AFC East 2023 Divisional Preview & Picks: Jets Soar to the Top

After the New England Patriots dominated the division for nearly two decades, the AFC East has belonged to the Buffalo Bills in recent years. Sean McDermott’s team played to a 13-3 record in 2022, earning their third consecutive divisional title along the way.

During the six-game win streak, the Bills accomplished even more:
🔹Stefon Diggs reached 1,000 receiving yard for his fifth straight season
🔹First AFC team to clinch a playoff spot in 2022
🔹Third-consecutive AFC East division title pic.twitter.com/qGJCj3g02N

— NFL (@NFL) January 14, 2023

With the 2023 NFL season right around the corner, football enthusiasts across the country are wondering if the Bills can win four straight titles for the first time since they did so between 1988 and 1991.

After all, it won’t be easy. The Miami Dolphins, when healthy, are one of the most dangerous teams in the league while the new-look New York Jets are ready to do damage with Aaron Rodgers at the helm. That’s without even mentioning how Bill Belichick’s Patriots should never be underestimated.

Keeping that in mind, Betting News is here with your official AFC East 2023 preview, featuring the latest odds and our pick to win the division.

AFC East Odds 2023

Odds are via BetOnline as of 11:34 a.m. ET on Monday, August 21.

• Buffalo Bills (+120)
• New York Jets (+245)
• Miami Dolphins (+300)
• New England Patriots (+800)

AFC East 2023 Preview

Buffalo Bills (+120)

It’s far from shocking to see the Bills as BetOnline’s favorite to win the AFC East in 2023. Again, Buffalo is a talent-rich team that has won three consecutive division titles while going a combined 37-12 over the last three regular seasons.

The truth is that the Bills will remain competitive as long as Josh Allen continues to dominate. The gifted gunslinger placed third in last year’s MVP race after throwing for 4,283 passing yards and 35 touchdowns (to 14 interceptions) while also rushing for another 762 yards and seven TDs.

At the same time, it’s understandable if bettors aren’t fully behind another Buffalo divisional title. The Bills left a sour taste in a lot of people’s mouths when they were eliminated by the Cincinnati Bengals in the Divisional Round, leaving many to wonder if the former’s competitive window is closing.

Nevertheless, unless the campaign starts slowly, there’s no reason to believe that the Bills won’t be in the thick of things until the end. They’re a top-10 team on both sides of the ball that can handle any opponent on any given night.

New York Jets (+245)

After years of mediocrity, the Jets finally said ‘enough is enough’ this offseason.

New York underwent some massive changes over the last few months with the biggest being Aaron Rodgers’ arrival. The future Hall-of-Fame QB was traded to the Jets back in April before agreeing to a new two-year, $75 million deal last month.

More on Aaron Rodgers signing a two-year, $75 million deal with the #Jets — and taking a $35M pay cut — from @NFLTotalAccess @nflnetwork: pic.twitter.com/7tau74gRS9

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) July 26, 2023

Some bettors might doubt Rodgers since he’s no longer in his prime, however, he’s far from a scrub. He’s coming off a down year, sure, but it’s important to remember that he’s also won two of the last three NFL MVP trophies. He’s also surrounded by a terrific offensive group, including names like:

• WR Garrett Wilson
• WR Allen Lazard
• WR Corey Davis
• RB Breece Hall
• RB Dalvin Cook
• TE Tyler Conklin

On top of that, the Jets also had the second-best scoring defense in the NFL last year. Assuming that the unit picks up from where it left off and the offense starts clicking immediately, New York will make its presence felt in the AFC East race early on.

Miami Dolphins (+300)

The Dolphins’ 2023 campaign hinges on QB Tua Tagovailoa’s ability to stay healthy.

The 25-year-old gunslinger dealt with health-related issues throughout the 2022 season after suffering a head injury against the Bills in Week 3. Although the injury wasn’t ruled a concussion, many assumed it was one after Tagovailoa’s head hit the turf the next week, forcing him to miss three weeks of action.

"There was a point where I was unconscious. I couldn't tell what was going on."

Tua Tagovailoa says he doesn't remember being tackled and stretchered out following his concussion vs. the Bengals pic.twitter.com/FN47Fb3M2e

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) October 19, 2022

To understand how important Tagovailo’s health is to the Dolphins’ AFC East title hopes, his team is 16-10 when he starts a game over the last two seasons compared to 2-6 when he doesn’t.

On top of needing their QB to be healthy, the Dolphins need their defense to play better if they want to win the division. After having the No. 6 scoring defense in 2020, Miami has finished No. 15 and No. 24 in the last two years.

Again, this is a team that looks great on paper. However, the Dolphins must stay healthy and the defense can’t make as many mistakes if winning the AFC East is a top priority.

New England Patriots (+800)

It’s hard to envision the Patriots putting up much of a fight in this year’s divisional race. After all, this isn’t the New England teams of old that could rely on Tom Brady to deliver championship run after championship run.

There are a lot of question marks on offense that could make things rough for the Pats. Mac Jones needs to rebound after regressing last season, ending with a 14:10 TD:INT ratio in 14 starts just one season after finishing second in Offensive Rookie of the Year voting.

Jones bouncing back won’t be easy with New England’s offensive line being weaker than it has been in recent years. It also remains to be seen if WR JuJu Smith-Schuster can be productive without Patrick Mahomes or if RB Ezekiel Elliott has any juice left in the tank at all.

And while the defense was above average in 2022, don’t expect the same this year after the Patriots lost three-time All-Pro safety Devin McCourty to retirement this offseason. Even though they have solid names remaining in the secondary, McCourty’s void will be tough to fill.

In other words, the Patriots need a lot to go right if they even want to be somewhat competitive against their rivals.

AFC East 2023 Division Prediction: New York Jets (+245)

Despite the Bills running the AFC East over the last few seasons, it’s time for the Jets to win the title. Buffalo won’t go down without a fight, but New York’s upgraded roster looks like it could do some serious damage.

It’ll come down to the very end, but Rodgers still has enough left in the tank to play his way to a double-digit win total. As long as his play doesn’t fall off a cliff, the Jets will give their foes headaches more often than not.

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Where to Bet on the NFL in 2023

Many of the top online sportsbooks offer a wide variety of NFL odds throughout the season.

In addition to being able to bet on Super Bowl spread and over/under odds when the big game arrives, you can make weekly NFL picks on games all season long. Also, you can bet on the major awards like NFL MVP, Offensive and Defensive Player of the Year, and more at the most reputable sports betting sites.

• BetOnline
• Bovada
• Bookmaker
• Sportsbetting.ag

If you don’t have an account at a book on this list, check out our reviews to help you determine if it is worth your interest and your betting funds.

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• NFC East 2023 Division Winner Odds and Predictions
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• 2023 NFC West Division Winner Odds and Predictions
• AFC North 2023 Division Preview: Will Lamar Show His MVP Form?
• AFC South 2023 NFL Preview, Prediction & Division Winner: Remember the Titans
• AFC West 2023 Preview & Prediction: The Kingdom Rules the West