2015 NFC East Betting Odds And Preview

Darren Sproles is just one of the many weapons in a diverse Eagles attack. (Photo credit: Keith Allison / Foter / CC BY-SA)


Perhaps the toughest division to handicap in the NFL is the NFC East. No team has repeated as champion of the division since 2004, and the winner often isn’t decided until Week 17.

We take a trip inside the 2015 NFC East betting odds to see who might make a good bet this year:

Dallas

Dallas was one of the NFL’s feel-good stories last year, surprising all of us with a 12-4 record and nearly beating Green Bay in Lambeau Field during the playoffs.

A big reason for the Cowboys’ success last year was a commitment to the running game, taking pressure off QB Tony Romo. But Dallas let DeMarco Murray go to the rival Eagles and now have some question marks in its backfield, which might lead to Romo trying to do it all again. Defensively, the signing of DE Greg Hardy could address one of the Cowboys’ weaknesses last year — pass rush — but Hardy might be suspended for the first 10 games of the year.

The Dallas schedule includes games at the Saints and Packers in addition to home games versus Seattle and New England, on top of a competitive divisional slate. Considering they haven’t made the playoffs in two straight seasons since 2006-07, the Cowboys are better when no one expects much from them.

Philadelphia

The Eagles were 10-6 last year, narrowly missing the playoffs in the tough NFC. But that’s almost irrelevant, since Philly’s roster in 2015 bears little resemblance to last year’s squad.

Chip Kelly has overhauled both sides of the ball in Philadelphia, rolling the dice on QB Sam Bradford and bringing in DeMarco Murray and Ryan Mathews to replace the traded LeSean McCoy at RB. The additions of Byron Maxwell, Kiko Alonso, Walter Thurmond and Eric Rowe should drastically improve a Philly defence that finished 31st against the pass last year.

Outside of a visit to New England, the Eagles’ toughest non-divisional road games are at Detroit and at Carolina. Philly will benefit from games against the Jets and Buccaneers, and we think the Eagles should be the favourite on the NFC East betting odds.

NY Giants

It doesn’t seem that long ago that the Giants were a force in the NFC, but they haven’t made the playoffs in three years — including a disappointing 6-10 campaign in 2014.

New York has all the pieces to have an explosive offence this season. Eli Manning may be inconsistent, but he can be really good, especially with WR Odell Beckham, Jr., and Victor Cruz as well as new RB Shane Vereen. The Giants also boast an improved offensive line. New York’s run defence should be better in 2015, though the secondary has a few question marks.

More good news for the G-Men is the fact they have the 12th easiest schedule in the NFL this season, facing opponents that had a combined .478 winning percentage in 2014. This team is capable of getting to 10 wins, which could be enough to finish first in a competitive division. At higher than +400 on the NFC East betting odds, New York is worth the gamble.

Washington

The Redskins have been an afterthought in the NFC East for the better part of the decade, enjoying just one winning season (and one playoff appearance) in their last seven. A change at head coach didn’t help things as Jay Gruden went 4-12 in his first season on the Redskins sideline.

The quickest fix to the Redskins’ problems would be a return to form by QB Robert Griffin III, but many critics feel the former sensation is only getting worse. That leaves Colt McCoy or Kirk Cousins to direct the Washington offence, and there isn’t much certainty about what the Skins can expect from either of them as well. On defence, the Redskins have made big changes, adding five new starters.

Washington’s schedule includes the Rams, Buccaneers, Jets and Bears, so the Redskins have potential to improve their record this year. But it won’t be even close to enough to get Washington into contention for the NFC East title.

2015 NFC East Betting Odds At Pinnacle Sports

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