The odds for NFL Division Winners are now available at most sportsbooks. The prices and favorites are similar right now. This will change as we approach training camp and the regular season. The sportsbook operators will adjust the odds based on how the public responds to the number. If a team is not getting much action, the sportsbook manager will move the number to attract handle or action. If a team is getting the lion’s share of the action, they will increase the amount of what you must wager to mitigate the risk for the book.
Each division will have a clear favorite based on the strength of the team and public perception. Before I examine each division, I ask that you be advised that one key injury to the starting quarterback will change the entire complexion of the season. I would look at two selections in different divisions to hedge against that primmest. Also, keep in mind that defense wins championships so go with a team that is stout on that side of the ball.
Last week I looked at the AFC. This week I preview the four divisions in the NFC.
Eagles Should Rule the Roost in NFC East
The Philadelphia Eagles are vastly improved and coming off the Super Bowl loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. The concern for the Birds is that they are replacing their defensive and offensive coordinators from that team. The Dallas Cowboys are right next to the Eagles but have moved on from running back Zeke Elliott. If quarterback Dak Prescott is healthy the division will come down to the Birds and Cowboys in their head-to-head matchups.
Odds to win NFC East
- Philadelphia Eagles -110
- Dallas Cowboys +170
- New York Giants +750
- Washington Commanders +1000
Odds courtesy of BetMGM
The New York Giants are in the mix if RB Saquon Barkley is part of the scheme. He was tendered the franchise tag and is rumored to be unhappy with the team.
The Washington Commanders are not a consideration for the division.
The best combination of coach and talent is Nick Sirianni and the Eagles. The Eagles also have the best defense in the division. Defensive tackle Jalen Carter is being touted as a rookie of the year candidate. Barring any significant injury, the Eagles win the division.
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Traffic Jam Atop the NFC North
This division is not as clear-cut at first glance. The Detroit Lions finished 8-2 so if they continue that trend, they will challenge the Minnesota Vikings, last year’s division winner.
The Vikings were dismal on defense so they will be involved in shoot outs in most of their games.
Odds to Win NFC North
- Detroit Lions +125
- Minnesota Vikings +300
- Chicago Bears +400
- Green Bay Packers +400
Odds courtesy of BetRivers
Is QB Jordan Love ready to step in as the Green Bay Packers starter? He has been an apprentice for three years as a backup. The Packers will have to adjust to life without Aaron Rodgers.
The Chicago Bear’s QB Justin Fields is a one-man game changer. The Packers have the best combination of coaching and talent. The Packers will run the ball more to compensate for Love’s inexperience.
This division is a crap shoot so all of the team’s merit consideration. The prices for each team have value. The Packers are the selection with the Bears and Lions in close pursuit.
San Francisco Best in the West
The San Francisco 49ers are the class of the division, they have the best defense, they have the best coach in a division that includes Seattle Seahawks’ Pete Carroll and the Los Angeles Rams’ Sean McVay.
While both of them are outstanding coaches that have won the Super Bowl, Kyle Shanahan is the best coach with the most talent. Expect a bounce back year from the Rams and a continued resurgence from the Seahawks.
Odds to Win the NFC West
- San Francisco 49ers -182
- Seattle Seahawks +240
- Los Angeles Rams +800
- Arizona Cardinals +2500
Odds courtesy of Unibet
The Cardinals are in rebuilding mode and without Kyler Murray for most of the season. If Brock Purdy stays on track to start the regular season the Niners will dominate again. They have contingency plans at the quarterback position with Trey Lance and Sam Darnold.
Saints Should Hold off Falcons, Panthers
This is another toss up division. No clear-cut favorite of the four teams. The talent commonality of each team is outstanding defense. The team that finds an offensive rhythm will be the winner.
The best combination of coaching and talent is the New Orleans Saints. It is not realistic to expect QB Bryce Young to jump start the Carolina Panthers in his first year.
Odds to Win NFC South
- New Orleans Saints +120
- Atlanta Falcons +220
- Carolina Panthers +375
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers +800
Odds courtesy of BetRivers
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are QB Baker Mayfield’s fourth team in a year so this may be it for him as a starter in the NFL.
The Atlanta Falcons are improved but I am not sold on quarterback Desmond Ridder. The Saints are the selection.
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