AFC East Division Odds to Win
(The Spread) – Despite their tumultuous offseason, the New England Patriots remain favored to win the AFC East Division this NFL season.
According to oddsmakers from online sports book Bovada.lv, the Patriots are 1/4 favorites to win the AFC East Division in 2013-14. The Dolphins have the next-best odds at 7/2, while the Bills and Jets are both 16/1 long shots to win the division heading into the new NFL season.
The Patriots are in the midst of an offseason shrouded by controversy. Rob Gronkowski’s injury situation and off-field behavior were big topics of discussions, at least until former teammate Aaron Hernandez was arrested and charged with murder. New England also lost free agent Wes Welker to the Broncos, although they did sign former Ram Danny Amendola to take his place.
With Tom Brady and Bill Belichick at the helm, the Patriots remain the favorite to win the AFC East, although the Dolphins have seemingly closed the gap. They signed free agents Mike Wallace, Dannell Ellerbe, Phillip Wheeler, Tyson Clabo and Brent Grimes, although losing Jake Long (Rams) is a major concern. How big of a leap second-year quarterback Ryan Tannehill takes in his development could be the difference between Miami being a .500 team and one that challenges for a wild card berth.
The Bills and Jets, meanwhile, are clear long shots. Buffalo will either rely on journeyman Kevin Kolb to start under center, or rookie E.J. Manuel, who has reportedly been more impressive than Kolb in training camp but who is also very raw. And speaking of quarterbacks, Mark Sanchez is on his last legs in New York, which drafted Geno Smith in the second round this season. Sanchez and head coach Rex Ryan might both be looking for work at some point this year.
2014 AFC East Division Odds to Win
New England Patriots 1/4
Miami Dolphins 7/2
Buffalo Bills 16/1
New York Jets 16/1
Want More From TheSpread.com? Follow us on Twitter and Facebook or Subscribe to Our News Feeds!