NFL Division Preview – NFC East
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We will be covering the entire off season for each team and giving you a preview of the upcoming 2009 season with updates from now through kickoff of Week 1 of the NFL 2009/10 Season.
It features the teams NFL betting fans love to hate. It has several of the sport’s most storied rivalries. It even has some of football’s wackiest owners and coaches. The NFC East is among the most exciting divisions in the game. It looks to be neck-and-neck yet again, with handicappers believing every team has a shot at the postseason.
Let’s look at the current odds.
NEW YORK GIANTS
Odds to win the NFC East: +180
While Plaxico Burress stole all the headlines in 2008, the Giants quietly had a lot going for them following their Super Bowl victory the year prior. They led the NFL in rushing on the strength of Brandon Jacobs and Derrick Ward each posting 1,000-yard seasons. Though they lost Ward to Tampa Bay, Ahmad Bradshaw should fill in capably as the lightning to Jacobs’ thunder.
Eli Manning was often criticized for poor accuracy, relying on Burress’ height to bail him out on bad throws, but he had to survive last season without his top target almost every game and he flourished, cutting his interception total to 10 while throwing 21 touchdowns. New York drafted Hakeem Nicks, a toolsy receiver with the ranginess of Burress but possibly better hands, and he may step in to help immediately.
Looking at the Giants’ NFL week 1 odds, we know immediately what they’ll field defensively. Solid against the run thanks to a linebacker corps led by Antonio Pierce, deep secondary, plus a pass rush that should bounce back if Osi Umenyiora can stay healthy.
We get the idea; the Giants aren’t too flashy but they’ll beat you up and stop you from scoring many points. They’re a solid pick to win the division.
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
Odds to win the NFC East: +190
Offensively, the Eagles couldn’t be any more different from the Giants. Coach Andy Reid loves to gamble and turn NFL predictions on their heads by throwing like crazy. Every time we write Donovan McNabb off, he bounces back, and he has plenty of weapons at his disposal, like pass-catching back extraordinaire Brian Westbrook and speedy, cocky sophomore wideout DeSean Jackson.
The Eagles’ defense was dominant in 2008, ranking fourth against the run and third against the pass. It’ll be interesting to see if it repeats its success after stalwart safety Brian Dawkins said goodbye. At the very least, the “D” will be aggressive – the Eagles had 48 sacks last season, third-best in the NFL – and should force some turnovers too.
The Eagles aren’t perfect but they certainly won’t be a pushover in 2009. Another playoff berth is fair to expect.
DALLAS COWBOYS
Odds to win the NFC East: +200
Weren’t the Redskins supposed to be the most frustrating team in football? The Cowboys were beyond disappointing last season, flopping down the stretch in a nightmarish loss to the Eagles and missing the playoffs. The current roster, minus Terrell Owens and Roy Williams (safety), is pretty much intact, suggesting that Jerry Jones trusts the talent on his team and wants to give it one more shot to prevail.
The Cowboys still have plenty of offensive weapons. Tony Romo is an athletic passer capable of posting big numbers and he still has reliable Jason Witten and talented-yet-inconsistent Roy Williams to throw to. Whether it’s Marion Barber, Felix Jones or Tashard Choice getting the rock, the Cowboys are set at running back.
DaMarcus Ware’s sack binge got the spotlight last season, but the Cowboys quietly ranked eighth in the NFL in total defense overall. They certainly have some holes with Williams and, likely, Adam “Pacman” Jones gone, but they’ll continue to scare teams with their swarming style.
Don’t count the Cowboys out; they have enough natural ability to succeed but have to overcome off-field distractions.
WASHINGTON REDSKINS
Odds to win the NFC East: +570
Surprise, surprise – here’s another talented yet incomplete team that plays solid defense. The Redskins were fourth in the league in total defense in 2008 and will only get better since they made arguably the biggest free-agent splash of the offseason, signing dominant defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth. Since he’s a rare big man who can pressure the quarterback, sports predictions makers should expect Washington to make more plays on defense.
The Redskins’ offense is adequate but may not grow much this season. Clinton Portis has quietly been a rock for Washington, topping 300 carries in four of five seasons with the team. Jason Campbell doesn’t make many mistakes but he doesn’t put points on the board either. This year may be his last chance to prove owner Dan Snyder wrong, though it will be a challenge since Washington still lacks a big red zone target besides Chris Cooley.
Expect more of the same from the Redskins in 2009 – scrappy defense, boring offense and a .500 or better season. Some handicapping software would suggest you pick them since they offer way more value than their counterparts.
2009 NFC East prediction
I almost endorsed the Redskins but chickened out. The Giants are the deepest team in the division; every other team can compete with them, especially on defense, but could quickly implode with injuries to any key players. Go with the Giants but pick the Redskins if you’re feeling adventurous.
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As Always Comments Are Welcome Below!!!
One reply on “2009 NFC East Lines / NFL Preview”
I would have to disagree with you that the Giants are the most complete team in the East. That may have been true last season, but when you compare their off season aquisitions and departures with Philadelphia, the Eagles to me are the most balanced team going into this season.