2008 AFC East Predictions

While the Patriots could be primed for another Super Bowl run, the rest of the division is still trying to build a winning product. Find out how the rest of the division shakes out behind New England in Jeff Alexander’s 2008 AFC East predictions.

1st – New England Patriots: 7-2 odds to win the Super Bowl

The Pats knocked on the door of making history last season, but there knock was not answered. They came up one win short of being considered the best team of all time. The record-breaking offense returns virtually intact with arguably the best QB in football leading the way. Really, the only weakness that was shown all season was on the offensive line in the Super Bowl. The Giants were able to get to Tom Brady time and time again. For some reason, the Patriots did not do anything to upgrade this unit. They should still easily win the East and be in the mix for a Super Bowl title again. The betting line on New England is 1-10 odds to win the AFC East division at BodogLife.com.

2nd – Buffalo Bills: 45-1 odds to win the Super Bowl

It’s amazing that the Bills were in the playoff hunt until suffering three straight losses at the end, especially considering that the Bills had the league’s 30th ranked offense and 31st ranked defense. It was largely great special teams play which helped Buffalo to exceed expectations. Their special teams should continue to be among the best in football after getting return specialist Leodis McKelvin through the draft. The team didn’t do enough in the offseason to take a major step up, but they’ll continue to improve as their young QB (Trent Edwards) and young running back (Marshawn Lynch) continue to mature. The betting line on Buffalo is 8-1 odds to win the AFC East Division at BodogLife.com.

3rd – Miami Dolphins: 100-1 odds to win the Super Bowl

Just how long will it take for the Dolphins to recover from a 1-15 season? Well, Bill Parcells took over a 2-14 Patriots team and had them in the playoffs in two years. He also took over a 1-5 Jets team and had them in the postseason in two years. As coach of the Cowboys, he inherited a 5-11 team and coached them to the playoffs in just one year. Parcells is coaching the Dolphins, but he is buying the groceries so to speak. That includes picking the coaches and personnel. In his first season on the job he has already landed 13 free agent acquisitions and he has brought in a franchise offensive tackle, a QB of the future, and at least two defensive starters through the draft. I think that’s good enough to get out of the basement in 2008. The betting line on Miami is 20-1 odds to win the AFC East Division at BodogLife.com.

4th – New York Jets: 45-1 odds to win the Super Bowl

The Jets choice not to address a suspect QB spot will cause them to fall even further in 2008. They are hoping that the additions of high-price free agent linemen Alan Faneca and Damien Woody will help either Chad Pennington or Kellen Clemens perform better. While these were good acquisitions, it appears that Pennington is officially past his prime and Clemens did not appear to have what it takes last season. The Jets will try to win with defense by adding free agent linebacker Calvin Pace and nose tackle Kris Jenkins. Vernon Gholston, the team’s No. 1 draft choice should help the team achieve a pass rush. Things are getting worse before they are getting better with Eric Mangini’s team. The betting line on New York is 8-1 odds to win the AFC East Division at BodogLife.com.

2008 AFC East Predictions

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