2012 NFL AFC Vegas Odds and Experts Predictions: Favorites, Dark Horses and Sleepers: For the past nine seasons, three teams have combined to win all nine AFC titles. New England has won the conference four times during the stretch, Pittsburgh three times and Indianapolis twice. With the Colts starting rookie Andrew Luck at quarterback this year, there is a good chance that they won’t be extending the streak. The Patriots and Steelers, on the other hand, are more than capable of extending the run of dominance. For a look at the other top contenders in the AFC, here is a look at how the conference stacks up for the upcoming NFL season.
The Favorites – 2012 NFL AFC Odds, Picks and Predictions
The New England Patriots are the defending AFC champions, and they have won the conference five times in the last 11 years. Quarterback Tom Brady is a perennial MVP candidate, and having a pair of matchup nightmares at tight end make New England’s offense tough to slow down. The addition of Brandon Lloyd at receiver provides a legitimate deep threat to an already high-scoring attack, and several early round draft picks should help bolster a defense that struggled at times last season. The Patriots went 13-3 and got to the Super Bowl last year despite several big holes. This year’s group looks even better on paper.
Injuries finally caught up with the Pittsburgh Steelers in the playoffs, but they still managed to go 12-4 during the regular season. With an offseason to get healthy, there is no reason they can’t win the AFC for the fourth time in the last eight years. For starters, the Steelers allowed the fewest points in the NFL last year, and all the important parts are back for this year’s defensive unit. More importantly, the front office used the draft to reload the offensive line to boost a stagnant running and protect Ben Roethlisberger. A little more balance on offense will go a long for Pittsburgh’s chance at winning the conference.
The Dark Horses – 2012 NFL AFC Odds, Picks and Predictions
They came within a dropped pass of winning the AFC last year, and the Baltimore Ravens will try to finish what they started in 2012. Defense has been the calling card for this franchise for a decade, and Ray Lewis and Ed Reed are back to lead a group that is still one of the best in the business. Offense is always the question mark for Baltimore, and while Ray Rice is entrenched as an elite running back, quarterback Joe Flacco has had issues making the big plays at times. That being said, a strong running game and stingy defense should make the Ravens a contender for the AFC crown once again.
One year removed from the franchise’s first division title and first playoff win, the Houston Texans could be headed for a monster season. The defense quietly ranked in the top five in the NFL last year, and it should only continue to improve as young players like Brian Cushing and J.J. Watt gain experience. More importantly, the offense should return to elite form after injuries plague the Texans last season. Star running back Arian Foster, elite receiver Andre Johnson, starting tight end Owen Daniels and 4,000-yard passer Matt Schaub all missed time last year. If Houston can go 10-6 with a third-string QB running the offense, the Texans can have a special season with the unit intact.
The Sleepers – 2012 NFL AFC Odds, Picks and Predictions
As soon as Peyton Manning announced that he would be signing with the Denver Broncos, the franchise had a fighting chance in the AFC. The absolute collapse of the Indianapolis Colts last year was prove of just how good Manning made everyone around him, and the Broncos actually have some talent on both sides of the ball. The trio of Eric Decker, Jacob Tamme and Demaryius Thomas forms a decent core of weapons on offense, and Elvis Dumervil and Von Miller lead a solid defense. Playing in a weak division helps the cause, and if Manning stays healthy, the Broncos should make the playoffs.
If the window isn’t already shut on Philip Rivers and the San Diego Chargers, it will be slamming shut shortly. However, playing in the AFC West could give this group one more shot at making a playoff run. Rivers found his Pro Bowl form late in the year after a horrible start, and if Antonio Gates can stay healthy, the San Diego offense is still dangerous. Of course, it would also help if running back Ryan Matthews could stay healthy. An improved defense could be the X-factor, and rookie outside linebacker Melvin Ingram is already getting rave reviews.
2012 NFL Odds to Win the AFC Conference
4251 Baltimore Ravens +700
4252 Buffalo Bills +2500
4253 Cincinnati Bengals +1800
4254 Cleveland Browns +6500
4255 Denver Broncos +600
4256 Houston Texans +500
4257 Indianapolis Colts +6500
4258 Jacksonville Jaguars +10000
4259 Kansas City Chiefs +2000
4260 Miami Dolphins +1500
4261 New England Patriots +265
4262 New York Jets +1250
4263 Oakland Raiders +3250
4264 Pittsburgh Steelers +800
4265 San Diego Chargers +1215
4266 Tennessee Titans +2850
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