The NFL Season is right around the corner, and sharps have begun scouring the lines for value on the season. One of the biggest places to search for this is value in for teams to win the division. These season-long bets oftentimes hold a larger payout and have more room for error due to the length of the season it takes to play out. One of the most interesting divisions in the NFL this year is the NFC East. There has not been a repeat winner of the division since 2004, which is the longest active streak among NFL divisions. The Dallas Cowboys are the reigning NFC East champs due to their 12-5 record in 2021.
Dallas Cowboys: +135
There is some reason for optimism surrounding the Cowboys. The franchise won the division last year, and the core remains intact. Based on the opening lines, they are favorites in 11 of their matchups and underdogs in 6. However, there is an argument that they got worse from last season. The offensive line has taken a notable step back from the impressive unit it once was. Ezekiel Elliot also is no longer the bell cow running back he was showcased as, and the franchise traded away Amari Cooper. A great deal of pressure will be on the shoulders of QB Dak Prescott to see if he can take the team to another level.
Philadelphia Eagles: +165
The Philadelphia Eagles had an impressive season in the first year with Nick Sirianni at the helm and an even more impressive offseason. The franchise had some notable additions to the defense and traded for AJ Brown, who will make a dynamic wide receiver duo alongside DeVonta Smith. The biggest question is if Jalen Hurts is a capable franchise quarterback. However, there were plenty of positive strides in the 9-8 season last year in which the team punched its tickets to the postseason.
Washington Commanders: +500
The Commanders had an exciting turnaround to last season. After starting just 2-6, they managed to find a spark and work their way into the mix. They ultimately finished 7-10 but left some positive room to grow off. The biggest news of the offseason was trading for Carson Wentz, who will find himself back in the NFC East. He has had a roller coaster of a career and is still looking to rekindle the early magic he found during the 2017 season with the Eagles. Head Coach Ron Rivera has done an excellent job with the team, and they made some other improvements around the margins this offseason as well.
New York Giants: +800
The team lacking the most optimism this season is the New York Giants. Patience is beginning to wear thin with Daniel Jones, and a strong season would go a long way to cementing his franchise QB label. Saquon Barkley also has fallen off his once superstar platform. New coach Brian Daboll should bring some necessary change to the organization, and they also spent two notable first-round picks on Kayvon Thibodeaux and Evan Neal in the draft. The team likely won’t be in the divisional race, but don’t expect them to be full bottom feeders of the NFL.
Prediction: (analysis help from docsports)
Eagles +165
So much pressure has been thrown onto the shoulders of Jalen Hurts, but the reality is that he does not need to take massive strides in his game for this team to be elevated. Hurts has proved to be ready for the spotlight and handled everything that comes with being a quarterback perfectly. He just needs to put it together on the field now. The Eagles have an elite offensive line and now have terrific weapons around the third year QB. Philadelphia’s defense was already solid last season. And the additions of Haason Reddick, Kyzir White, and James Bradberry should take them to a new level. Expect the Eagles to make the upset and win the NFC East this season.
