AFC East Betting Odds Preview - Buffalo Bills

Last year I made Buffalo my ante-post selection to win Super Bowl, a decision that looked very foolish just four games into the season. However, following on from such a distatrous start, they went on a fantastic run that almost culminated in the play-offs. <?XML:NAMESPACE PREFIX = O />In the end the Bills lost the final game of the regular season at home to an understrength Pittsburgh Steelers. Despite suffering that disappointment last term, it has not put me off looking to invest in Buffalo winning the AFC East at what appears a very generous looking 7/1 with Totesport.What intially resparked my interest in Buffalo was the the signing of Kelly Holcomb from Cleveland. I first saw Holcomb shred Pittsburgh for 429 yards and three touchdowns in a 2002 playoff loss, and then hit 30 of 39 for 413 yards and five TDs last year against Cincinnati. The former Brown is a quality QB and should second year signal caller J.P Losman falter, then Kelly Holcomb is a fantastic backup. Whoever is under centre in Buffalo will have a superb supporting cast with running back Willis McGahee and receivers Eric Moulds and Lee Evans, all of whom are big time offensive playmakers. On the defensive side of the park, the Bills return most of the unit that was so effective for much of 2004. The downside for Buffalo in 2005 is their schedule, which isn't as easy as the one that had them facing six opponents who did not make it to seven wins. This time, they have 12 games agasint teams who finished with seven or more wins, and also must face Miami, Oakland and Tampa - all of whom are expected to improve. Strongly anticipated to win the division, at least by the bookies are of course New England. The Patriots won their second Super Bowl inside three years in February. To repeat again would be an unbelievable achievement, especially as they have now lost their top defensive and offensive coaches. The Jets are second favourites and should be involved in the play-off mix. However, they need quarterback Chad Pennington to stay healthy, plus can veteran running back Curtis Martin continue to pound away for another sixteen games? I have my doubts and as such far prefer the 7/1 Bills, as opposed to the shorter priced Jets.