball, free agents Cedric Benson and Jerome Simpson are longshots to return. Conventional wisdom suggests owner/GM Mike Brown will address running back early in the draft while adding a mid-tier receiver in free agency.

Cleveland Browns

2011 record: 4-12
Biggest need: Offensive playmakers

It’s hard to blame the Browns for backing off the commitment to Colt McCoy, but he never had a chance with drop-plagued rookie Greg Little as his top playmaker. Team president Mike Holmgren figures to be in on Baylor’s Robert Griffin III, perhaps with a veteran free agent as a fallback option. Once quarterback is addressed, Holmgren and GM Tom Heckert will have to add at least one difference-maker at receiver while re-signing Peyton Hillis or finding a replacement. Leading tackler D’Qwell Jackson is a candidate for the franchise tag, so defensive right end may be the top priority for Dick Jauron’s crew.

Pittsburgh Steelers

2011 record: 12-4
Biggest need: Salary cap relief, an offensive line

The Steelers have already begun restructuring veteran contracts in an attempt to clear up much-needed salary cap space for the retention of younger talents. Restricted free agent Mike Wallace will attract plenty of interest now that the maximum tender is at the first-round level, so the team must have the available funds to match offers. Ben Roethlisberger’s late-season ankle sprain is a reminder that long-term solutions at tackle and guard are long overdue. Dick LeBeau’s defense needs fresh legs, starting with successors to NT Casey Hampton and ILB James Farrior.

AFC SOUTH

Houston Texans

2011 record: 10-6
Biggest need: Second banana at wide receiver

This is one franchise in fine shape for 2012. Give the Texans a healthy Matt Schaub, and there’s a good chance they would have squared off with the Giants in the Super Bowl. GM Rick Smith is tilting at windmills with his top priority, finding a way to bring back Mario Williams without benefit of the franchise tag. After the emergence of Connor Barwin and Brooks Reed as book-end pass rushers, the Texans aren’t desperate enough to match the outlandish offers Williams will see on the open market. While the defense is loaded with young talent, the offensive needs include re-signing restricted free agent Arian Foster and adding a playmaker opposite Andre Johnson.

Indianapolis Colts

2011 record: 2-14
Biggest need: A transition from the Peyton Manning era

Even if Manning wasn’t due a $28 million roster bonus, the only move that makes sense is the transition to Andrew Luck. Manning can’t win with the roster as currently composed, and the Colts don’t have the salary cap space for a quick turnaround. New GM Ryan Grigson will prioritize Robert Mathis and Pierre Garcon among his free agents, leaving the futures of long-time stalwarts WR Reggie Wayne, C Jeff Saturday, MLB Gary Brackett, and perhaps even TE Dallas Clark in doubt. Grigson must rebuild the offensive line and add talent at the skill positions while boosting his linebackers and secondary.

Jacksonville Jaguars

2011 record: 5-11
Biggest need: Offensive playmakers

GM Gene Smith staked his future to Blaine Gabbert by trading up to select him at No. 10 overall, firing a skeptical Jack Del Rio, and bringing in Mike Mularkey to oversee the young quarterback’s development. Whether or not Gabbert’s shaky pocket presence is fixable, Smith is charged with upgrading the shakiest wide receiver corps in the NFL. The top priority for Mel Tucker’s promising defense is re-signing DE Jeremy Mincey and CB Rashean Mathis while getting Tyson Alualu, Paul Posluszny, and Clint Session back to full health.

Tennessee Titans

2011 record: 9-7
Biggest need: Fix the running game

No healthy player was more of a disappointment than Chris Johnson last season. Although Johnson came under fire for conditioning, effort, and loss of confidence, the overwhelmed offensive line is the area that will receive the most offseason attention. Look for the Titans to fix the interior on offense while concentrating on the defense’s front seven. Cortland Finnegan, one of the top corners in the league in 2011, could be slapped with the franchise tag. With Kenny Britt returning and Jake Locker and Jared Cook potentially emerging, the young offensive talent could make up for the overhaul on defense.

AFC WEST

Denver Broncos

2011 record: 8-8
Biggest need: Talent infusion on defense

The public narrative will always default to Tim Tebow, but new defensive boss Jack Del Rio desperately needs an upgrade on nearly half of his starters. Pass rushers Von Miller and Elvis Dumervil, run-stuffer Broderick Bunkley, DE Robert Ayers, CB Champ Bailey, and perhaps MLB D.J. Williams are keepers. The rest of the unit would be best-served by hitting the “reset” button. Offensively, the Broncos figure to add competition for Tebow, a playmaking complement to Willis McGahee, and an upgrade at tight end.

Kansas City Chiefs

2011 record: 7-9
Biggest need: True franchise quarterback

Coach Romeo Crennel and new coordinator Brian Daboll have both espoused confidence in Matt Cassel, which means more wheel-spinning in 2012. The Chiefs will bring in competition, but they clearly want Cassel to win the job outright. It’s a recipe for continued mediocrity, even with the return to health of Jamaal Charles and Tony Moeaki. The top two free agent priorities are WR Dwayne Bowe and CB Brandon Carr, franchising one and extending the other. With Kelly Gregg due to hit the market, nose tackle is the biggest defensive need.

Oakland Raiders

2011 record: 8-8
Biggest need: An injury-free season on offense, revamped secondary

Carson Palmer certainly isn’t worth the exorbitant price Hue Jackson paid for his services last season, but it’s hard to blame him for offense’s failures down the stretch. Darren McFadden, Jacoby Ford, and Denarius Moore -- the team’s three most explosive offensive talents -- missed significant action in the final two months. Outside of potentially franchising free agent pounder Michael Bush, the Raiders are fairly set on offense. New coach Dennis Allen’s defensive priority is fixing a secondary that set franchise records for TDs passes allowed, yards passing, and total yards.

San Diego Chargers

2011 record: 8-8
Biggest need: Refurbished offensive line

The story of San Diego’s season was a soft defense and a disappointing showing by Philip Rivers for the better part of three months. Free agent deep threat Vincent Jackson isn’t expected to be franchised, but the Bolts can help Rivers by rebuilding an offensive line that was in tatters by November. Blindside tackle Marcus McNeill, ravaged by neck and back injuries the past two seasons, is expected to be cut in March to avoid an $11 million salary. New defensive coordinator John Pagano has several needs, including defensive end, outside linebacker, and safety.