Is the NFC East the best division in football? We just had this conversation in the office and there were a lot of points made for that being the case and points made against that being the case.
Remember, last year the Eagles were upset by the Cardinals in the NFC East Conference Championship and the rest of the division was either gone earlier or irrelevant come playoff time. The Giants won the Super Bowl two years ago, but the Redskins and Cowboys haven’t been significant factors in the post-season for years.
A case can be made that the NFC South, despite the down cycle in Tampa Bay, is a tougher division and of the AFC South is in the mix (if Jacksonville can regain their form).
Online sportsbook SPORTSBETTING.com has posted the NFL odds for the Super Bowl and for the divisional crowns. The NFC East is well represented at the top of the Super Bowl future odds betting menu.
Let’s have a look at some of those odds:
Super Bowl Odds
Washington Redskins 40 - 1
Seattle Seahawks 40 - 1
Green Bay Packers 28 - 1
Arizona Cardinals 25 - 1
Atlanta Falcons 22 - 1
Baltimore Ravens 22 - 1
Carolina Panthers 22 - 1
Chicago Bears 20 - 1
New Orleans Saints 20 - 1
Tennessee Titans 18 - 1
Minnesota Vikings 16 - 1
Dallas Cowboys 15 - 1
San Diego Chargers 14 - 1
Indianapolis Colts 14 - 1
Philadelphia Eagles 14 - 1
New York Giants 11 - 1
Pittsburgh Steelers 10 - 1
New England Patriots 6 - 1
Judging by the respect the NFC East receives from the bettors and oddsmakers, they are the best division in Football Betting Online, as all four of their teams are in the top 18 when it comes to the Super Bowl odds.
You can see the full list of Football Betting Online at SPORTSBETTING.com
But it’s not as simple as looking at the NFL future odds lists to determine which division is the best. That said, it is a good indicator. The Redskins, as always lately, are expected to finish last, according to experts and the lines posted by the online sportsbooks. But every year they are able to climb above expectations and slide ahead of one of their division rivals. This year’s target could well be the Dallas Cowboys.
This off-season you could see a shift in the balance of power in the division, as the Eagles had a great off-season and to me, are the team to beat. I’m concerned about the loss of Dawkins, but this defense should be able to absorb his departure.
Donovan McNabb looked good last year and all indications are he is going to be strong this year.
The odds from SPORTSBETTING.com on the Eagles to win the NFC East division are 12-5.
I like the Eagles to win the division. The Cowboys are certainly talented on both sides of the ball, but that isn’t going to be enough. The coaching staff, Tony Romo, question marks at receiver and their mental toughness are all issues that
need to be worked out. I can’t see them finishing ahead of the Eagles and Giants.
Here are the NFC East Odds
Washington Redskins 11 - 2
Dallas Cowboys 12 - 5
Philadelphia Eagles 12 - 5
New York Giants 13 – 8
For more check out Football Betting Odds.
Next week I’ll finish up my thoughts on the NFC East and look at the NFC South.
