NFL Betting – AFC East Odds and Preview 2020

• Finally the Patriots not expected to dominate the AFC East

• Bills slight favorite to win the division

• While Pats unloaded Tom Brady and some top defensive players Bills load up on offense

• Jets are a sleeper that would pay out $730 for every $100 bet

• Bookmaker offering a generous welcome bonus with a $1000 maximum bonus

Is the New England Patriots’ reign of terror in the AFC East about to come to an end? The Pats have won the division the last 11 seasons, setting a NFL record. However, for the first time in two decades they are about to embark on a season without Tom Brady as their quarterback. The Buffalo Bills closed the gap last season winning 10 games, pushing the Pats to the brink before falling short in the end. The Bills are currently the favorite at BookMaker.eu to dethrone New England acquiring enough assets to perk up an offense that was the team’s weakest area.

Odds to Win 2020 AFC East

Buffalo Bills +115
New England Patriots +131
New York Jets +730
Miami Dolphins +1135

AFC East Preview

We haven’t said this in years but the AFC East could finally be competitive. After winning 11 consecutive division titles and 17 of 19 since Brady became the starter, the Pats are rebuilding. Players came and went in New England, but the one constant since 2001 was the coach-quarterback combo of Bill Belichick and Brady. With the duo now broken up, the Pats are finally ripe for the picking and the rest of the division is eyeing the top spot.

The Dolphins were the last team other than the Pats to win the title, though it wasn’t outright. The Fins and Pats both went 11-5 in 2008 with Miami winning the tie-breaker. Brady sustained a season-ending knee injury in the opener and was replaced by Matt Cassel, who turned that season into a big payday. And it further proved that the Pats’ success is based on the system and not necessarily the player. That’s why it’s hard to overlook New England.

There are a lot of question marks about the Pats, though. They acquired retread Brian Hoyer in the offseason and didn’t draft a quarterback, leaving Jarrett Stidham as the presumptive starter unless Cam Newton is signed. Stidham threw for over 7,200 yards with 48 touchdowns during his collegiate career and spent last season as Brady’s backup. At least he learned from the best, though he didn’t get much playing time. In three games he threw four passes including a pick-six.

The departure of Brady is big, but it isn’t the only one. A number of players from the NFL’s top defense defected. Jamie Collins, who collected seven sacks and three picks, is gone, along with fellow starters Kyle Van Noy, Danny Shelton and Duron Harmon.

The door is wide open for the other teams to make a move. The sexy pick is Buffalo, which loaded up on offensive players during the offseason. The biggest acquisition was Stefon Diggs, who immediately gives them an outside threat, something lacking last season. The Bills ranked 24th in total yards and 26th in pass offense with just 201.8 yards per game. An area that needed improvement got it.

And the Bills didn’t give up much from the defensive side of the football. They were aggressive last year allowing the second fewest points and the third-fewest yards in the league. In a couple of solid moves they added Mario Addison up front and Josh Norman in the secondary. Give them a more dynamic offense led by Josh Allen, and the Bills are a team that will make some noise in the AFC.

There’s not a lot of value with the two favorites. If you’re looking for a sleeper the Jets are poised to make a move. Now is the time for Sam Darnold to show the organization he was worth being selected third overall in 2018. Things haven’t gone according to plan for him or the team. He started for a bad team as a rookie and dealt with a case of mono last year that cost him three games and plenty of prep time. Reshaping the offense was a must and the line looks drastically improved with first-round pick Mekhi Becton slotted at left tackle. Denzel Mims is a playmaking threat that should open things up for Le’Veon Bell.

Miami might be the most improved team in the NFL, but having to rely on an aging quarterback isn’t going to help them move up the standings. Ryan Fitzpatrick is keeping the seat warm for top draft pick Tua Tagovailoa. There is plenty to like about the Dolphins’ trajectory. They added a number of quality players during the offseason but are likely a year or two away from being a legitimate contender.

2020 AFC East Pick

It looks like we’ll finally have some intrigue within the division. The Pats have fallen back to the pack now that Brady traded his parka for a speedo. Belichick always has some surprises and I’m sure we’ll see something before the season starts. Allen had a nice year in 2019 and he’s poised for bigger things now that he has the weapons. And the defense is the best in the division.

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- Phil Simon, Gambling911.com