2010 NFC Preview- Conference Odds and Predictions
With the 2010 NFL regular season set to kick-off in a couple of months, it is time to take a look at each team’s current odds to win their conference as we begin to put the pieces together to try and figure out which two teams will meet next February in Super Bowl XLV.
Today we will take a look at each team in the NFC’s future odds from Bodog.com to win the conference along with a brief preview of each division.
NFC EAST
Dallas Cowboys 6-1 Philadelphia Eagles 19-2 New York Giants 11-1 Washington Redskins 13-1
The Cowboys appear to be in the best position to come out of the East as the division champs. They remain basically intact from last season and could be even more explosive on offense with the addition of first round draft pick WR Dez Bryant. With QB Donovan McNabb and RB Brian Westbrook gone, Philadelphia’s fortunes will rely on guys like QB Kevin Kolb and RB LeSean McCoy so it could be boom or bust for this team in 2010.
The big question for the Giants is can Head Coach Tom Coughlin get them back to playing at a high level or is he on his way out in New York?
Washington, with McNabb and possibly Westbrook will be better but not good enough to take the East
NFC SOUTH
New Orleans Saints 9-2 Atlanta Falcons 13-1 Carolina Panthers 16-1 Tampa Bay Buccaneers 60-1
The Saints still have the most talent in the South and should win the division again, but will they suffer the common effects of a Super Bowl hangover? Atlanta could be poised to make a serious run at the division if Matt Ryan continues to develop entering year three of his tenure in the NFL. Questions at quarterback could haunt Carolina this season as they hope either Matt Moore, Jimmy Clausen, or Tony Pike can lead the way.
Tampa will most likely be bringing up the rear again, but they will win more games than they did in 2009.
NFC NORTH
Minnesota Vikings 6-1 Green Bay Packers 7-1 Chicago Bears 16-1 Detroit Lions 50-1
The North comes down to a battle between Minnesota and Green Bay. With Aaron Rodgers the Packers are set at quarterback while the Vikings are still planning on one more go round with Brett Favre; advantage Green Bay. With a year under his belt in a new system, Bear’s QB Jay Cutler will more productive in 2010, but it still will not be enough for them to compete for the division title.
Detroit is slowly putting together the pieces of solid team on both sides of the ball, but they are still a year or two away from it all coming together.
NFC WEST
San Francisco 49ers 13-1 Seattle Seahawks 20-1 Arizona Cardinals 22-1 St. Louis Rams 60-1
With the retirement of QB Kurt Warner and the trade of WR Anquon Boldin to Baltimore, it appears that Arizona’s two year reign as division champs is coming to an end.
San Francisco has the best chance to step up and grab the crown but the pressure will be on QB Alex Smith to prove he is a legitimate starter in this league. Under new Head Coach Pete Carroll, Seattle will be better in 2010, but they still have to be concerned about the long term health of QB Matt Hasselbeck.
If he goes down, they have very little in terms of a viable backup.
The Rams will once again be one of the tomato cans in the NFC, but they are definitely headed in the right direction to turning things around.
NFC 2010 Conference Champion- Green Bay Packers
