2013 NFL Picks: AFC Odds to Win and Predictions – Broncos, Patriots the Favorites

2013 NFL Picks: AFC Odds to Win and Predictions – Broncos, Patriots the Favorites: With the return of Peyton Manning last year, the AFC suddenly had a couple of familiar faces at the top, albeit with a slight change. Manning’s decision to sign with the Denver paid immediate dividends as the Broncos posted the best record in the conference. Meanwhile, Manning’s long-time rival Tom Brady helped the New England Patriots post the second best record. Another playoff showdown between the two future Hall of Famers seemed inevitable, but the Baltimore had other ideas. The Ravens pulled off a stunning comeback over the Broncos in the divisional round and dominated the Patriots in the AFC title game on their way to an eventual Super Bowl title. Heading into the 2013 NFL season, Manning and Brady are still around, but there are plenty of teams waiting to be this year’s version of the 2012 Ravens. With that in mind, here is a closer look at how the AFC stacks up for the upcoming season.

The Favorites

A busted coverage brought a premature end to the Denver Broncos’ 2012 season, but this year’s team could be even better than the group that went 13-3 a year ago. Quarterback Peyton Manning finished second in the MVP voting after missing all of 2011 with a neck injury, and star slot receiver Wes Welker and rookie running back Montee Ball were added to an offense that ranked second in the NFL in scoring last year. The defense did lose Elvis Dumervil and could be without Von Miller for the first four games, but with several solid free agent signings, including corners Quentin Jammer and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, the unit that led the NFL in sacks and allowed the fourth-fewest points should be just fine in the long run.

Despite all that has gone wrong for the New England Patriots in the offseason, they still have Tom Brady under center and Stevan Ridley heading a resurgent rushing attack, which means even though Wes Welker, Brandon Lloyd and Aaron Hernandez are gone and Rob Gronkowski could be out to start the year, the offense will likely remain a juggernaut. Perhaps more importantly, the defense quietly allowed the ninth-fewest points last year and boasts one of the best front sevens thanks to stars like linebacker Jerod Mayo and defensive tackle Vince Wilfork. As long as Brady stays healthy, the Patriots seem destined to be one of the best teams in the AFC yet again.

The Dark Horses

They have been a good team for the past few seasons, but the Houston Texans have been unable to get over the hump come playoff time. With an offensive core that includes quarterback Matt Schaub, running back Arian Foster and receiver Andre Johnson and a defense led by linebacker Brian Cushing and defending Defensive Player of the Year J.J. Watt, the Texans should have no issues returning to the playoffs in 2013. Meanwhile, Houston added veteran safety Ed Reed in free agency and drafted receiver DeAndre Hopkins in the first round to attempt to complete championship puzzle. If the two new additions hit the ground running, the Texans could be the team to beat in the AFC.

It’s seems weird to say, but the Cincinnati Bengals have been steadily assembling a strong team. The defense has become the strength of the team, and defensive tackle Geno Atkins head one of the best frontlines in the NFL. Meanwhile, the Bengals used the draft to try to get their offense to the next level by adding athletic tight end Tyler Eifert in the first round and explosive rusher Giovani Bernard in the second round. With a solid offense line, an improving quarterback in Andy Dalton and an elite receiver in A.J. Green, there is potential for a potent scoring attack. If the offense can improve just a bit, Cincinnati already has the defense to contend for the AFC crown.

Fresh of a Super Bowl title, the Baltimore Ravens saw their roster decimated by several big departures in free agency and the retirement of linebacker Ray Lewis. While it probably isn’t possible to replace the leadership provided by Lewis, Ed Reed, Anquan Boldin and others, Baltimore did manage to add plenty of talent to the defense by landing sack artist Elvis Dumvervil in free agency and drafting safety Matt Elam and linebacker Arthuer Brown in the first two rounds. Meanwhile, the offense still features quarterback Joe Flacco, do-it-all back Ray Rice and speedy receiver Torrey Smith. With all the new faces being counted on for major contributions, there will likely be an adjustment period. However, the Ravens still have enough firepower on both sides of the ball to be a threat in the AFC.

The Sleeper

Plain and simple, the Miami Dolphins spared no expense to try to make themselves contenders in the offseason. They went out and got second-year quarterback Ryan Tannehill some weapons by adding receivers Mike Wallace and Brandon Gibson and tight end Dustin Keller. Meanwhile, linebacker Dannell Ellerbe and corner Brent Grimes were brought in to help the defense, and Miami traded up in the draft to add athletic pass rusher Dion Jordan. Suddenly, the Dolphins have what could be one of the better defenses in the NFL and a potentially exciting offense. If Tannehill makes strides under center and the new parts gel quickly, the Dolphins could make a surprise run in the AFC.

Odds to win the 2013 NFL AFC
Denver Broncos +240
New England Patriots +325
Houston Texans +685
Pittsburgh Steelers +1100
Baltimore Ravens +1150
Cincinnati Bengals +1150
Indianapolis Colts +2000
Kansas City Chiefs +2000
Miami Dolphins +2000
San Diego Chargers +2200
Buffalo Bills +5000
Cleveland Browns +6000
Tennessee Titans +6600
New York Jets +6600
Oakland Raiders +10000
Jacksonville Jaguars +15000

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