Before we get to the NFL Week 1 odds, there are a number of props
available, which includes picking division winners. Today’s look is at the AFC
East, where the former kings should bounce back to regain their crown.
New England is a massive online betting
favorite to win their seventh title since 2000 at -780, and it’s all about the
return of Tom Brady, who was the league MVP in 2007 but missed virtually all of
last season with a knee injury. Brady has looked great in the preseason, which
should mean a return to form for the Patriots’ offense, which actually didn’t
do too badly with Matt Cassel at the helm. The defense, which was 10th
in the league last year, is led by a strong front seven, but the secondary lost
Ellis Hobbs to Philadelphia.
Buffalo is next at +900, and the acquisition of Terrell
Owens gives the Bills a whole new outlook. They’ve even been experimenting with
the no-huddle offense, which the Bills used in their 1990s heyday, and it has
worked well in the preseason. The defense is powered by a solid and underrated
secondary, but they need to get more of a pass rush: Buffalo was 28th
in sacks in 2009.
The New York Jets are listed at +950 by betting services,
and new coach Rex Ryan has inherited a lot of good pieces. Thomas Jones is good
enough to carry the offense until rookie Mark Sanchez gets used to the NFL, but
the former USC star has looked impressive in the preseason. Ryan’s bread and
butter is defense, as he led Baltimore for nine years, and he started by
bringing in Bart Scott from the Ravens, along with Lito Sheppard, the Philly
corner who should help the Jets in a pass-happy divisions.
Miami, who won the AFC East last year, brings up the
rear at +1000, and the league will be prepared for the Wildcat offense now. Chad
Pennington was second in the league in passer rating, but his lack of arm
strength prevents the Dolphins from going deep. Jason Taylor returned to Miami,
and he could form a very formidable pass-rush duo with Joey Porter. They also
picked up Gibril Wilson from Oakland to man the safety position. Everyone is
expecting a drop-off from the Dolphins, but with their odds, they’re worth a
risk in your sports
picks.