2009 AFC East Season Preview and Odds

The AFC East had some pretty good tem performance in 2008. The Miami Dolphins shocked NFL fans a season ago when they ended up winning the division with a record of 11-5, but can they do it again as New England's Tom Brady, back from a season ending injury, will be back and in the hunt for a division title. Here I breakdown the teams to exposing their strengths, weakness' and odds to win their division.

The Miami Dolphins +800

The Fins had an unbelievable season lat year winning the division and finishing with an 11-5 record. Unfortunately, they will not be able to sneak up on teams like they did last year and will have a much harder time snatching wins from unsuspecting teams. After Miami picked up starting QB Chad Pennington after the Jets released him for Favre, Pennington threw for 19 touchdowns and only 7 interceptions in 2008, showing he is a good decision maker. Ronnie Brown is an effective RB but he will not be enough. LB Jason Taylor is back after one season with the Redskins and will likely be paired opposite Joey Porter. Porter dominated last year, posting better numbers than he did in 2007. Miami will finish the year at 7-9 and miss the playoffs.

The New England Patriots +250

The Patriots will welcome back their Pro Bowl QB Tom Brady for the 2009 season. Without Brady, New England was unable to make it to the playoffs in 2008. A healthy Brady will be a boost to the Patriots offense, making them one of the highest scoring teams in the NFL this season. New England is poised to take back control of the division and will return as a Super Bowl favorite. RB Laurence Maroney returns as the starting tailback once again. Maroney played only three games last season all coming late in the year as he missed the first half of the season with injuries. WR Randy Moss will return and should be happy to see Brady back under center. Moss totaled 98 receptions, 1,493 yards and 23 touchdowns catches in first year as Tom Brady's teammate. The Pats defense will be equally as good with LB Teddy Bruschi and strong safety Brandon Meriweather. The Patriots will finish at 14-2 and easily win the division title.

The New York Jets +700

Not since legendary QB Joe Namath has Jets fans been this excited since the team traded up to draft USC QB Mark Sanchez with the fifth pick in this year's draft. Although Sanchez seems to have all the tools to become a solid QB in this league, the 2009 season will present its share of problems for the rookie QB. Thomas Jones returns as the starting RB and will look to return to the end zone often, as he did in the 2008. WR Jerricho Cotchery will need to have a big year, as he is the clearly going to be Sanchez's number one man with Chansi Stuckey as the number two. TE Dustin Keller should be a big part of the passing attack in 2009 as well. The Jets defense will have some holes even with monster nose tackle Kris Jenkins returning and LB Bart Scott coming over from the Ravens. The Jets are a season or two away from challenging New England for the division title. The Jets finish the year with a 7-9 record and won't be in the playoffs.

The Buffalo Bills +800

Bills fans are anxious to see what WR Terrell Owens can do for their team on the field, or to it off the field. Owens brings lots of attention to the Bills and if he is able to focus on his play, should have a good year for them. The Bills have made it clear that QB Trent Edwards is their future for the franchise for years to come. He showed some good play making during his 2009 season, and should be happy with newly acquired Terrell Owens. Marshawn Lynch and Fred Jackson will return as the running back tandem along with free agent Dominic Rhodes, from the Indianapolis Colts. The Bills defense last year only produced 24 sacks and was amongst the worst at getting pressure on the quarterback. Things will not change much this season. Buffalo could manage to be in the playoff hunt for most of the year, but will lose some late games and finish out of the playoffs at 8-8.

Matt Martz is a freelance writer located in Central California. Blessed is the gambler who expects nothing, for ye shall not be disappointed.