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It was not a very good year for AFC East defenses in 2012. Three teams in the division finished with rankings in the 20s.

But there have been a lot of changes for the division via free agency and the draft. Let’s take a look at updated defensive rankings for the AFC East entering the regular season.

No. 1: Miami Dolphins

Analysis: The Dolphins ranked 21st in total defense in 2012. But Miami was decent against the run and only allowed 19.8 points per game, good for seventh in the NFL. The Dolphins’ biggest issue was their inconsistent pass defense. Miami gave up too many big passing plays and it cost the Dolphins some games. The Dolphins aggressively attacked their cornerback position by signing former Pro Bowler Brent Grimes and drafting Jamar Taylor and Will Davis in the second and third rounds, respectively. The Dolphins also added another pass-rushing threat with No. 3 overall pick Dion Jordan. If Miami stops allowing big passing plays, the Dolphins’ defense will be tough to beat.

No. 2: New England Patriots

Analysis: The Patriots were 25th in total defense in 2012. But I project New England to make a sizable jump in 2013. The Patriots made solid strides last year in red-zone defense and points allowed. But New England gave up too many chunk passing plays in between the 20s. The Patriots were 29th in pass defense last season. The return of No. 1 cornerback Aqib Talib to the secondary is huge, in addition to starting corner Alfonzo Dennard overcoming his legal issues and the Patriots signing hard-hitting safety Adrian Wilson. New England’s pass rush should also improve, led by a healthy Chandler Jones. There is a lot to like about the Patriots’ defense this season, especially with head coach Bill Belichick calling the shots. I wouldn’t be surprised to see New England move up 10 spots or more from last year’s ranking.

No. 3: New York Jets

Analysis: Here is one thing you can count on with the Jets under head coach Rex Ryan: He will field a very good defense. New York has been in the top 10 in total defense since Ryan took over in 2009. The Jets, despite their ugly 6-10 record, was ranked No. 8 in total defense last season. But look for the unit to take a step back in 2013. New York’s scheme remains strong, but this is the least amount of talent Ryan has had in his five seasons with the Jets. New York traded the best cornerback in the NFL -- Darrelle Revis -- to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and lost Pro Bowl safety LaRon Landry, linebacker Bart Scott and defensive linemen Sione Po'uha and Mike DeVito. The Jets will try to replace these established veterans with younger players, many of whom are rookies or players with just one year of experience. Defense will still be the Jets' strength, but they won’t be as strong on that side of the ball than in previous years.

No. 4: Buffalo Bills

Analysis: I had a hard time ranking the Bills’ defense. This group has talent on paper, but Buffalo never came close to putting it all together last season. The Bills ranked No. 22 in total defense in 2012, 31st against the run. It will be the job of new defensive coordinator Mike Pettine to get the most out of his talent. Buffalo has some quality players on defense. Pro Bowl safety Jairus Byrd, defensive tackle Kyle Williams, defensive end Mario Williams and former first-round picks Marcell Dareus and Stephon Gilmore are all talented. But collectively, the Bills’ defense grossly underachieved. The linebacker play must improve dramatically. I’m also concerned about two major holes at cornerback and safety.

I'm sure there will be plenty of debate about these rankings -- and really, the AFC East is wide open on defense this year. I wouldn’t be surprised if any of these teams lead the division defensively; all four have a chance to be competitive. It most likely will come down to which team can consistently execute defensively and stay healthy over a 16-game season.

This is a time of optimism, as every team feels good about its rookie draft class. But sometimes fans in our AFC East community can go a little overboard.

For perspective, here are some comments from our community immediately following the 2012 NFL draft:

Miami Dolphins

• “Am I the only one who thought the Dolphins' draft was awful? Ryan Tannenhill is shot, a wasted pick. They should’ve grabbed the best available player.”
• “Sorry Fish fans, but having [Todd] McShay be a supporter of Ryan Tannehill is like a death sentence.”
• “Outside of Tannehill, Miami had a really solid draft.”
• “Tannehill is trash. He is an unproven QB and will not be successful in the NFL.”
• “The Phins sleeper pick after round two will be TE Michael Egnew.”
• “I think Egnew will be a beast. When was the last time we had a seam threat tight end who can catch and run a 4.4?”
• “I like the Egnew pick because he can create mismatches over the middle as your prototype, seam-busting tight end. I'm lukewarm on the Lamar Miller pick but understand why we made it.”

