NFL betting enthusiasts looking for a competitive division should take a good look at the NFC East. Last season the Redskins came out on top, but heading into this season it could be anyone’s take. The New York Giants are the favorites according to the sportsbooks, but if you can handle placing a risky wager you might just find incredible value in some of the other teams. Let’s take a look at the odds before we continue.
Dallas Cowboys +11/2 (-220) 71/2 (-110) +106
New York Giants -11/2 (+180) 71/2 (-110) -116
Philadelphia Eagles EVEN EVEN +425
Washington Redskins EVEN EVEN +280
Kirk Cousins efforts during the second half of the season helped Washington reach the playoffs. However, his inability to win the game coupled with his heavy interception ratio throughout the beginning of the season led the Redskins to hit the young quarterback with a franchise tag. This decision shows just how unreliable Cousins play is and how little faith the organization has in him. Sure he had a great ending to the regular season, but if his interceptions return Washington might just have to find some other options to toss the pigskin. Cousins’ turnovers could spell trouble for the Redskins because Washington’s defense was near the bottom of the league in every stat imaginable. With the lack of offseason activity, it seems that their defense won’t be improving anytime soon.
The New York Giants were 6-10 last season but that wasn’t enough to stop them from being this years’ NFL betting futures favorites for the division. This comes as no surprise especially if you analyze the Giants offense; last season they had the 8th best overall offense, New York also ranked 6th in points overall and 7th in passing yards. With such an efficient offense you would need one of the league’s worst defenses to reach a record of 6-10, and that’s just what New York had. The Giants were dead last in both yards overall and passing yards; no matter how many points the Giants put up their opposition simply outscored them. This offseason the Giants have drafted several defensive backs to address the issues in their secondary but it likely won’t be enough. New York is still trying to rebuild after Coughlin’s retirement and it wouldn’t be surprising to see the rest of the division take advantage.
NFL betting will be watching to see what the Philadelphia Eagles can do under the guidance of new head coach Doug Pederson. Pederson’s time with the Kansas City Chief’s showed exactly what his fundamentals are: ball control and capitalizing in the red zone. These are certainly areas that the Eagles’ could improve upon, and with Bradford returning to the helm at quarterback their offense is facing a lot of uncertainty. Last season, the Eagles offense was 13th in points and 12th in overall offense. Defense was the Achilles heel of this defense ranking near last in points and yards overall, while having the worst run defense in the league.
Last in the division were the Romo-less Cowboys. During the brief stint in the regular season that Romo was able to play Dallas put up a 3-1 record, without Romo they failed to beat 1-11. This year Romo will be returning and joining him will be a healthy Dez Bryant, Pro-Bowler Jason Witten, and brand new draft pick Ezekiel Elliot. Dallas’ offense has the pieces in play to light up the NFC East and it’s easy to see why NFL betting has them as the second favorites to win the division.
