Before last season began there could be an argument that the New York Jets fans haven't had that sort of preseason optimism in their entire history. The Jets were the trendy pick to win the Super Bowl with their new Hall of Fame bound quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Tickets came pouring into sports books around the country and at an overwhelming number in New York and New Jersey. That all ended just a few plays into the season when Rodgers went down and sports fans effectively could have ripped up their tickets that day.
As we now begin to look at 2024 there isn't as much hype surrounding this Jets team, but maybe there should be. A bettor could have taken the Jets at more than 3 to 1 odds just a few weeks ago to win their own division, not the Super Bowl this season. They remain at just about +250 odds in most sports books across the country and that number looks like a steal after seeing what has happened to the division. This week the Buffalo Bills lost their star wide receiver in Stefon Diggs. While there will be Bills fans who can argue that he was a 'headcase' and 'distraction', his loss certainly will be felt throughout an offense that now has no true #1 receiving option. This team also lost Gabe Davis their #2 receiver earlier this season and they have had massive losses on the defensive end.
Speaking of defensive losses, the Miami Dolphins have been gutted on that side of the ball. Miami lost more than half of their defensive starters, including their best player, this off season. Then there are the Patriots. A team who will be trying to replace a legendary head coach, a new culture, and starting over without a viable QB on the roster.
The Jets meanwhile will have that Hall of Fame QB under center this season. They also boast a top ranked defense, with a secondary that many called the best in the league, and a running game that looked as dangerous as ever late in the season. New York might not have the perennial MVP like Josh Allen or the explosiveness of a Tyreek Hill, but they have potentially more talent than anyone in the division top to bottom. At +250 odds to take down the AFC East, Gang Green just got very interesting as a futures play.