Current Odds
To Win NFC East
Picks and Preview
The NFC East is unlike most other divisions in the NFL. For starters, the Cowboys had the worst odds to win the division last season at +500, yet walked away with the Conference title despite Four straight 8-8 seasons prior. This season, the Cowboys have jumped to be the favorite, although like in past years, the NFC East is still up for grabs.
Odds to win NFC East
Dallas Cowboys +140
Philadelphia Eagles +160
New York Giants +360
Washington Redskins +1600
The Dallas Cowboys kind of came out of nowhere last year, surprising everyone, cruising to a 12-4 record and NFC East title. This year, things are expected to be harder, only because the favorite in this division rarely comes out on top. However, not a whole lot is going to change for the Cowboys this year, outside of the obvious issue at running back. With DeMarco Murray gone, running back duties are going to be split between Joseph Randle and Darren McFadden, as long as they can stay healthy. That could be a problem as Murray was a beast last year, but with an offensive line that’s expected to be dominant again and a top passing Game led by Tony Romo and Dez Bryant, this offense shouldn’t take a step back. The main problem for Dallas, like in previous seasons, is on the defensive side. They surpassed expectations last year, but can they do so again? If the defense can stay healthy, another division title is possible, but it’s still hard to trust the Cowboys at this point.
Considering all the injuries the Philadelphia Eagles had last season, a 10-6 record was pretty impressive. While they were the favorites to win the NFC East, they were close despite having QB issues and injuries across the board, most notably along the offensive line. Now, their quarterback situation could be even murkier with Sam Bradford set to take over. It’s almost inevitable that Bradford will get hurt, and in that case, Mark SaNChez will take the helm. No matter, Chip Kelly has shown that having just a mediocre QB in this offense is good enough. Adding DeMarco Murray should be nice, but LeSean McCoy had some great seasons in this offense. But just like the Cowboys, it might depend on what the defense can do after allowing 400 points last season. The Eagles should be in for another positive season, but can a Bradford/SaNChez-led team win the division?
The New York Giants had similar odds last season at +350, so not a lot has changed. However, one has to say this year is looking a little better than the beginning of last year. The only differeNCe is that both the Eagles and Cowboys had winning records last season, while the Giants finished 6-10. The reason for optimism is behind the offense with Eli Manning and company in their second season in Ben McAdoo’s offense. In addition, Victor Cruz returns and they also added Shane Vereen as a receiving RB. Of course their defense is still a mess, but that’s the case for every team in the NFC East. If Eli and the offense can get their scoring on the same level as the Cowboys and Eagles, they should be right up there with them towards the end of the season.
The Washington Redskins were actually +400 to win the NFC East in 2014, which is kind of funny, as they finished 4-12. There aren’t many signs pointing to this team competing for the division title this year, as they are mostly the same team. The hope is that Robert Griffin III stays healthy and eventually finds the confideNCe and form he had during his rookie season. At this point, that looks like a long shot, heNCe their odds. Although it should be noted their defense added some playmakers, so there’s a small chance.
The NFC East is seemingly a mess every season and one of the harder ones to bet. Case in point, each team has won the division in the past Four seasons. No other division can say that. The Giants could be a solid upset pick, but who wants to bet on them? Between the Eagles and Cowboys, the safer bet is on the team with the better quarterback. That’s the Cowboys and Tony Romo.