NFL odds: The
AFC East was expected to be one of the most competitive divisions in the NFL.
Things haven't gotten any less competitive, as all four teams went 2-2 in their
four exhibitions.
spread odds betting odds handicapping pick nfl
This
division is still going to be an incredible one to watch and a difficult one
for the NFL Bookmakers and handicappers.
+135,
+430, +3000
Potentially Potent First Team for Pats
Head
coach Bill Belichick has to be concerned about a number of different things
after the preseason ended. His offense ran fewer players (229) than any other
team in the AFC. The Pats averaged scoring a relatively hefty 26.8 PPG, and it
was the first team that really did the majority of the damage. Quarterback Tom
Brady looked incredibly efficient during his time on the field, completing 74.0
percent of his passes for 476 yards and five TDs.
The
real problems on handicapping the Pats come on defense and with the rushing game. On the ground, the
Pats really don't know who their starting back is going to be. Laurence Maroney
was second on the team in carries, but it seemed like the majority of his work
before the end of the preseason came in short yardage situation. The path might
be paved for BenJarvus Green-Ellis to start, but averaging just 2.5 YPC can't
make Belichick happy.
Defensively,
the third preseason game had to be considered a disappointment. In what
should've been a dress rehearsal for the regular season, the lowly St. Louis
Rams marched into Gillette Stadium and won 36-35, dominating time of possession
by more than a 2:1 ratio.
There is still plenty of work for New
England to do, yet it still sits as the plus 130 NFL betting favorite to win
this division at 5Dimes.
Jets Still Stuck Without Revis Island
The
fact that the Jets went 2-2 in the preseason has clearly taken a backseat to
the fact that DB Darrelle Revis is still holding out. There is a legitimate
possibility that the franchise's top cornerback might not be playing to start
the regular season, though the men in white and green are still optimistic that
a deal will get done.
There
were five quarterbacks that came into training camp for the Jets, but neither
Erik Ainge nor Kevin O'Connell survived final cuts. Head coach Rex Ryan is
going with Mark Sanchez to start and Mark Brunell as the backup. Kellen Clemens
will be the third stringer.
New York had the worst offense
in the division, scoring just 57 points in four games, but it also had the best
defense with just 67 total points allowed. This is still the second choice at
5Dimes on the NFL betting lines at plus 135.
Making Waves in Miami
The Dolphins have been the team
that many have been keeping an eye on this year in the AFC East, and for good
reason. They have fantastic football odds to top this division (+430 at 5Dimes) and were
only the division champs two years ago.
Head coach Tony Sparano wasn't so
sold on his men though after a 16-6 dress rehearsal loss to the Atlanta Falcons
and made them play in the final preseason game as well. Scoring just 68 points
in four games isn't going to cut it for a team that is trying to rebuild on
defense.
The debut of WR Brandon Marshall
went well, as he had eight catches for a team high 122 yards. Quarterback Chad
Henne wasn't exactly stellar though, which can't sit well in South Beach.
The former Michigan Wolverine went just 32-for-58 for 346 yards with two scores
and an INT.
Defense Optional for Bills
Yikes. Allowing 42 points in the
opening preseason game is never a good thing. Though things got better for Buffalo in its final
three exhibitions, there was not a game that made head coach Chan Gailey happy,
as all four foes scored at least 20 points.
The offense did shine at times,
particularly in the rushing game. First round draft choice RB CJ Spiller had
some good moments and did score three times. He tallied 122 yards on 26 carries
and caught three passes for 35 yards to boot. Three different running backs
topped the 100 yard mark.
The 'D' picked off three passes,
all of which were returned for touchdowns, which somewhat skewed the offense's
27.3 PPG average.
This is still a team with a ton
of work to do, the NFL oddsmakers know it. The Bills are plus 3000 to win this
division.
Top NFL Betting Action on the Jets, Miami and the Bills at 5Dimes.com