For the better part of the last two decades, the AFC East has been rather easy to predict. The New England Patriots are always the favorites and almost always win it. Then it’s a battle for second place between the Dolphins, Bills and Jets.
This year could be different. Buffalo gave New England a fight into the final month in 2019 and could be ready to overtake the Patriots in 2020.
AFC East Standings [2019]
| AFC | EAST | W | L | T |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Patriots | 12 | 4 | 0 |
 | Bills | 10 | 6 | 0 |
 | Jets | 7 | 9 | 0 |
 | Dolphins | 5 | 11 | 0 |
The Patriots are slight favorites despite losing QB Tom Brady, DT Danny Shelton, LB Kyle Van Noy and LB Jamie Collins. It appears Jarrett Stidham will start at quarterback. The Patriots could also tank the season with salary cap problems and the potential to select Clemson QB Trevor Lawrence in the 2021 NFL Draft. I don’t think anyone believes Stidham is the future in Foxborough.
The Bills won 10 games last year and gave QB Josh Allen more weapons, including WR Stefon Diggs. The Dolphins have the next best quarterback in the division in Ryan Fitzpatrick, and they spent a lot of money in free agency on defense. Their defense should be better and the offensive line is better as well.
And then there’s the Jets.
I think Sam Darnold will have a decent career, but not really All-Pro stuff. Head coach Adam Gase’s job might on the line this season. The key is to get Le’Veon Bell back to his Pittsburgh glory days, but I don’t see that happening.
Odds to Win AFC East:
New England Patriots +115
Buffalo Bills +135
New York Jets +700
Miami Dolphins +800
Season Win Totals:
New England Patriots 9 u130
Buffalo Bills 9 o120
New York Jets 6.5 o130
Miami Dolphins 6 o145
Jay’s Season Win Total Best Bet: With what the Patriots lost and their brutal schedule, I don’t see them winning more than eight games, so take New England UNDER 9 -130.
Jay’s Pick to Win Division: I’ve just ruled-out the Patriots winning the East, so the next logical team is the Bills. Josh Allen isn’t a superstar, but he’s good enough to run an offense efficiently and the defense is terrific. Buffalo +135
To see more odds and props for the AFC East, click here.
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