Written by :
Published on :
Let's face reality, the New England Patriots will be the big favorite to win the 2009 AFC East despite not making the Playoffs last season. Quarterback Tom Brady is back and presumably in tiptop condition (or so we are led to believe).
But the fact that the New England Patriots are such big favorites means that the other teams in the division offer up greater payout odds to win the 2009 AFC East.
This is where football betting gets interesting. What if Tom Brady is not in the same form as pre-injury Brady?
Quarterback Tom Brady's injured left knee is progressing to the point that he should be on the field for preseason games, according to local Boston media.
"Yeah, I think I'll play," he said. "Last year, it wasn't like I wasn't supposed to play. I would have loved to have played, but some circumstances came up where I couldn't. I think it's really important for a quarterback to be out there playing. If you're the leader of the offense, you have to be out there leading in the preseason and the practices. I'm excited for those games, because I think we can make improvements in those games."
Preseason play may give us an idea of how capable Brady will be heading into the regular season. Gambling911.com anticipates odds to be cut slightly on the Patriots should Brady show any signs of last season's injury interfering with play.
Oh, and another potential distraction for the Patriot's quarterback: A clothing retailer has confirmed that super model Gisele Bundchen and Tom Brady, who were wed last spring, are expecting.
The New England Patriots odds to win the 2009 AFC East were at -450.
The other teams odds to win the 2009 AFC East might be much longer but each one has potential, albeit this might not mean much for football betting fans since New England is so heavily favored to win the division. Gambling911.com believes that the best betting on the AFC East division teams is regular season win totals (found at BetUS.com).
"The Dolphins have a tougher schedule and there is some debate in gambling circles as to whether or not they will have the same success in 2009 that they did in 2008, but this team should at least finish second in the AFC East," suggests D.S. Williamson of BetUS.com. Miami would pay out $800 for every $100 bet should they win the division.
The Jets are still questionable and also pay $800 for every $100 bet if they win the 2009 AFC East.
Then there's the Buffalo Bills:
"The Bills are the longest shot on the board, but in reality they should be able to finish ahead of the New York Jets. Buffalo is solid in both the quarterback and running back position with Trent Edwards and Marshawn Lynch and now Edwards gets to throw to both T.O. and Lee Evans. The defense should be better now that cornerback Leodis McKelvin has a year in the league. This team is solid but not great. They could be fighting for a wildcard spot, but a division championship appears out of reach for the Buffalo Bills."
They would pay out $900 for every $100 bet if they go on to win the 2009 AFC East.
Don Shapiro, Gambling911.com
