AFC East Odds to Win
After winning yet another Super Bowl under Bill Belichick, the Patriots are the clear favorite to repeat as AFC East champs.
According to oddsmakers from online sports book Bovada.lv, New England is 1/12 to win the East and no team in the division has comparable odds. The Dolphins have the next-best odds at 8/1, followed by the Bills at 15/1 and the Jets at 75/1.
New England Patriots (1/12)
Belichick and Co. were more active in free agency then they have been in years past. They signed cornerback Stephon Gilmore and linebacker David Harris, traded for defensive end Kony Ealy, formerly of the Panthers, and traded for Saints receiver Brandin Cooks. They also signed running backs Mike Gillslee and Rex Burkhead to complete an active offseason. This is one of the deepest teams in the league and I wouldn’t bet against them in the division. The problem is the Patriots don’t offer much value, so your return on investment is low.
Miami Dolphins (8/1)
While they weren’t as active as the Patriots, the Dolphins did make some moves in free agency. They signed linebacker Lawrence Timmons (Steelers) to a two-year, $12 million contract and re-signed receiver Kenny Stills to a four-year, $32 million pact. Safety Reshad Jones got a new five-year, $60 million extension and Miami also acquired tight end Julius Thomas from the Jaguars for a seventh-round pick. Nate Allen, William Hayes and Andre Branch were also added, as was first-round pick Charles Harris, who will add to the Dolphins’ already deep defensive line.
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Buffalo Bills (15/1)
The Bills will have a new coach in 2017, as former Panthers defensive coordinator Sean McDermott takes over in Buffalo. The team didn’t make a ton of moves in free agency, although they did add fullbacks Patrick DiMarco and Mike Tolbert, as well as defensive back Micah Hyde. Draft picks Tre’Davious White, Zay Jones and Dion Dawkins are expected to play significant roles for the team in 2017.
New York Jets (75/1)
The Jets are in clear rebuild mode (or, depending on how you view it, are tanking). The team released Brandon Marshall, Eric Decker and David Harris. Rumors circulated all offseason that Sheldon Richardson could be traded, although he remains on the roster. The biggest problem is at quarterback, where journeyman Josh McCown is expected to start. Bryce Petty and Christian Hackenberg are also in the mix, although neither are franchise arms. It’s going to be a long season in New York.