The AFC East is expected to be one of the top divisions in the NFL this year as there is a lot of excitement. With four teams that all have a realistic expectation of making the postseason, only one can win the division to guarantee it.
Let’s take a deeper dive into the odds and discuss why we should or should not place a wager on them to win the AFC East this season.
All odds are courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook and could shift.
Buffalo Bills (+120)
The Buffalo Bills are the favorite to win the AFC East and it makes sense. They have been the most consistent team in the division the previous few seasons and should continue to play well. The season-ending injury to running back Nyheim Hines and the Bills wanting quarterback Josh Allen to run the ball less causes some concerns on that side of things.
Another story that has not had a resolution is the Stefon Diggs drama and if he is unhappy, things can turn sour here. The Bills have the fourth-most difficult schedule and the second half of their schedule in particular could be hellish with games against Cincinnati, Denver, New York Jets, Philadelphia, Kansas City, Dallas, Los Angeles Chargers, New England and Miami in that order. With how the division looks, +120 is not enough value and wait until further in the season to find some value.
New York Jets (+270)
The Jets have a great young core and added one of the top quarterbacks of all-time in Aaron Rodgers. This team has a lot of talent and will be tested early in the year. They have an early bye week at Week 7 but their toughest challenges are within the first six weeks. They have Buffalo, Dallas, New England, Kansas City, Denver and Philadelphia to kick off the year.
This is where you can get some value and this makes a lot of sense. Head coach Robert Saleh is playing for his job and this can be a huge year. This defense is solid and Rodgers does not need a lot of time from this offensive line to get going. I would take a flyer on the Jets to win the AFC East.
Miami Dolphins (+300)
Miami is an interesting story because of the health of some key players. First is quarterback Tua Tagovailoa as he suffered multiple concussions last year. When healthy in the Mike McDaniels’ offensive scheme, he can thrive but health is a big question mark. The team has a solid 1-2 punch at the wide receiver position with Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle while adding some running back help.
The defense is a bit of a concern after cornerback Jalen Ramsey went down with a knee injury that will cost him a majority of the season. Xavien Howard and Eli Apple are decent but their roles change dramatically now. Miami is interesting and I would be a little hesitant on being a believer in the Dolphins until they prove they can be good. Maybe if Dalvin Cook joins as another weapon I will change my mind.
New England Patriots (+800)
This is where I find a lot of value and at +800 I would advise betting on it. Quarterback Mac Jones has an actual offensive mind in Bill O’Brien as his offensive coordinator The offense has a solid wide receiver room with Devante Parker and Juju Smith-Schuster and the running backs should play well leading with Rhamondre Stevenson in the backfield. Even if Mac Jones goes down with an injury, Bailey Zappe shown the ability to control the offense.
Their defense took a step back in terms of talent but with Bill Belichick’s mind, the players are going to be in the best position to succeed. This Patriots team is going to be in a great position to win games if they can score 20+ points and that is not asking too much out of the offense.
