To no one's surprise, the New England Patriots are the favorite to win the AFC East this season. The latest 2013 AFC East Odds from offshore bookmaker TheGreek.com have Tom Brady and company listed as a -650 money line play ($650 wins $100) to capture their fifth consecutive division title. The Miami Dolphins are a clear cut second choice at +400 odds while the Buffalo Bills and New York Jets are drawing +1500 and +2500 odds, respectively.
New England Patriots (-650): The Patriots experienced the most tumultuous offseason of any team in the league as tight end Aaron Hernandez was let go after being charged with murder. New England cornerback Alfonzo Dennard was also arrested for drunken driving while serving probation for an earlier assault on a police officer. And, of course, tight end Rob Gronkowski is a question mark for the start of the season after undergoing multiple surgeries on his forearm and back. The Patriots also lost Tom Brady's favorite target, Wes Welker, to the Broncos in free agency. No matter, though, as no other team in this division looks strong enough to capitalize on New England's misfortune. The woes may not be all that great anyway once the season gets underway; Brady and Bill Belichick have a way of overcoming personnel changes and just about anything else that comes their way.
Miami Dolphins (+400): If there is a team in the East capable of giving the Patriots a run for their money, it is probably the Dolphins. Miami won seven games last year with a first year head coach and a rookie under center. The team added some nice pieces this offseason in wide receiver Mike Wallace, linebacker Dannell Ellerbe, and tight end Dustin Keller, and they have a potential future stars in quarterback Ryan Tannehill and running back Lamar Miller.
Buffalo Bills (+1500): Seeing is believing with the Bills as they are perpetually touted as a team on the come. There is talent on both sides of the ball with players like C.J. Spiller, Fred Jackson, Stevie Johnson, Mario Williams, and Marcel Dareus dotting the roster, but quarterback, despite the additions of Kevin Kolb and rookie E.J. Manuel, remains a question mark. Consequently, so does Buffalo.
New York Jets (+2500): Rex Ryan's days of barking about winning the Super Bowl are over and his days as coach of the Jets may be as well if New York produces another 6-10 finish. Unfortunately for Ryan, that seems like a distinct possibility given the Jets lack of offensive punch. New York's offense ranked 30th in the league last year (299.2 yards per game), and it could easily finish there again unless Mark Sanchez figures out how not to suck.
2013 AFC East Odds:
New England Patriots -650
Miami Dolphins +400
Buffalo Bills +1500
New York Jets +2500
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