WATCH: Why oddsmakers tab Jets as second most likely to jump from worst to first in 2019
The New England Patriots have throughly dominated the AFC East throughout the Tom Brady/Bill Belichick era.
However, while the defending Super Bowl champs remain the favorites, Vegas oddsmakers target the New York Jets as a strong candidate to rise from last place to the top of a division this season.
Westgate has the Jets (6-1) second to only the AFC South's Jacksonville Jaguars (9-2) in terms of teams jumping from worst to first in their respective divisions, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
Here's why Westgate believes the Jets have what it takes to potentially make the major leap.
“Just because of their quarterback play. I like (Sam) Darnold. He just has to stay away from mistakes,” Westgate sportsbook manager Ed Salmons said. “They have (running back) Le’Veon Bell and the makings of a good defense. The Jets have a chance if everything goes right.”
Darnold has flashes significant strides in the preseason as he attempts to assert himself as a franchise quarterback.
Meanwhile, the Jets have been playing it safe with the versatile Bell, who's yet to take a snap after sitting out all of last season with the Pittsburgh Steelers due to a contract dispute.
On Thursday, the defense harassed the Atlanta Falcons to the tune of five sacks.
The Jets will field Pro Bowlers C.J. Mosley and Jamal Adams but the unit took a major hit with the season-ending injury to inside linebacker Avery Williamson (torn ACL). The Jets will turn to either Albert McClellan (signed on Saturday), Neville Hewitt or Blake Cashman to fill the void.
If the Jets prevail as division champs in 2019 it would signify a major changing of the guard. The Jets haven't won the AFC East since 2002. Meanwhile, the Patriots have claimed the division 15 out of the last 16 seasons from 2003-present.
Darnold isn't concerned with past history. The promising second-year quarterback told the New York Post last month the Jets have the potential to usurp the Patriots if they collectively build winning habits.
"Yeah, it’s absolutely realistic. Talent-wise, everyone in the NFL is capable of winning, it’s just about building that culture, and really understanding that every single down, every single possession matters," Darnold said. "If we can kind of ingrain that mentality into everyone in the locker room and everyone in the building, then I think a culture will be set and we’ll be better off."
The first goal should be returning to the playoffs after an eight-season hiatus but that doesn't mean Darnold and company shouldn't dream big. If the Patriots manage to slip up, the odds could be in the Jets' favor as the successor to the divisional throne.
