1. New England Patriots (+125 odds to win AFC East)
2009 Record: 10-6 (1st)
While New England has won six of the last seven AFC East titles, the club began to look a little vulnerable in 2009. Quarterback Tom Brady was solid in his return to the lineup a year ago but the offense was unable to recapture the magic from a dominant 2007 campaign. The Pats are hoping that wideout Wes Welker will be able to return as a force after a devastating knee injury in week 17 last season. On defense, the Patriots were able to maintain a capable unit in 2009 despite a significant turnover in personnel. After struggling to a 2-6 road mark last NFL Betting season, New England will face only a pair of 2009 postseason squads away from home in 2010. In contrast, six 2009 playoff clubs will visit the Patriots this season.
2. New York Jets (+140 odds to win AFC East)
2009 Record: 9-7 (2nd)
After it’s run to the AFC title game last season, the Jets could be poised to win its first AFC East crown since 2002. A dominant defense that led the league in total and scoring defense in 2009 could be even better this season. Cornerback Antonio Cromartie has been added to the secondary while defensive lineman Kris Jenkins is set to return after missing most of last season. On offense, former Steelers wideout Santonio Holmes will help in the development of second-year QB Mark Sanchez. Running back LaDainian Tomlinson will try to revitalize his career with the Jets in 2010. With Baltimore and New England set to visit the Jets in the first two weeks of the season, New York will be tested early.
3. Miami Dolphins (+300 odds to win AFC East)
2009 Record: 7-9 (3rd)
After being one of the biggest surprises in the league in 2008, Miami regressed in 2009. The collapse of the defense was one of the biggest problems a year ago. The Dolphins slipped to 25th in the league in scoring defense in 2009 after ranking 9th in this category in 2008. Miami is hoping that former Cardinals linebacker Karlos Dansby will aid a turnaround in 2010. On offense, the Dolphins made a bigger splash in the offseason with the acquisition of wideout Brandon Marshall from Denver. His arrival should help the progress of young signal-caller Chad Henne. The schedule is one of the most challenging in the NFL this season. After the opener in Buffalo, the Dolphins will play eight straight games against teams that were .500 or better in 2009.
4. Buffalo Bills (+2000 odds to win AFC East)
2009 Record: 6-10 (4th)
Buffalo produced only one winning campaign in the last decade and hasn’t won a division title since 1995. Even with a new head coach on board, things are unlikely to get much better in 2010. Rookie running back C.J. Spiller should be able to add some spark to the offense. However, a questionable group of candidates for the starting quarterback spot has left the offense with some issues heading into 2010. The unit has finished in the bottom eight in the league in total offense in each of the last seven years. The defense is respectable but not an overwhelming group. Buffalo must face six 2009 playoff teams on the road this season.
BetVega.com Best Bet To Win AFC East in 2010-2011 NFL Betting Season:
The NY Jets at +140 odds means you win $140 on a $100 wager. It may not be the biggest ROI potential, but the NY Jets look to be in a strong talent window that may last for a few seasons. How Vegas and the online bookmakers can still list the Patriots as the favorite to win the AFC East is a bit baffling.
See live NFL Odds every week of the NFL Lines season. Also check out updated 2011 Super Bowl Odds.
About Uncle Jay
[...] most analysts are focused on the Patriots and Jets in the AFC East, the Dolphins are a team that shouldn’t be overlooked. Miami was one of the top surprises in [...]