SPORTS BETTING

• AFC Offseason: Biggest Moves

  Posted on Mon, 15 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT by GetChalk

  
  

  After making the NFC his center ring for his entire career, future Hall of Fame receiver Terrell Owens is bringing his circus life to the AFC. The Buffalo Bills opened their doors to the controversial wideout in one of many moves in the conference this offseason that should impact how NFL bettors prepare to wager on the upcoming football season.

  Terrell Owens to the Buffalo Bills

  Terrell Owens' divorce from the Dallas Cowboys wasn't as nasty as his split from the San Francisco 49ers or the Philadelphia Eagles. During his three years in Big D, Owens was well behaved compared to his past homes. Outside of random locker room drama, T.O. served the Cowboys well. But with America's Team going for a good-guy makeover this summer, Owens and his baggage were cut loose.

  The Bills wasted little time in signing the big-name receiver, giving the team a dynamic duo on the wings. Buffalo has a speedy downfield threat in Lee Evans to complement Owens' size and playmaking abilities. His addition has the Bills at +1000 to win the uber-competitve AFC East; there are still many questions surrounding quarterback Trent Edwards and running back Marshawn Lynch.

  Matt Cassel to the Kansas City Chiefs

  It sounds cruel to say the best thing to ever happen to Matt Cassel was Tom Brady's devastating knee injury, but the truth hurts. The New England Patriots are hoping that's the only thing hurting after putting their faith in Brady's surgically-repaired joint and sending Cassel to the Chiefs in an offseason trade. Cassel was thrust into the starting role in 2008, passing for over 3,600 yards and 21 touchdowns. He parlayed those numbers into a new home and has Kansas City's betting odds at +1150 to win the AFC West.

  Kansas City had one of the worst offenses in the AFC last season. While Cassel is replacing turnover-prone Tyler Thigpen behind center, the team is lacking talent around its new star quarterback. Disgruntled tight end Tony Gonzalez is gone to Atlanta, and running back Larry Johnson is no longer a 1,000-yard rusher. Cassel will be staring down targets like Mark Bradley and Devard Darling, who combined for just 627 yards receiving and four touchdowns in 2008.

  Greg Lewis / Joey Galloway / Fred Taylor to the New England Patriots

  Just in case Randy Moss and Wes Welker weren't enough to help Tom Brady get back to his MVP form, the Patriots went out and grabbed a handful of skill players, bumping them to -550 sportsbook faves to win the AFC East. They dealt a draft pick to the Eagles for Lewis and picked up the veteran Galloway at a discount price, giving New England the deepest receiving corps in the NFL. Lewis and Galloway are battling for the third spot on the depth chart, with Galloway's speed giving him the edge.

  Former Jaguars RB Taylor joins the Patriots' platoon backfield, which ranked sixth in 2008 despite an injury to top rusher Laurence Maroney. Taylor proved there is something left in the tank last season, rushing for 556 yards as a backup before injuring his thumb in December. Taylor's frame should last the season while he shares carries with New England's three other running backs.

  Brian Dawkins to the Denver Broncos

  It was a rough offseason for Broncos bettors. First, head coach Mike Shanahan was given the boot just days after the season ended. Then the franchise player, Jay Cutler, wanted out and forced his way to the Windy City. Adding to those issues are star receiver Brandon Marshall’s legal troubles. It's no wonder Denver is listed as a +800 longshot to win the AFC West.

  Enter safety Brian Dawkins. For a team on the ropes, a vocal leader like the former Philadelphia wild man is worth far more than the numbers he puts up on the field. Dawkins had 64 tackles, three sacks, five forced fumbles, and an interception in 2008. And, health permitting, the 14-year veteran should post similar numbers this season. While Dawkins isn't the same player that made the Pro Bowl seven times, he gives a face to a faceless franchise.