Buffalo Bills

• “Tank Carder could be a steal and anchor the middle of the D for years to come.”
• “TANK CARDER!!! I think he could come out of nowhere. I watched him on TV in multiple games at TCU. The man was a beast and all over the field.”
• “Put your ear to the ground ... you can hear the stampede coming.”
• “Say what ya want now, but the Bills take AFC crown.”

New York Jets

• “The Jets hit homeruns on every one of their picks in every round this year. Got to be an A-plus draft.”
• “Stephen Hill is 6'4", 215, with 4.3 speed. So he didn't catch a lot of passes with the GT offense--neither did DeMaryius Thomas.”

New England Patriots

• “[Patriots] also drafted Jake Bequette, who's more of pure pass-rusher than Chandler Jones and produced against SEC competition.”
• “I'll bet Bequette becomes a force. Scary film.”
• “Other than their last pick (cornerback Alfonzo Dennard), I thought the Patriots did a great job drafting.”
• “Dennard has no value -- he will never play a single NFL game and he will be in jail before next year's draft.”

Remember last year?

The Buffalo Bills and New England Patriots are on the short end of the AFC East stick when it comes to draft picks. The Miami Dolphins, by far, lead the division with 11 selections, while the Patriots and Bills bring up the rear with five and six picks, respectively.

Should Buffalo and New England trade down in the first round? That is the best way for teams to acquire more picks on draft day.

The Bills could be a strong candidate to trade out of the No. 8 overall pick. Buffalo signed veteran quarterbacks Kevin Kolb and Tarvaris Jackson in free agency to plug its biggest need. Now that the Bills aren't so desperate, they have the flexibility to move down the draft board, especially if a quarterback-needy team wants to move into the top 10.

New England has a history of trading first-round picks. Last year, the Patriots moved up twice in the first round to land defensive end Chandler Jones and linebacker Dont'a Hightower. Both players made an impact last season. Two years ago, New England traded its first-round pick to the New Orleans Saints for more picks. The Patriots hold the No. 29 overall pick this year at the end of the first round and could do the same. They have the fewest picks in the AFC East due to prior trades for veterans Aqib Talib, Albert Haynesworth and Chad Johnson. New England also could lose its third-round pick if the Pittsburgh Steelers do not match its offer sheet for receiver Emmanuel Sanders.

Keep an eye on both the Bills and Patriots for possible draft-day trades.

The AFC East saw several breakout players make their marks last season. Buffalo Bills tailback C.J. Spiller, New England Patriots left tackle Nate Solder, and Miami Dolphins receiver Brian Hartline are among the players who had career years in 2012.

So who are this year's under-the-radar players who could have a big season in 2013? Here are seven breakout stars to keep an eye on the AFC East:

No. 7: DeMario Davis, LB, New York Jets

2012 stats: 35 tackles

Analysis: Jets head coach Rex Ryan put a lot of pressure on Davis before his rookie season. Ryan compared Davis, a third-round pick from Arkansas State, to a young Ray Lewis, which certainly raised some eyebrows. But by the end of the season, you could see some of the things Ryan bragged about. Davis was athletic, aggressive and finished with 35 tackles. The Jets believe Davis is ready to go into his second season as a full-time starter. New York released Bart Scott this offseason, and Davis is up next. Health permitting, Davis should be able to build off his rookie season.

No. 6: Stephon Gilmore, CB, Bills

2012 stats: 61 tackles, one INT

Analysis: Gilmore was viewed as one of the safer picks in last year's NFL draft. He was considered an NFL-ready cornerback who could start in Week 1, which is why Buffalo invested its first-round pick. Gilmore suffered through rookie mistakes like most young cornerbacks, but he did start all 16 games. Expect a lot more consistency from the 22-year-old, who is already Buffalo’s best cornerback. New Bills defensive coordinator Mike Pettine has a reputation of making cornerbacks better. He worked well with former Jets cornerbacks Darrelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie in New York. Pettine is excited about the opportunity to make Gilmore one of the better cornerbacks in the AFC East this year and beyond.

No. 5: Kyle Wilson, CB, Jets

2012 stats: 48 tackles, one INT

Analysis: Wilson, 25, is the oldest player in this bunch. The three-year veteran spent most of his career backing up Pro Bowl cornerbacks Cromartie and Revis. But Wilson finally got consistent playing time in the starting lineup in 2012 after the season-ending knee injury to Revis. Wilson held his own but didn’t make a lot of big plays. He had one interception and one forced fumble in 16 games. But the Jets believe Wilson is capable of taking over Revis’ spot full-time in the starting lineup. That is why New York has been in trade discussions about Revis, who will be a free agent in 2014. I expect a Revis trade to happen before the start of the season, which means Wilson must step up and be a better playmaker.

