Geoff JohnsonThere is not much room for an upset in the AFC East division for the 2013 season; there hasn’t been any in a while. The New England Patriots have won 10 of the 12 last division titles, and it seems there isn’t anybody who can stand in front of them to get another one.
The Patriots have the best quarterback-head coach duo in the entire AFC East and possibly in the entire AFC. Inside their division, no one is close.
The only knock on the Patriots is their wide receiving corps which is talented but certainly young. Tom Brady will make it work. Why? Because he’s Tom Brady.
Patriots are 40-23 against the spread vs. AFC East opponents since 2001.
The Dolphins are second on the list but is not close. The arrival of Mike Wallace gives quarterback Ryan Tannehill a nice weapon, but they lost tight end Dustin Keller in the preseason due to an a knee season ending injury.
Dolphins are 1-10 ATS in September home games since 2006.
The Bills drafted a particular quarterback in EJ Manuel, who has looked really good in the preseason. Manuel underwent minor injury and his status is uncertain; Buffalo thinks he’ll be back for the first games of the regular season.
With Manuel under center, the Bills can become a fun team to watch, but that’s about it. They have deep holes in other positions.
The last team of this division is the New York Jets, who seem destined to be one of the worst in the AFC.
Rookie Geno Smith threw three interceptions in the preseason week 3 against the Giants and committed a silly safety. Then, coach Rex Ryan put Marj Sanchez on the field, who looked just as bad. Sanchez left the field with a shoulder injury, and there’s no word about his status for week 1 against the Bucs.
“I understand being second-guessed and stuff when an injury happens — certainly I understand that — but that’s football,” Ryan said.
Here’s how the conference is shaping up as of today…
Odds To Win AFC East
Buffalo Bills 15/1
Miami Dolphins 4/1
New England Patriots 1/5
New York Jets 12/1
