The NY Jets have resided in the NFL's basement for the better part of the last 10-15 years, so it can understandably be difficult for some to buy the team as serious contenders entering the 2024 season.
The Jets have legitimate Super Bowl aspirations following the return of Aaron Rodgers, as the four-time MVP is set to join one of the deepest and most talented rosters in the NFL. Despite the Jets having their share of doubters, they also seem to have plenty of believers.
For the first time since 1999, the Jets are the consensus betting favorites to win the AFC East. DraftKings lists the Jets as +165 favorites to win the division over the Buffalo Bills (+195), Miami Dolphins (+205), and New England Patriots (+2500).
Those odds are consistent with every major betting site. FanDuel gives the Jets +160 odds to win the division with the Bills (+195) and Dolphins (+210) close behind.
These are the best odds the Jets have had to win the AFC East since the summer of 2010 and it's the first time this century that they are the consensus betting favorites to win the division. Vegas is all in on the Jets.
Betting odds suggest NY Jets will win the AFC East in 2024
It's always best not to get caught up in offseason hype before the season begins, but it's impossible to deny the talent this Jets roster has on paper. If healthy, the Jets should legitimately be able to compete for a Super Bowl this season.
The Jets boast arguably the NFL's most talented defense, with six starters who have either been named to the Pro Bowl or an All-Pro team over the last two years, and that's not even including players like D.J. Reed and Michael Carter II.
The offensive line could be one of the better units in the league if the Jets receive a clean bill of health. Garrett Wilson and Breece Hall are as good as any skill position duo in the NFL. And then, of course, there's Rodgers.
The Jets aren't expecting Rodgers to return to an MVP level in 2024, but even league-average quarterback play would be enough to get the organization back into the playoffs and possibly further.
This is a Jets team that won seven games last season with the worst quarterback play in the NFL and 14 different offensive linemen suiting up. If those two position groups are even league-average in 2024 the Jets should be seen as serious contenders.
The Bills aren't as imposing as they've been in the past and the Dolphins have legitimate question marks along the offensive line and on the defensive side of the ball. The Jets are the most complete team in the division.
Of course, preseason betting odds don't mean the Jets will actually win the AFC East for the first time since 2002, but they are a strong indication of how the organization is perceived.
It's no longer just offseason hype — Vegas believes the Jets are for real. Now, it's on Rodgers and the rest of the team to prove they're deserving of that recognition.