NFL Football Online Betting – AFC East Preview
The Jets are looking to make a run to the top of the AFC East with their recent signings while the Patriots look to continue their dominance in the division. The Bills are hoping to move out from the basement of the AFC East but first will need a starting quarterback and the Dolphins hope the addition of Brandon Marshal will be the key to their success. Here’s how the AFC East breaks down for the 2010 regular season:
New England Patriots
Looking to bounce back from a loss to the Ravens in the playoffs, New England will rely on the consistency of Tom Brady and Wes Welker, who is rehabbing from a knee injury. The key factor for the Patriots will be their offence. Can Wes Welker get back to prime form throughout the season and does Randy Moss still have the speed to blow by the secondary? The defense will rely on linebackers Adelius Thomas and Jerod Mayo to put pressure on the opposing offence. If they can get consistent production from quarterback Tom Brady and the rest of the offense who was 3rd in passing yards per game last season and if the genius mind of Bill Belichick continues to devise ways to confuse the opposition’s defense, the Patriots will be at the top of the AFC East come playoff time.
Prediction: 1st in AFC East
Miami Dolphins
Newly acquired Brandon Marshall will give a huge boost to their offense; however the quarterback position is still a major issue for the Dolphins. Chad Henne had a solid campaign after stepping in for Chad Pennington who blew out his shoulder last season. The concern entering this upcoming season is whether Henne can get it done on the field and make the transition into a franchise quarterback. The Dolphins are going to rely on the running game of Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams, which was 4th overall last season in rushing yards per game to provide the majority of the offense. The Dolphins have a tough schedule early on the season with games against the Vikings, Jets, Patriots, Packers and Steelers. If the Dolphins are going to have a chance at making the playoffs they are going to have to find a way to win against these teams.
Prediction: 3rd in AFC East
Buffalo Bills
The Buffalo Bills have not made the playoffs since 1999. In order to do so they must rid themselves of their offensive and defensive woes. Their biggest issue is at the quarterback position. A starter for the season has not been named as Trent Edwards, Brian Brohm, Levi Brown and Ryan Fitzpatrick battle it out for the starting spot. Whoever the starter is must step up and be consistent as the Bills were just 30th in the league last season in passing yards per game, especially when you have an underrated wide receiver in Lee Evans. On the defensive end, the Bills are going to need a much better defensive line that gave up 156 yards rushing per game last season. The bills will have to win big games against their AFC East counterparts if they are going to have any hope at making the playoffs.
Betting Prediction: 4th in AFC East
New York Jets
The New York Jets surprised a lot of people last season. They are only getting better. With Mark Sanchez having one year as an NFL quarterback under his belt and a host of free agent signings that include Jason Taylor, Laverneus Coles and Ladainian Tomlinson, the Jets look even better on paper. With the combination of Shaun Greene and Ladainian Tomlinson rushing the ball and Braylon Edwards, Santonio Holmes, and Coles as the receiving core, the Jets have arguably the best offense in the NFL. The Jets will also look to Darelle Revis to continue his domination on the defensive end for a Jets team that was first in opposition passing yards last season. The question this upcoming season is whether Mark Sanchez will be a victim of the sophomore jinx. If he continues to get better, the Jets will make a serious run in the AFC.
