New York Jets Emerge as Sharp Betting Pick to Win AFC East

The dog days of summer are upon us.

While some bettors are capitalizing on the MLB market before the Mid-Summer Classic, many others are looking ahead to the 2024 NFL season. Sportsbooks have been busy hanging futures odds and player props, assessing entry points for sharp bettors.

As they are finding out, the New York Jets have emerged as the preferred betting option in the AFC East Division winners market. 

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Betting Market

Not surprisingly, the Jets opened behind the Buffalo Bills and Miami Dolphins to win the AFC East. The perennially underachieving Bills were priced as +125 betting favorites, while the Fins were close behind at +200. 

After assessing the flood of initial money, those lines have shifted dramatically. Buffalo remains the odds-on favorite to win the division, albeit at a diminished implied liability. The Bills are currently priced at +165 to win their fifth straight division title. Miami also saw its price increase marginally, jumping to +210. 

But Gang Green is trending in the opposite direction. Bookmakers sheepishly opened the Jets at +300, amending their price to +185 based on the flood of sharp money. Still, bettors are lining up to get a piece of the Jets, expecting them to take off in 2024. 

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Offseason Adjustments

The Jets put all their eggs in the Aaron Rodgers basket last season, and it returned to haunt them. As we know, Rodgers went down with a season-ending Achilles injury just three snaps into the 2023 campaign, leaving the Jets with no prospect of competing. Still, the Robert Saleh-led team stayed somewhat relevant, finishing the season with a 7-10 record. 

Learning from last season’s shortcomings, the Jets addressed two of their most pressing needs this offseason. 

New York’s brass was busy upgrading the offensive line, adding Morgan Moses, John Simpson, and Tyron Smith to the front five. More importantly, they secured their offensive line for years to come, drafting Olu Fashanu in the first round of the NFL Draft.

Likewise, the Jets bolstered their defensive line by acquiring Haason Reddick, Javon Kinlaw, and Leki Fotu while bringing back Solomon Thomas. 

Stronger Offensively

Upgraded offensive line notwithstanding, Gang Green was also expected to take significant steps forward offensively. 

Breece Hall has an entire season of experience to reflect on and is projected to take on a more prominent role on offense. Similarly, Garrett Wilson is heading into his third NFL season, surpassing the 1,000 receiving-yard plateau in each of his first two campaigns.

The addition of wideout Mike Williams bolsters the receiving corps, and a healthy Aaron Rodgers should allow everyone to reach their full potential. 

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Evolving Divisional Landscape

Gone are the days when the New England Patriots reigned supreme in the AFC East.

The Bills have supplanted the Pats as the cream of the AFC East crop; however, their prospects of going on an extended run were hurt by an underwhelming offseason.

Although the Dolphins finally broke out in 2023, their one-dimensional approach left bettors unimpressed with their odds of repeating their performance.

Consequently, the door was left open for a well-balanced Jets squad to usurp the Bills as AFC East champs.

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Final Thoughts – Positive Outlook for 2024

Savvy bettors got the best of the number, but there’s still value in backing the Jets to win the AFC East. 

Their improved offensive line benefits Breece Hall, Aaron Rodgers, and the passing game. New York’s defense was its lone redeeming quality, even in the leanest of years. Along with several improvements to the defensive line, the Jets defense is primed for another strong showing. 

Gang Green is ready to reign supreme for the first time in decades. Many bettors agree that they are worth the investment. 

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