NFL Division Previews: AFC East Preview

1. New England Patriots, Odds -150

The Patriots have been the model of consistency in the NFL for the past 15 years. Over that period of time two things have remained consent, quarterback Tom Brady and head coach Bill Belichick. The Patriots will likely be without the services of Tom Brady for the first four games of the season due to suspension. In 2008 the Patriots lost Brady in week one of the season to a torn ACL but still finished the season 11-5 and narrowly missed the playoffs.

Even without Brady, the Patriots are the reigning Super Bowl Champions and have a well-crafted roster including otherworldly tight end Rob Gronkowski and defensive end Chandler Jones (brother of UFC star Jon Jones).

2. Buffalo Bills, +425

The Buffalo Bills finished with their first winning record last season since 2004. After the tumultuous exit of head coach Doug Marrone, the Bills went out and hired former New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan. Ryan known primarily for his defensive mind inherits an excellent Bills defense. The Bills also traded for running back Lesean McCoy in the offseason to help improve an offense lacking an established starting quarterback. The quarterback situation in Buffalo is much muddied at this moment in time, with three currently fighting for the job. Buffalo’s first round draft pick in 2013, E.J Manuel has not shown much to impressive over his first two season and was benched last year in favour of vetern Kyle Orton. Former Pro Bowler Matt Cassell and the versatile Tyrod Taylor are competing with Manuel for the starting spot

3. Miami Dolphins, +400

Head Coach Joe Philbin and quarterback Ryan Tannehill each enter their fourth year in Miami, hoping to improve enough to finally make the necessary step forward from average to playoff team. The Dolphins had a busy offseason which included signing defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh. Suh is one of the most fearsome players in the league, frequently drawing double teams, even the odd triple team. Suh's talent has been overshadowed in the past by his dirty play, resulting in 8 fines and two suspensions over the past five seasons.

With the Dolphins signing tight end Jordan Cameron and acquiring three new receivers, the offense is improved just enough for a playoff push, but still lacks any superstars. The Dolphins will once again be an average team, on the fringe of the playoffs.   

4. New York Jets, +750

The New York Jets enter the 2015 season with a new head coach but the same problems that have kept them out of the post season for the past four years, a large question mark at quarterback. The Jets have an intimidating defensive line and with Darrelle Revis returning, the secondary is immediately improved. The group will keep the Jets in a lot of games in 2015 but it will be up to their quarterback, either NFL journeyman Ryan Fitzpatrick or the erratic Geno Smith, to increaase their win total enough for a shot at the playoffs.

New coach Todd Bowles (former defensive coordinator for the Arizona Cardinals) has a tough task ahead of him. Since Smith was not drafted by Bowles and Fitzpatrick is just a temporary fix, 2015 may be more of a transition year for the Jets than anything else. Of course if Smith can finally develop consistency and the addition of Brandon Marshall to the receiving core, the Jets’ offense may finally take flight.   

Category : Betting Picks

Tag : afc east , betting , buffalo bills , dolphins , jets , new england patriots , nfl

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