No. 4: Lamar Miller, RB, Miami Dolphins

2012 stats: 51 carries, 250 yards, one TD

Analysis: Most people who do not watch the Dolphins on a regular basis aren’t familiar with Miller. He never had more than 10 carries in a game. But those who closely follow the Dolphins know Miller was dangerous nearly every time he touched the football. He led the Dolphins with a yards-per-carry average of 4.9. Miller showed good vision and burst. The Dolphins also believe Miller is a better fit for their system than former tailback Reggie Bush. That is why Miami didn’t try to keep Bush from signing with the Detroit Lions in free agency. Miller should combine with Daniel Thomas to be a formidable young backfield. Miller’s biggest weakness is pass protection against the blitz. But with all-new weapons in Miami at receiver and tight end, Miller should have some open running lanes.

No. 3: Dont'a Hightower, LB, Patriots

2012 stats: 60 tackles, four sacks

Analysis: It’s surprising how Hightower’s rookie year went virtually unnoticed. He immediately added toughness, athleticism and playmaking ability to New England’s front seven. Hightower also got better as the year went on. He started 13 games for the Patriots and had seven games with at least five tackles. Hightower was unusually steady for a rookie linebacker. He didn’t make many mental errors, and also showed a knack for blitzing, as evidenced by his four sacks. Another year under Bill Belichick’s tutelage will only make Hightower a bigger force. Playing next to linebacker Jerod Mayo and behind defensive lineman Vince Wilfork will only make Hightower a better player in Year 2.

No. 2: Chandler Jones, DE, Patriots

2012 stats: 45 tackles, six sacks

Analysis: The Patriots haven’t had a consistently dominant pass-rusher since Mike Vrabel. Jones has a good chance to end that search and become a consistent double-digit sack player for New England. Jones started fast his rookie season and registered six sacks in his first eight games. But an ankle injury caused Jones to miss two games, and he didn’t have the same burst and production when he returned. Injuries have been an issue for Jones dating to college. But if he can stay healthy for 16 games, he could have a big 2013 season for the Patriots.

No. 1: Ryan Tannehill, QB, Dolphins

2012 stats: 3,294 yards, 12 TDs, 13 INTs

Analysis: It's too early to determine whether Tannehill is a franchise quarterback. But Miami’s front office thinks Tannehill has a great shot after a strong rookie year, so the Dolphins added as many weapons as possible around him in Year 2. Dolphins general manager Jeff Ireland signed dynamic former Pittsburgh Steelers receiver Mike Wallace, former St. Louis Rams receiver Brandon Gibson and former New York Jets tight end Dustin Keller. The Dolphins added pass-catchers that fit Tannehill and their offensive system. Tannehill (3,294) threw for more yards last season than fellow 2012 draft picks Robert Griffin III (3,200) and Russell Wilson (3,118). Tannehill could be poised for his first 4,000-yard season, and certainly more touchdowns, with a much stronger supporting cast.

Not everyone could make Walker’s Fab 40. This is the best of the best in the AFC East, and this year we had another very competitive list.

Here are several good players who didn’t make the list:

Fab 40 snub: Brandon Fields, P, Miami Dolphins

2012 stats: 50.2 yard average, 29 punts inside 20

Why he missed the cut: This was a tough call to make. I think Fields is one of the top 10 punters in the NFL. However, is he one of the top 40 players in the AFC East? I went back and forth on this one but eventually placed a lower value on punters and included players who were more productive at other positions. Ultimately, could I rank Fields ahead of Miami safety Reshad Jones, who came in at No. 40? I just couldn't do it.

Fab 40 snub: Chandler Jones, DE, New England Patriots

2012 stats: 45 tackles, six sacks

Why he missed the cut: Jones started his rookie season on a tear. He had six sacks early and brought the Patriots a much-needed pass rush. However, Jones came to New England with an injury history in college, and that also hampered him in the second half of this season. Jones suffered through a bum ankle and couldn’t finish the year strong. I need to see more of Jones. Eight good games as a rookie weren’t enough. But the talent is there, and I fully expect him to be on Walker’s Fab 40 in 2014.

Fab. 40 sub: Jeremy Kerley, WR, New York Jets

2012 stats: 56 receptions, 827 yards, two TDs

Why he missed the cut: Kerley did the opposite of Jones. He was nonexistent for the first half of the season but came on strong late in the year. Some of this has to do with Santonio Holmes' season-ending foot injury. Kerley eventually became Mark Sanchez's No. 1 target when Holmes went down. Kerley continues to flash but needs to put it together for a full season. Kerley is probably most effective in the slot, but the Jets need more receivers.

