Here is an unexpected kick in the stomach for Miami Dolphins fans.

According to Pro Football Focus, which has earned credibility in NFL circles with its stats-based analysis, Miami has the worst roster in the AFC East. The New England Patriots (No. 4), Buffalo Bills (No. 15) and New York Jets (No. 21) all received higher grades, which throws some cold water on the high expectations the Dolphins (No. 23) have this season.

Here is a sample of PFF's full article:

“The Dolphins are a fashionable pick to be contenders this season, and Tom Brady's suspension does provide a potential opening in the AFC East. But on paper they don't look as ready to seize the opportunity as the other two teams in the division.”

Is this correct? Do the Dolphins really have the worst roster in the division?

Let’s start with the Patriots. They lost a lot of talent this offseason (Darrelle Revis, Vince Wilfork, Brandon Browner, Shane Vereen, Stevan Ridley), but they are the defending Super Bowl champions. New England has dominated the division for 14 years and deserves the benefit of the doubt until proven otherwise. However, I do think a No. 4 overall ranking by Pro Football Focus is a little high. New England isn't as deep and talented as previous years, and Brady will begin the season on suspension.

I do like what the Bills are putting together under new head coach Rex Ryan. Pro Football Focus rating Buffalo as the NFL's No. 15 roster sound about right. In fact, if you take the quarterback issue out of the equation, the Bills could have a top-10 roster led by a stud defensive line that includes Mario Williams, Marcell Dareus, Kyle Williams and Jerry Hughes. Running back LeSean McCoy, receiver Sammy Watkins and tight end Charles Clay also provide good weapons on offense. The rosters are close between Miami and Buffalo. The Bills have a little more depth, but the Dolphins have a huge advantage with a solid starting quarterback (Ryan Tannehill). I give the slight roster edge to Miami, because a lot of weight is on the quarterback position, and EJ Manuel and Matt Cassel both have the potential to hold Buffalo back with shaky play.

The Jets are improved but don't have a better roster than the Dolphins or Bills. Most of New York’s talent is on defense with the addition of Revis and a physical defensive line. Similar to the Bills, the Jets also have a big quarterback issue. Geno Smith, Ryan Fitzpatrick and Bryce Petty are not the answers. The Jets likely will be looking for a starting quarterback next year but must make the most out of it this season. New York has a lot of aging veterans and appears stuck between rebuilding and trying to make a run under first-year head coach Todd Bowles.

Does PFF's ranking mean Miami will finish last in the AFC East? Probably not. But this analysis makes you re-examine a few things, such as Miami's depth issue and the amount of overall talent added to the AFC East.