2013 NFL Predictions: AFC East Division Odds and Picks – New England the Favorite

2013 NFL Predictions – AFC East Division Odds and Picks – New England the Favorite: Although the New England Patriots haven’t won a Super Bowl in a while, the franchise has made the AFC East its personal playground. New England won the division with a 12-4 record last year, marking the fourth straight season and the ninth time in the last 10 years that the Patriots have won the AFC East crown. Last year’s division title came relatively easy, as New England was the only team in the AFC East to finish with a winning record. Heading into the 2013 NFL season, the Patriots are likely to remain a serious factor in the division once again, but some other teams appear to be improving, as well. With that in mind, here is a closer look at how the AFC East stacks up in 2013.

1.      New England Patriots (Prediction: 11-5)

The bad news is that Brandon Lloyd, Wes Welker, Danny Woodhead and Aaron Hernandez are among the players that won’t be back for an offense that led the NFL in scoring last year. The good news is that quarterback Tom Brady is back, and running back Stevan Ridley heads a suddenly potent ground game. Meanwhile, receiver Danny Amendola was brought in to help replenish the passing attack, and a defense that has been a weak point in recent years is starting to take shape. Jerod Mayo heads one of the better linebacking corps while defensive tackle Tommy Kelly and safety Adrian Wilson were brought in the bolster the defensive front and the secondary. At the end of the day, Brady and the Patriots are still the team to beat in the AFC East.

2.      Miami Dolphins (Prediction: 9-7)

Miami was very active in free agency, and the Dolphins upgraded their offense by adding receiver Mike Wallace and tight end Dustin Keller. They also resigned receiver Brian Hartline and drafted running back Lamar Miller, giving second-year quarterback Ryan Tannehill plenty of weapons. Meanwhile, an underrated defensive unit led by sack artist Cameron Wake also improved. Linebacker Dannell Ellerbe was signed in the offseason, and Miami moved up in the draft to take explosive edge rusher Dion Jordan with the No. 3 pick. The bottom line is that the Dolphins went 7-9 last year, and this year’s group is more talented and has a QB with a year of experience under his belt. Miami should be in the mix for a wild card spot in the AFC.

3.      Buffalo Bills (Prediction: 7-9)

If first-round pick E.J. Manuel can become a franchise-type quarterback, the Bills have just about everything else they need to be competitive. Stevie Johnson is a legit No. 1 receiver, and the offense should get a lot more explosive this year with the speedy C.J. Spiller set to take a majority of the snaps. On the defensive side of the ball, Mario Williams, Marcell Dareus and Kyle Williams for one of the best defensive lines in the game, and while the linebackers could be better, cornerback Stephon Gilmore heads a solid secondary. Overall, the Bills have the pieces in place to make some noise in the very near future. Manuel’s development may slow the process a bit, but Buffalo can approach the .500 mark in 2013.

4.      New York Jets (Prediction: 5-11)

The team that made back-to-back AFC title games only a few years ago has fallen into disarray. The Jets’ offense in particular is an absolute joke. Mark Sanchez has looked lost for the last two seasons, and rookie Geno Smith will likely be at the helm sooner rather than later. Of course, whoever is under center is going to be stuck throwing to a depleted receiving corps, and the running game isn’t much better. Chris Ivory goes from the No. 4 back in New Orleans to the starter in New York while free agent signee Mike Goodson might be in jail when the season begins. Throw in a defense that lost its best player in corner Darrelle Revis and is lacking pass rushers and playmakers, and New York simply doesn’t have an identity on either side of the ball. It is going to be a long year for the Jets.

Odds to win the AFC East
Buffalo Bills +1200
Miami Dolphins +350
New England Patriots -300
New York Jets +1500

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