Fab 40 snub: Marcell Dareus, DT, Buffalo Bills

2012 stats: 39 tackles, 5.5 sacks

Why he missed the cut: I expected much more from Dareus in his second season. He showed plenty of flashes his rookie year but definitely went through a sophomore slump and disappeared in games. Dareus also had family issues off the field this season that may have impacted his play. The Bills were 31st against the run, which is inexcusable for a unit that includes Dareus, Kyle Williams and Mario Williams.

Fab 40 snub: Ryan Fitzpatrick, QB, Buffalo Bills

2012 stats: 3,400 yards, 24 touchdowns, 16 INTs

Why he missed the cut: Fitzpatrick had another erratic year and was 6-10 as a starter. His numbers looked decent, but Fitzpatrick had an uncanny knack for throwing mind-boggling interceptions at the worst times. He was definitely not clutch as a quarterback. His streakiness made it difficult for the Bills to win consistently. Fitzpatrick probably played his last game in Buffalo. Rookie head coach Doug Marrone is looking for Fitzpatrick’s replacement, and it could come in the draft or free agency. Fitzpatrick is due a $3 million roster bonus in March and a $4.45 million salary that Buffalo is not expect to pay.

Thanks for checking out another fun year of Walker’s Fab 40 as we put a final bow on the 2012 season. I’m sure the debate will continue on, but it’s time for the AFC East blog to fully turn its attention to free agency and the 2013 NFL draft.

Here are the most interesting stories Wednesday in the AFC East:

• ESPN’s Adam Schefter suggests the New York Jets should trade star cornerback Darrelle Revis to the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for a second-round pick and backup quarterback Alex Smith.

Morning take: The trade certainly fills a need for the Jets. Smith could immediately start at quarterback ahead of Mark Sanchez, and the Jets would get a nice draft pick. It seems like good value all around.

• Should the Miami Dolphins keep running back Reggie Bush?

Morning take: It all comes down to Bush's price tag. The Dolphins appear comfortable going with Lamar Miller and Daniel Thomas next season. Miami will offer a team-friendly contract but won't extend much further.

• New England Patriots rookie defensive end Chandler Jones does not need ankle surgery.

Morning take: Jones battled a bum ankle for much of the year and needs to focus on getting healthy. When the rookie was 100 percent, Jones brought a much-needed pass rush to New England's defense. I expect more of that from Jones in Year 2.

• The Buffalo Bills have a five-year extension to the Toronto series.

Morning take: Players don't like it, but it doesn't matter. This is a nice money grab for the Bills, even if Buffalo loses a home game for the next five seasons.

It is Super Bowl week in New Orleans, as the AFC champion Baltimore Ravens and NFC champion San Francisco 49ers take over the bayou.

Obviously, the AFC East will not participate in the biggest game of the season. But there are some Super Bowl connections from this division to keep an eye on.

Here is your handy Super Bowl guide as it pertains to the AFC East:

• Future Hall of Fame receiver Randy Moss is back in the Super Bowl for the first time since getting there as a member of the New England Patriots following the 2007 season. Moss recorded a career-high 23 touchdowns that year with Tom Brady and played three seasons total in New England. Moss is now a role player with the 49ers and has 28 receptions this season.
• Baltimore backup safety James Ihedigbo is in the Super Bowl for the second straight year. Last season he made it as a safety for New England. This year’s Ihedigbo is in as a member of Baltimore. Ihedigbo also played with the New York Jets for three seasons.
• Former Buffalo Bills safety Donte Whitner is now a standout player for the 49ers. Whitner is a former Bills first-round pick who spent five seasons in Buffalo. He bolted Buffalo to play with a winning team in San Francisco and now is playing in his first Super Bowl. Whitner also played in last year’s NFC Championship Game.
• Ravens defensive tackle Arthur Jones never played in the AFC East. But he is the older brother of New England Patriots defensive end Chandler Jones. The two brothers played this year and Arthur got the best of the younger Chandler both times.
• San Francisco wide receiver Ted Ginn Jr. is a former first-round pick of the Miami Dolphins. Ginn played three seasons in Miami and was mostly a disappointment. He caught 128 receptions but did most of his damage on kick returns for the Dolphins.

