The Buffalo Bills were betting odds favorites to win the AFC East entering this summer, especially after Tom Brady bolted for Tampa Bay.
That changed on Sunday when the Patriots added Cam Netwon to their quarterback room. New England is now favored at +105 to win the division, according to SportsBettingDime. The Bills were previously favored at +126 as far back as late May. Now the odds are not in Buffalo’s favor, as it is now +160 to win a division that was once thought to be up for grabs.
With Newton signing a one-year deal, the Patriots could once again have a former MVP under center. Newton missed 14 games last season due to a Lisfranc injury. He’s also dealt with an ailing shoulder for the past couple of seasons. Newton’s injuries are a product of his playstyle, but if anybody will be able to resurge his career, it’s certainly Bill Belichick.
Unsurprisingly, the AFC East is looked at as a two-team race between Buffalo and New England. The Jets are at +700 odds to win the division, while the Dolphins are at +750. While New York made several adjustments to its offensive line and added reinforcements in the draft and free agency, the oddsmakers don’t believe the Jets are ready to be in the same conversation with the Bills and Patriots.
Heading into the season, it looked as if the AFC East would be a wide-open race, with the Bills having just a slight edge. Newton’s arrival in the division won’t be filled with pleasantries from Miami or NewYork, especially because he holds a 7-1 record against the AFC East and is one of the best players at his position when healthy.
The addition of Newton to a quarterback room that includes an unknown in Jarrett Stidham and a well-traveled veteran in Brian Hoyer gives the Patriots a leg up as they attempt to win their 12th straight division title.
