The division enjoyed a combined 22-16-2 pointspread record in other neighborhoods last season, attesting to the overall strength of the NFC East. The division draws the weak AFC West this year so more wagering success is likely, though NFL betting fans will want to watch for inflated lines. Teams are listed in predicted order of finish with 2008 regular season records and pointspread results in parentheses:
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (9-6-1 SU, 10-6 ATS, 7-8-1 O/U): The Eagles upgraded their offensive line and got QB Donovan McNabb some more quick-strike options through the draft to give Philadelphia a slight edge over New York. The Eagles defense, which faltered in the NFC title game against Arizona, should continue to improve, making Philadelphiasolid Super Bowl contender. Future Book Odds Profile: Super Bowl 11/1; NFC Championship 11/2; NFC East 2/1; Over/Under regular season wins 9 1/2.
By the Numbers (Regular Season, 1998-2008)
SU: 100-75-1
ATS: 98-73-5
HF:31-30-1
HD:13-10-3
AF:22-16
AD:33-17-1
Sportsbook Buster: Including last year's 3-1 record, the Eagles are 33-17-1 as road underdogs the past 11 seasons.
Sports Betting Angle: Philadelphia is 11-1 ATS the week after playing the NY Giants. This year's post New York foes are Dallas (Nov. 8) and San Francisco (Dec. 20).
NEW YORK GIANTS (12-4 SU, 12-4 ATS, 8-7-1 O/U): Ultimate success or failure could rest on the Giants ability to replace WR Plaxico Burress so New York has a deep threat to compliment a punishing running game. The Giants was ranked fifth in NFL defense last season and could be even better this year if the line can avoid injury. Like the Eagles, the Giants are thinking Super Bowl. Future Book Odds Profile: Super Bowl 9/1; NFC Championship 9/2; NFC East 9/5; Over/Under regular season wins 10.
By the Numbers (Regular Season, 1998-2008)
SU:95-81
ATS: 91-83-2
HF:31-35-1
HD:10-11
AF:22-11
AD:28-26-1
Sportsbook Buster: The Giants are a solid 22-11 the last 11 seasons as a road favorite.
Sports Betting Angle: New York is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 meetings with division rival Dallas.
DALLAS COWBOYS (9-7 SU, 7-9 ATS, 9-7 O/U): The Cowboys believe they're better now that they've parted ways with Terrell Owens, Pacman Jones and Tank Johnson, leaving QB Tony Romo few on-field distractions. Whether chemistry alone can vault Dallas past Philadelphia and New York remains a question, especially with a new $1.1 billion stadium and Coach Phillips in the last year of his contract. Future Book Odds Profile: Super Bowl 11/1; NFC Championship 6/1; NFC East 2/1; Over/Under regular season wins 9 1/2.
By the Numbers (Regular Season, 1998-2008)
SU:89-87
ATS: 85-85-6
HF:34-26-6
HD:14-8
AF:13-18
AD:24-33
Sportsbook Buster: Over the last 11 years, the Cowboys are 7-19 ATS versus non-conference foes on the road.
Sports Betting Angle: Dallas has covered four straight games against Seattle, a team it faces Nov. 1.
WASHINGTON REDSKINS (8-8 SU, 6-8-2 ATS, 3-12-1 O/U): The Redskins bolstered their defense by acquiring All-Pro DT Albert Haynesworth and drafting DE Brian Orakpo but failed to significantly upgrade their offense when attempts to land Jay Cutler or move up the draft to get Mark Sanchez left them with Jason Campbell at quarterback, hardly a top-tier signal-caller in a division loaded with QB talent. Last place in the division seems inevitable. Future Book Odds Profile: Super Bowl 25/1; NFC Championship 18/1; NFC East 11/2; Over/Under regular season wins 7 1/2.
By the Numbers (Regular Season, 1998-2008)
SU:82-94
ATS: 79-88-9
HF:24-30-4
HD:13-17
AF:9-16-2
AD:33-25-3
Sportsbook Buster: The Redskins are just 9-16-2 as road favorites the past 11 seasons.
Sports Betting Angle: Washington has covered four of its last five games against Dallas.
Legend:
SU= Straight Up
ATS = Against the Spread
HF= Home Favorite
HD= Home Underdog
AF= Away Favorite
AD= Away Underdog
O/U = Over/Under
This is the fifth of an eight-part NFL preview series.