The 2012 season is in the books for the AFC East. Therefore, ESPN draft guru Mel Kiper Jr. takes a look back at last year's draft and provides updated grades.

Here is Kiper's review for the division:

Buffalo Bills (6-10)

Key picks: CB Stephon Gilmore, LT Cordy Glenn, WR T.J. Graham

Kiper’s grade: C+

Thoughts: Buffalo underachieved as a team this year but got some production from its rookie class. Gilmore lived up to his reputation of being NFL ready and started all 16 games. He had some rookie growing pains with 61 tackles and one interception. The Bills want to see more big plays from Gilmore, but that should come with experience. Glenn made 13 starts at offensive tackle and looks like a long-time starter. Graham wasn't consistent enough as a rookie. He had 31 receptions and struggled with drops and concentration at times.

Miami Dolphins (7-9)

Key picks: QB Ryan Tannehill, OT Jonathan Martin, DE Olivier Vernon, RB Lamar Miller

Kiper’s grade: B-

Thoughts: I thought this grade was low. Miami got a lot of production from its rookie class, and it was a major reason the Dolphins were in the wild-card hunt in the final month of the season. Tannehill threw for 3,294 yards and has a chance to be the long-term solution. Martin started all 16 games at both right tackle and left tackle, and Vernon flashed multiple times as a backup defensive end and special teamer. Even Miller rushed for 250 yards and averaged 4.9 yards per carry. Miller appears ready for an increased role next season.

New England Patriots (12-4)

Key picks: DE Chandler Jones, LB Dont'a Hightower, S Tavon Wilson, CB Alfonzo Dennard

Kiper’s grade: B+

Thoughts: New England spent its first six draft picks on defense and it paid immediate dividends. Jones, Hightower, Wilson and Dennard all made plays for the Patriots' improving defense. Jones provided a pass rush and Hightower added toughness against the run. Both players appear to be future staples in New England's front seven. Dennard was arguably the biggest surprise of the draft. The seventh-round pick played in 10 games, starting seven, and recorded three interceptions. Wilson also added four interceptions.

New York Jets (6-10)

Key picks: DE Quinton Coples, WR Stephen Hill, LB DeMario Davis

Kiper’s grade: C

Thoughts: I wrote in April after the draft that New York was swinging for the fences with hit-or-miss picks in the first two rounds. Coples and Hill had various questions about maturity and being NFL ready, and both players struggled at various times their rookie years. Coples started two games and had 30 tackles and 5.5 sacks, but he came on at the end of the season. Hill’s rookie campaign never got off the ground and he finished with 21 catches for 252 yards. The Jets hope this rookie class can eventually blossom.

The day after the New England Patriots' 28-13 loss to the Baltimore Ravens felt like a funeral in the heart of Patriots country.

The employees at my Foxborough, Mass., hotel -- some who sported Patriots jerseys -- were sullen. The day seemed gloomy outside, and Logan International Airport didn't have the same buzz and energy it did when I arrived two days earlier.

This was expected to be the season the Patriots got over the hump and celebrated their first Super Bowl victory since the 2004 season. New England had the top-rated offense, an improved defense and a 35-year-old quarterback still playing at an MVP level. In addition, the Patriots caught breaks the past few weeks that gave the team home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.

But the tough and talented Ravens had other plans.

New England's upset loss to Baltimore in the AFC Championship Game will sting Patriots fans for a while. But New Englanders shouldn't fret. The Patriots are primed and ready to make another title push in 2013.

Here are five reasons the Patriots' championship window remains open:

Reason No. 1: Tom Brady

Analysis: Yes, Brady will be 36 at the start of next season. But Brady has shown no signs of slowing down and should be an elite quarterback for at least the next two or three seasons. Brady threw for 4,827 yards, 34 touchdowns and just eight interceptions in 2012, receiving strong MVP consideration once again. But Brady's recent playoff struggles are well-documented. After a 10-0 start in the postseason, Brady is just 7-7 in his past 14 playoff starts. However, Brady has done enough to get the Patriots in position for another title. The Patriots have been within a drive of winning two Super Bowls and gone 2-2 in AFC Championship Games since 2005. As long as New England continues to knock on the championship door, the team has a chance to break through. With a healthy Brady in 2013, there’s no reason the Patriots shouldn't be one of the favorites again in the AFC.

