Road to AFC East Title Still Goes Through New England

World Cup betting is all the rage right now, but it’s never too early to think about the NFL.

One of the most intriguing story lines of the season is going to be the AFC East. 

The New York Jets have emerged as the biggest threat to New England’s dominance in the division. However, for all the talk that the Jets have talked since Rex Ryan has taken over (and they’ve backed it up), you still can’t talk about the AFC East until you take a look up in Foxboro.

Even those who write a World Cup blog know that it’s essential to have complimentary players around your stars. In Wes Welker the Patriots have the ultimate complimentary player in the league.

Welker’s knee injury in the season finale at Houston really doomed the Patriots chances in the playoffs. His ability to go under the middle takes pressure off Randy Moss.

Tom Brady will be better than he was last season (not that he was even that bad) after one full year on his surgically repaired knee.

Julian Edelman and new signee Torry Holt will try and fill the void left by Welker, who may not be ready for the season opener.

The only glaring weakness in the offense is the running game. We think that Laurence Maroney has the talent to be a top back in the NFL.

The defense was the big question last year. And even though it finished 11th in the league, the until struggled with elite offenses, like Indianapolis, and especially in the secondary.

Brandon Merriweather has the tools to be a great safety, but he gambles more than he should.

The Patriots also don’t generate much of a pass rush.

Head coach Bill Belichick will take a more active role in defensive play-calling after Dean Pees' departure. We think Belichick still has some magic in him.

Though he was essentially out coached by Ryan all year last season, Belichick is a proud man who isn’t going to let the division go easy.

Look for the defense, which has also been bolstered by the re-signing of nose tackle Vince Wilfork, to be improved.

The Patriots will still be one of the betting favorites to win the AFC, and to head to the Super Bowl because they’re a veteran unit that knows how to battle adversity.

For all of New England’s problems last year, they still won the AFC (their eighth title in 10 years).

The big keys are Welker’s knee and Belichick’s ability to inspire the defense. If those two aspects can be managed, be ready to lay cash on the Patriots in January.