The 2022/23 NFL season is fast approaching, with preseason starting in a matter of weeks. As teams solidify their preseason rosters and players get back into NFL-ready shape, sports bettors around the country are also getting in their early reps, but in a slightly different way.
In anticipation of the upcoming NFL season, we’ll be taking a look at the early odds for the AFC East Division and breaking down each team’s chances of claiming the title.
The Buffalo Bills are heavy favorites to win the division, with DraftKings Sportsbook offering odds at -225 for them to win the division, followed by the Miami Dolphins (+450), Patriots (+500), and the Jets (+2200). If you want to place a wager on the AFC East Division you can find a selection of the best legal sports betting sites on UnitedGamblers.
Without further ado, let’s jump into each team’s chances of winning the AFC East this year.
1. Buffalo Bills (-225)
The Bills aren’t just favorites to win the AFC East, they’re also currently favored to win the Super Bowl this year. Led by superstar QB Josh Allen, who also happens to be the frontrunner for this year’s MVP award, the Bills have an absolutely stacked team talent-wise on both ends of the football. The Bills made a move this offseason for future hall of fame linebacker Von Miller who is sure to help Buffalo’s pass rush. Heading into this year’s draft the Bills had one hole to fill at cornerback, which was promptly handled with the first-round pick of Florida’s Kaiir Elam.
Building your own fantasy team? Check out this MUST READ article by Kyle Radimer of Inhale Sports – Quarterback Rankings 2022 Fantasy Football
This year’s Buffalo Bills look stronger than ever and therefore make them a no-brainer to take the AFC East title this year.
2. Miami Dolphins (+450)
The Dolphins were busy this offseason, acquiring some hyper-talented players and new coaches to help Tua Tagovailoa push this team to a hopeful division title. With a new head coach, Mike McDaniel, and a string of fresh talent, Miami is looking like a renewed version of its former self. Chase Edmonds, Sony Michel, and Raheem Mostert make up a fresh new set of RBs for the Dolphins, however, the most notable pickup during the offseason was for superstar receiver Tyreek Hill.
The speed and strength between these players alone will make for some exciting football to watch, and if everyone stays happy and healthy down in South Beach, a division title upset isn’t out of the realm of possibility.
3. New England Patriots (+500)
After going a very respectable 10-7 last season, we were a bit surprised to see the Dolphins (9-8 last season) being favored over the Patriots by the oddsmakers (for perspective, the AFC Champion Bills finished last season at 11-6). The Patriots’ main strength as a team is in their elite-level coaching staff, led by NFL legend Bill Belichick. Which is both a good and bad problem to have. The lack of an offensive talisman and go-to weapon may stunt their chances as a team, especially considering Mac Jones has only proved himself as a good, not great, QB in his first season. Patriots fans are hoping that Jones will have worked on his arm strength during the offseason so the Patriots can attack teams in the air as well, and don’t have to just rely on running teams into the ground and defending their way to victory.
4. New York Jets (+2200)
The Jets are looking to have their first winning season since 2015. However, after rookie QB Zach Wilson’s atrocious inaugural season in the NFL, that could be a tall order to fulfill if he performs the same way he did last season. Wilson, who was the second-overall pick in last year’s draft, put up some truly disappointing numbers over the course of last season, throwing just 9 touchdown passes compared to 13 interceptions (averaging 1 interception per start) with a 28.2 QBR. However, the Jets did bolster their roster this offseason with the addition of talented offensive players like C.J. Uzomah and using the 10th overall pick on receiver Garrett Wilson. With more offensive tools at Wilson’s disposal, the Jets are hoping his sophomore year will turn out much differently than his rookie year.
In terms of winning the AFC East, I wouldn’t hold your breath, Jets fans.