Reason No. 2: Bill Belichick

Analysis: There are a lot of people who do not like Belichick's demeanor. He’s not the most likeable head coach in the NFL or the best sportsman, according to Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe. But Belichick is the league's best head coach. Three championships and five Super Bowl appearances highlight a résumé no other current coach can match. As long as Belichick is roaming the sidelines, the Patriots usually have the coaching advantage on game days. Belichick has delivered double-digit wins in New England every season since 2003. That is a mark of tremendous consistency. New England has the winningest coach and quarterback combination in NFL history with Belichick and Brady. No other club has this level of elite coaching and quarterbacking.

Reason No. 3: Weak AFC East

Analysis: For the Patriots to fall from the top of the AFC East, another team has to rise up in the division. Based on the '12 season, there is still a significant gap between the Patriots and everyone else. The New York Jets are a mess that will take at least a year or two to clean up. The Buffalo Bills are starting over and rebuilding under a rookie head coach in Doug Marrone and probably a new quarterback. The Bills will have to suffer through a learning curve next season. The Miami Dolphins have the best chance to immediately challenge New England in 2013. Miami has a good, young quarterback in Ryan Tannehill and plenty of cap room and draft picks to build a strong roster. But the Dolphins have to make all the right moves in order to become an immediate contender. New England's gateway to success and the playoffs has been winning the AFC East. The Patriots will enter next season as the hands-down favorite once again to win the division.

Reason No. 4: Young talent

Analysis: The Patriots often get the reputation of a veteran team because of leaders like Brady on offense and Pro Bowl defensive tackle Vince Wilfork on defense. However, New England won 13 games this season, including playoffs, with a host of young players. The Patriots had 16 players who were 26 or under starting full or part time. Starting running back Stevan Ridley and tight ends Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez are just 23 years old. Starting left tackle Nate Solder is 24. Rookies such as linebacker Dont'a Hightower, defensive end Chandler Jones and cornerback Alfonzo Dennard also round out a strong and productive rookie class. If most or all of these young players continue to improve and develop into their roles, New England will be even more dangerous next season.

Reason No. 5: Improving defense

Analysis: New England's defense made good strides in 2012, particularly in the second half of the season. The Patriots were 25th in total defense -- up six spots from a year ago -- and ninth in both scoring and run defense. New England learned in the AFC title game loss to the Ravens that it still needs significant improvement in the secondary. The cornerback position is very thin, and the team fell apart when Aqib Talib left the game with a thigh injury. Talib will be an unrestricted free agent, and that is an area New England must address in the offseason. New England's aforementioned draft that included Hightower, Jones and Dennard played a large part in the Patriots' defensive improvements.

The Patriots have done a masterful job the past dozen years of reloading and not rebuilding. Having an elite quarterback such as Brady in the fold certainly makes a huge difference.

But New England's window will not be open forever. The time is now for the Patriots to make another title run before Brady and Belichick call it quits. Once this power pair walks away from New England in a few years, the Patriots will have ups and downs like every other NFL franchise.

The time for practice is over for the Baltimore Ravens and New England Patriots. We are 48 hours away from the AFC Championship Game, and the winner will advance to Super Bowl XLVII.

Here is the final injury report for both teams:

Patriots


Probable: DE Chandler Jones (ankle), CB Marquice Cole (finger), OL Nick McDonald (shoulder), DE Trevor Scott (knee), RB Danny Woodhead (thumb)

Ravens

Out: CB Asa Jackson (thigh)

Questionable: LB Dannell Ellerbe (ankle), FB Vonta Leach (knee), RB Bernard Pierce (knee), WR David Reed (thigh)

Probable: WR Anquan Boldin (shoulder), RB Anthony Allen (head), CB Chykie Brown (shoulder), DT Terrence Cody (ankle), G Gino Gradkowski (head), DT Arthur Jones (thigh), LB Ray Lewis (triceps), LB Albert McClellan (shoulder), DE Pernell McPhee (thigh), DT Haloti Ngata (knee), S Bernard Pollard (chest), S Ed Reed (shoulder), CB Jimmy Smith (abdomen), WR Torrey Smith (back), LB Terrell Suggs (achilles), G Marshal Yanda (shoulder)

Analysis: The Patriots are very healthy, considering it is late in the season. New England lost Pro Bowl tight end Rob Gronkowski for the playoffs last week, and that is the biggest concern. However, the Patriots are 4-1 this season without Gronkowski and have been down this road before. The Ravens have already played two tough playoff games, and it shows on the injury report. But all the big names will most likely be ready for the AFC Championship Game.

The New England Patriots are very healthy heading into the AFC Championship Game.

The Thursday injury report was released, and only one player was limited: defensive end Chandler Jones. New England's first-round pick injured his ankle in last week's win over the Houston Texans.

