Posted on
5/25/2007 7:47:58 PM
NFL Futures Betting - Free NFC East Pick
By Eric Williams
Predicted to be one of the strongest divisions in football last season, the NFC East was largely disappointing as the Redskins were a bust from day one and the Giants underachieved all season long.
Even though the division made up a full half of the NFC playoff teams last year, the division, mirroring the conference itself, was weaker than meets the eye. The Eagles overachieved under veteran quarterback Jeff Garcia after starter Donovan McNabb went down, and the Cowboys reached the postseason under first-time starter Tony Romo. Neither team was really strong enough to come close to challenging for the NFC title.
The 2007 season could look much like 2006 for the NFC East as all four teams seem to have improved only marginally on paper.
Here is a look at the odds on each team followed by my NFL Free Pick:
To Win Outright the NFC East Division
Dallas Cowboys +175
The Cowboys made some nice veteran free agent acquisitions by adding quarterback Brad Johnson to back up Tony Romo and offensive tackle Leonard Davis, who may start on the offensive line. The Cowboys also added veteran kicker Martin Gramatica to help them forget about last season’s debacle with Mike Vanderjagt.
Dallas had only a so-so draft, but added two players who could see time right away in defensive end Anthony Spencer and offensive tackle James Marten.
Dallas’ best addition may be that of experienced head coach Wade Phillips who will continue to transform the Cowboys into one of the best defensive units in the entire league.
If Romo continues his amazing growth from last season, the Cowboys could undoubtedly win this division.
At +175, the moneyline should look attractive to NFL bettors.
Philadelphia Eagles +175
Being a former sports reporter who was born and raised in Philadelphia, I can tell bettors all about the Eagles.
While I generally like the way head coach Andy Reid and the Birds’ front office has built this team for the long haul, I think the Eagles had one of the poorest drafts this year and may pay for trading away their first round pick and grabbing a questionable quarterback with their second round pick even though they have at least two serviceable veteran backups already on their roster.
The addition of former Pro Bowl linebacker Takeo Spikes, who is no longer the player he used to be, won’t help the Birds much in their most problematic areas - defensive line and secondary.
At +175, the money line is very attractive and the Birds do have a legitimate shot at winning this division, making them a very sound pick for bettors here.
New York Giants +250
The +250 odds sound just about right for the Giants, who had an average draft at best and signed even more mediocre players in free agency.
While cornerback Aaron Ross could start for the Giants as a rookie and second round pick wide receiver Steve Smith should contribute, the Giants needed to improve more in the offseason and I’m not sure they did.
The Giants biggest free agent signings were mediocre linebacker Kawika Mitchell and journeyman quarterback Anthony Wright.
Not only that, but it’s about time for a Tom Coughlin revolt isn’t it?
Bettors may want to think twice about taking the Giants to win the NFC East in 2007.
Washington Redskins +500
The Redskins were a huge disappointment last season, but bettors should note that the Redskins aren’t far off from the other teams in this division and were actually being picked by many NFL analysts to go very far prior to last season.
The Redskins helped themselves marginally in free agency signing several veteran players they will count on to help them improve in 2007.
The Skins wisely resigned tackles Jon Jonsen and Todd Wade as well as tight end Todd Yoder. The Skins also added veteran linebacker London Fletcher-Baker and Ross Tucker.
Cornerback LaRon Landry, the team’s first overall draft pick will start at corner opposite Fred Smoot, who is in the fold for the next five seasons.
At +500, bettors may want to look long and hard at the Redskins. They may be worth a shot here.
NFL Free Pick: Bettors beware; this divisional race could again turn out to be the closest in all of football in 2007.
While the Eagles, Giants and Redskins may only be marginally improved over last season - and the Dallas Cowboys ease into the transition of playing for a new head coach - this division race would seem to be wide open.
With a closer inspection, however, it is clear that the Dallas Cowboys, followed very closely by the Philadelphia Eagles, are 1 and 1A in this division.
When push comes to shove I say go with the Cowboys, who will love playing for the widely respected Wade.
Expect the Cowboys defensive unit to really take off this season – as the Cowboys squeak out a division win in the process.
Predicted Order Of Finish:
Dallas Cowboys
Philadelphia Eagles
Washington Redskins
New York Giants
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