NFL odds: Where Patriots stand in latest AFC East betting lines for 2023
The New England Patriots haven’t finished bottom in the AFC East Division since 2000, when they won 5-11 in Bill Belichick’s first season as head coach.
Since then, the Patriots have won 17 AFC East crowns, nine AFC championships and six Super Bowl titles.
But things are different for the Patriots now that the 2023 league year begins on Wednesday.
Meyers reveals why he left Patriots to join Raiders in NFL free agency
The Patriots came off an 8-9 season in 2022, missing the playoffs and struggling on offense. They hired a new offensive coordinator in Bill O’Brien, which was a good first step, but the lack of talent and depth in the ability positions is glaring. The defense was solid last year, but the group just lost veteran safetyman and team captain Devin McCourty, who retired.
Free agency began Monday, and the only notable signing the Patriots have made so far is wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster, who will replace the recently deceased Jakobi Meyers as the top wideout on the depth chart.
Sure, the Patriots could still make a trade to put an Impact player on offense. They also have 11 picks in next month’s 2023 NFL Draft, including the No. 14 overall pick in the first round.
But right now, that Patriots roster isn’t in a good place. Oddsmakers seem to agree, as they currently give the Patriots the worst odds of winning the division in 2023.
Here are the latest AFC East betting lines via DraftKings Sportsbook:
- Buffalo Bills: +135
- New York Jets: +200
- Miami Dolphins: +360
- New England Patriots: +800
Patriots Talk: A broadcast of Jakobi Meyers’ grievances | Listen & Follow | Watch on YouTube
The Bills have won that division three years in a row. Despite a disappointing exit from the AFC Divisional Round last season, the Bills still have an excellent roster and one of the best quarterbacks in the league in Josh Allen.
The New York Jets haven’t had such good division ratings in a long time. Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers announced Wednesday that he intends to play for the Jets next season. If the Packers and Jets can negotiate a trade, New York will suddenly have an elite QB for the first time in many years.
The Miami Dolphins struggled in late 2022, but they made the playoffs. Miami still has a very good roster and just acquired star cornerback Jalen Ramsey from the Los Angeles Rams.
The Patriots enjoyed weak AFC East competition from 2001 to 2019. They’re currently facing a very different scenario in the division. In fact, the AFC East could be the best league in football next season. The Patriots need to improve dramatically to challenge for the division title and return to the playoffs.