Bills, Jets, Dolphins in Three-Team Race for AFC East Title

After being owned by New England for over a decade the AFC East has belonged to the Bills,

who have won four straight division titles. Last year, Buffalo rallied late in the season, winning

five straight to edge the Dolphins for the crown. But can they make it five in a row? Miami is

stacked, and the Jets have Aaron Rodgers back from injury. We make a case for all three, and

even check in on the hapless Patriots.

Buffalo Bills +160

The Bills moved on from Stef Diggs after a season where he produced 87 or fewer yards in 13

straight games. Josh Allen is still the leader of this team but his receivers are small and young.

Rookie Keon Coleman, Curtis Samuel and Khalil Shakir, both undersized wideouts. Expect

Buffalo to give tight end Dalton Kincaid a bigger role on offense. The defense improved, 9th

best overall and allowed the fourth fewest points in the league. The Bills success falls on Allen’s

ability to make plays and not turn the ball over.

Miami Dolphins +190

The Dolphins had one of the most dangerous offenses, ranking third, scoring 28 points a game.

Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, two of the best wideouts, are joined by Odell Beckham Jr., tight

end Jonnu Smith, who signed in the offseason. Raheem Mostert and De’Von Achane are

dangerous out of the backfriend and Tua Tagovailoa leads the offense. But this team’s success

will be based on their defense. Miami lost several defensive players including defensive tackle

Christian Wilkins, linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel and safety Brandon Jones. While they did

bring in new talent, is it enough to compete? They should be in the conversation for the

division, and could come down to their final game of the year.

New York Jets +200

Is this the year for the Jets? Aaron Rodgers returns after tearing his Achilles in the season

opener last year. He should be determined and with a great supporting cast, the Jets may be

ready to take the division. Running back Breece Hall was incredible down the stretch, he ran for

126 total yards or more in four of his last five games. The Jets added a deep threat wide

receiver, Mike Williams and strengthened the offensive line through free agency and the draft.

They do have a scheduling challenge though, where they will play three games in ten days.

Everything went wrong in 2023, so maybe 2024 goes the other way, and leads to a division title

for the first time since 2002.

New England Patriots +2200

Major changes in New England with Bill Belichick out and Jarod Mayo taking over. The Patriots

got rid of Mac Jones and drafted UNC quarterback Drake Maye, third overall. The Pats are in

rebuild mode and sportsbooks have their win total at an NFL-low, 4.5 games. New England has

a tough schedule starting with Cincinnati, Seattle, Jets, San Francisco, Miami and Houston.

And then play their own divisional games. There is concern at wide receiver, and even the

offensive line. 2024 won’t be fun being a Patriots fan, but the rebuild is on.

AFC East Division Odds

Buffalo Bills +160

Miami Dolphins +190

New York Jets +200
New England Patriots +2200