NFL betting on the AFC East has been a rollercoaster over the last few years. The Dolphins were a one-win team, then a division champ, then out of the playoffs again. The Jets were a non-playoff team two years ago and a powerhouse last year. Even the Patriots sat out the playoffs once over the last three seasons. The only constant: Buffalo's awfulness.
BUFFALO BILLS
NFL futures odds: +2000
If you want my pick to be the NFL's worst team in 2010 – worse than the Browns, the Rams or the Lions – look no further. The Bills have the NFL's worst offensive line, so it doesn't matter that they have a decent stable of runners led by Fred Jackson and C.J. Spiller. You can't explode through holes when there aren't any. The quarterbacking situation is a nightmare and the run defense is absolutely atrocious. Stay far, far away from the Bills unless you're betting against them – which could be very profitable.
MIAMI DOLPHINS
NFL futures odds: +325
Careful not to underestimate the Dolphins. This isn't a perfect football team; unless Vontae Davis makes huge strides, the pass defense will be suspect again. But I have a good feeling about Miami's offense. Even if Ronnie Brown gets hurt again, Ricky Williams showed last season that this team can run the ball no matter what. On top of that, strong-armed Chad Henne has a legit target in Brandon Marshall, who is good enough to transform a team's passing game overnight. The Dolphins are in the hunt.
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
NFL futures odds: +130
Bust alert! The Pats' key offense pieces – Tom Brady, Randy Moss, Wes Welker, Sammy Morris, etc. – are all well into their 30s. I'm not convinced the Pats have an elite offense anymore; it will simply be above average and will put more pressure on a good but not great defense. I wouldn't be surprised one bit to see New England go 8-8, finish third in the AFC East and miss the playoffs.
NEW YORK JETS
NFL futures odds: +130
I have to think the Jets are the class of the division. With or without Darrelle Revis (who is holding out), Rex Ryan's defense remains elite against the pass or the run. Mark Sanchez should improve behind center in theory; sports odds and scores believes so. How could he not when he's added Santonio Holmes and Laveranues Coles to a receiving corps that already included Jerricho Cotchery and Braylon Edwards? And watch out for angry-runnin' Shonn Greene, who looks like the next Larry Johnson (in his prime) to me.
The Pick: If Miami's defense matches the strides I expect its offense to make, the Dolphins will make things interesting. And you never know what Bill Belichick and Tom Brady can pull out of their hats in New England. But I fully expect the Jets to win the AFC East and contend for the conference crown.
