The AFC East has quickly become one of the NFL’s most exciting divisions. Everyone knows about the superstars—Josh Allen, Tua Tagovailoa, Stefon Diggs, and Sauce Gardner. But what about the unsung heroes? The players who do the dirty work, make a difference, and rarely get the headlines? These are the real engines of a team's success.

Here's our pick for the most underrated player on each AFC East roster heading into Week 2:

  • Buffalo Bills: Khalil Shakir (WR) - While rookie Keon Coleman and the established James Cook get most of the attention, Khalil Shakir is the quiet anchor of the Bills' receiving corps. He’s one of the most reliable slot receivers in the league and a master of getting open on crucial third downs. Coming off a career-best 2024 season, he has become Josh Allen's most trusted target, consistently bailing him out with his reliable hands and precise route running. He's the type of player who makes the entire offense run more smoothly, and he's poised for an even bigger year now that he's the de facto number one receiver.

  • New England Patriots: Keion White (EDGE) - The Patriots’ defensive line is a strength, but Keion White is a budding star who is still flying under the radar. The 2024 first-round pick had a strong sophomore season last year, and this year he’s poised for a major breakout. He has the speed to rush from the edge and the power to move inside, making him a versatile chess piece for the Patriots’ defensive front. In a defense that has recently added veterans to the roster, White is the young, explosive talent who is ready to become a Pro-Bowler and a terror for opposing quarterbacks.

  • Miami Dolphins: De'Von Achane (RB) - It might seem strange to call a player who had such an explosive rookie season "underrated," but that's exactly where Achane stands. With Tua Tagovailoa and Tyreek Hill grabbing all the headlines, Achane’s incredible efficiency and dynamic playmaking ability get lost in the shuffle. When he's healthy, he's one of the most explosive runners in the league, with the ability to turn any play into a touchdown. He’s the home-run threat that keeps defenses honest, and his ability to contribute as a pass-catcher makes him a game-changer who should be talked about as one of the best running backs in the NFL, not just a complementary piece.

  • New York Jets: Jamien Sherwood (LB) - The Jets defense is stacked with talent, from Sauce Gardner to Quinnen Williams. But linebacker Jamien Sherwood is a name you need to know. He's coming off a breakout 2024 campaign that saw him earn All-Pro votes, yet he remains wildly disrespected in the wider football community (and even in the Madden video game, as some reports have pointed out). Sherwood is a highly instinctive linebacker who has the athleticism to excel in coverage and the power to stop the run. He's a true leader of the defense and is the reason the Jets' linebacker corps is now one of the best in the NFL. He's a prime example of a player who has put in the work and is now playing at an elite level.