New England had four players with injury but had full practices. Those players were tailback Danny Woodhead (thumb), corner Marquice Cole (first), offensive lineman Nick McDonald (shoulder) and defensive end Trevor Scott (knee).

The big brother got the best of the little brother in the first meeting. But this time the stakes are higher when siblings Arthur Jones of the Baltimore Ravens face Chandler Jones and the New England Patriots.

A trip to the Super Bowl is on the line for the Jones brothers in Sunday's AFC Championship Game. Baltimore beat New England, 31-30, in Week 3 of the regular season.

Arthur, 26, currently has bragging rights in the family. But the oldest brother knows it's more important to win this weekend.

Whoever advances has a golden opportunity to bring the first Super Bowl ring to the Jones family.

"Absolutely, I rubbed it in his face a little bit," Arthur said Wednesday of beating Chandler in the regular season. "But the bragging rights are not going to matter if I don't win this game. This is a lot bigger game and a lot more at stake than last game."

The good news is one of the Jones brothers will be playing in his first Super Bowl on Feb. 3. The bad news is the other Jones brother will be heartbroken after getting so close in the AFC title game.

However, the first champion among the Jones brothers has already been crowned in a different sport: mixed martial arts. Middle brother Jon Jones, 25, became the UFC light heavyweight champion in 2011 and still holds the title. Jon, when reached on a promotional tour for "The Ultimate Fighter," said this weekend is another great moment for the Jones family.

"I’m so happy for my brothers and I’m excited to see the game this weekend," Jon Jones said. "I know they both want to play in the Super Bowl, so I expect them to play the best games of their lives. I’m proud of Arthur and Chandler.

"I know it’s not easy to make it this far in the NFL, but they’ve both dedicated their lives to becoming the best football players they can be. I can’t wait to see who makes it to the Super Bowl."

There are very few secrets Chandler Jones, 22, keeps from his oldest brother. But this is one of those weeks when he will.

Chandler tweaked his ankle in New England's playoff victory over the Houston Texans, but he did practice on Wednesday. The two close-knit brothers have talked this week. Yet, Chandler is doing his best Bill Belichick impersonation by not informing Arthur of his status.

Still, Arthur knows his younger brother better than anyone and expects Chandler on the field Sunday considering how much is at stake.

“He’s a hard worker, he’s a kid that has heart, and he’s going to be out there no matter what, I think,” Arthur Jones said. “But who knows? I’m not a doctor. I don’t know what’s going on and he’s doing a good job of not telling me.”

Regardless of the outcome, it’s been a great year for the Jones brothers. Chandler and Arthur both made it to the conference title game, while Jon won both of his championship fights in 2012.

It will take Sunday's AFC Championship Game to determine which Jones brother will finish the season at Super Bowl XLVII.

“It’s definitely a blessing for my family, and it’s definitely a unique situation,” Arthur Jones said. “It’s going to be cool. So why not us?”

The New England Patriots received good news on the health front Wednesday. Starting defensive end Chandler Jones and tailback Danny Woodhead were both at the start of practice, ESPNBoston.com reports.

Jones tweaked his ankle in the second half of last weekend's playoff win over the Houston Texans. He didn't finish the game but remained dressed on the sideline. Woodhead injured his thumb on his first carry and also didn't return.

The Patriots will need as many healthy players as possible Sunday against the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Championship Game. New England already lost Pro Bowl tight end Rob Gronkowski for the playoffs with a broken arm.

Here are the most interesting stories Tuesday in the AFC East:

• New York Jets quarterback Tim Tebow's brother apologized for gloating about the Denver Broncos’ loss.

Morning take: Peter Tebow saw the stir that is caused and decided to apologize. But we already know how he really feels.

• The Miami Dolphins plan to add $400 million in stadium renovations that owner Stephen Ross and investors will cover.

Morning take: Miami-Dade County taxpayers don’t have much left to give after helping fund the Miami Marlins new stadium. Ross deserves a lot of credit for footing much of the bill.

• The Buffalo Bills hired Danny Crossman as their special teams coach.

Morning take: The Bills and Jets are interestingly taking two methods to the offseason. Buffalo is moving on fast, while New York is taking its time.

• The New England Patriots' defense has improved since their previous meeting against the Baltimore Ravens.

Morning take: Young players like Chandler Jones, Alfonzo Dennard and Dont’a Hightower have improved and lifted the level of the defense with them. New England’s defense needs to step up big in the playoffs and keep the Ravens from making big plays.

Everyone knows quarterback Tom Brady and the New England Patriots' top-rated offense will be ready for the postseason. But what exactly do we make of New England’s inconsistent defense?

Will we see the aggressive Patriots defense that shut out the Miami Dolphins two weeks ago in the regular-season finale? Or will we see the Patriots defense that was ranked 25th throughout the season, including 29th against the pass?

We will find out if New England's much-maligned defense is playoff-ready when the Patriots (12-4) host the Houston Texans (13-4) Sunday at Gillette Stadium. New England has the worst defense statistically of the eight remaining teams in the NFL playoffs. In the AFC, the defenses of the Denver Broncos (No. 2), Houston Texans (No. 7) and Baltimore Ravens (No. 17) are all ranked significantly ahead of the Patriots.

The Patriots have made several strides defensively from a season ago. But if the old NFL cliché of "defense wins championships" still stands, this could be what derails New England's Super Bowl hopes.

"Obviously when you get a group of guys together for an extended period of time, you're going to get better," Patriots linebacker Jerod Mayo said of the defensive improvements. "But there are also things we had to improve at -- especially communication, getting on the same page and doing things like that."

Last season, New England's porous defense didn't cost the team until the final drive in the Super Bowl. When the Patriots needed a big stop in the fourth quarter against the New York Giants, they couldn't get it and lost the Super Bowl for the second time in four years.

This season, New England's defense is younger, faster and more dynamic. The Patriots were 31st in total defense in 2011 and improved six spots in 2012. But is that good enough?

The Patriots' biggest strength defensively is their physical front seven. New England is ninth against the run, allowing just 101.9 rushing yards per game. Baltimore tailback Ray Rice is the only player this season to rush for more than 100 yards against the Patriots. Two of New England's seven Pro Bowlers this season are on defense in Mayo and defensive tackle Vince Wilfork, who must lead the way in the playoffs.

"We have guys that have been here before and we have guys that haven’t been here before," said Wilfork, who won his only Super Bowl with the Patriots in his rookie season in 2004. "So our job is to make these guys understand what it takes to win, especially in a situation like this."

Stopping the run will be huge against Houston. Texans tailback Arian Foster is the foundation of Houston's offense. The Texans have the eighth-best rushing attack in the NFL, and that opens up Houston's dangerous play-action passes.

New England trounced Houston 42-14 in Week 14. The Patriots stuffed Foster in that meeting, holding the running back to just 46 yards on 15 carries. But Foster is coming to Gillette Stadium with momentum after a 140-yard performance in a wild-card win over the Cincinnati Bengals.

"I expect to see the best. Whatever they have, I expect to see it -- the kitchen sink if it’s called for," Wilfork said. "But last week you saw why [Foster] is one of the top offensive players in the game -- not just a back, but a top offensive player in the game."

New England did very well defensively in the last draft. That is one of the key reasons the Patriots are younger, physical and more athletic. Rookies Chandler Jones, Dont'a Hightower, Tavon Wilson and Alfonzo Dennard have all made an impact.

"Those guys really bring a lot of energy. Those guys are hungry," Mayo said. "Those guys have really kind of fit in very well. They came in trying to learn as much as they could. I always talk about when I came in as a rookie trying to be a sponge and learn as much as I could, and those guys have done the same."

This is also a big game for Patriots No. 1 corner Aqib Talib. New England acquired Talib in a midseason trade with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and the move has paid immediate dividends.

Talib is easily New England's best cover corner and will see a lot of Houston Pro Bowl receiver Andre Johnson in this game.

"Talib's ability to match up on the opponent's best receiver is huge," said Matt Williamson of Scouts Inc. "They now play much more man coverage and blitz more, which helps an average pass rush. It gives Bill Belichick more options, which is exactly what he wants."

New England's defense still has a sour taste in its mouth from last year's postseason. The Patriots cruised in the divisional round against Denver, won a tight contest against Baltimore in the AFC Championship Game, then had a chance to beat the Giants in the Super Bowl. But Eli Manning's heroics against New England's defense killed the Patriots down the stretch. With 3:46 left in the game, New England allowed New York to drive 88 yards on nine plays for the game-winning touchdown.

If the Patriots aim to win a title this year, their defense must be ready to step up and make key stops throughout the playoffs.

"Everyone in the league is hungry for a Super Bowl," Patriots defensive end Rob Ninkovich said. "I want to get back there just like everybody else that’s in the playoffs. The No. 1 goal in your head coming into training camp is, 'Let's get to the Super Bowl.'

"This is what we play the game for."