The NFC East has been one of the most competitive divisions in football over the last decade. And we should expect nothing different this year as three of the four teams in the East made the playoffs a season ago.
With most of the division teams looking like solid bets to make the playoffs, let’s dig into each squad to find the right bets to make for the ‘23 season.
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Philadelphia Eagles
- -125 to win NFC East
- Implied Wins: 11.5 (-110)
- Key Additions: Jalen Carter (DE), D’Andre Swift (RB), Rashad Penny (RB), Greedy Williams (CB), Terrell Edmunds (CB), Nicholas Morrow (LB), Marcus Mariota (QB)
- Key Departures: Javon Hargraves (DT), Miles Sanders (RB), CJ Gardner-Johnson (S), Zach Pascal (WR), TJ Edwards (LB), Issac Seumalo (G), Andre Dillard (T), Kyzir White (LB), Marcus Epps (S)
It should be no surprise that the Eagles enter the season as the favorites in the NFC East. Philadelphia was the best regular season team a season ago, and they will attempt to defend their NFC championship.
The Eagles knew that they would have some turnover on their roster this offseason with multiple contracts expiring. However, GM Howie Roseman may have had the best offseason of any GM as he was able to retain both of the Eagles' starting cornerbacks and multiple starters on the defensive line. As if that was not enough, Philadelphia landed one of the best prospects in the form of Jalen Carter who fell down the first round due to off-field issues. But most are looking at how the offense will perform after a strong Super Bowl run last year.
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) scores a touchdown on a quarterback sneak against the Kansas City Chiefs during the first quarter in Super Bowl LVII at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on Feb. 12, 2023. Nfl Super Bowl Lvii Kansas City Chiefs Vs Philadelphia Eagles
Jalen Hurts will attempt to continue his success after inking one of the largest contracts in NFL history. He’ll get back a similar roster on the offensive side of the football with a few new faces. New Offensive Coordinator Brian Johnson will have an opportunity to work with some special talent to see how the Eagles stack up this year.
Pick: Philadelphia Eagles to win NFC East (-120)
The Eagles will repeat and win back-to-back NFC East championships for the first time since 2003. Surprisingly, they somehow have a better roster entering the 2023 season than the one they had last year. Jalen Hurts has another year in the NFL under his belt and should be in the MVP conversation all season long.
Philly was able to retain multiple key players on defense most notably Darius Slay and James Bradberry. This was the number two defense in football a season ago, and if they can perform at a similar level this year, this will be an extremely difficult team to beat.
Dallas Cowboys
- +190 to win NFC East
- Implied Wins: 9.5 (-165)
- Key Additions: Brandin Cooks (WR), Stephon Gilmore(CB), Ronald Jones (RB)
- Key Departures: Dalton Schultz (TE), Noah Brown (WR), Connor McGovern (G), Luke Gifford (LB), Ezekiel Elliot (RB)
Dallas did a good job in the offseason by bringing in veterans Brandin Cooks and Stephon Gilmore. Cooks will look to prove that he still has something left in the tank and should play a significant role in this Cowboys offense. But the Cowboys suffered a big loss in Dalton Schultz who has proven himself as a top ten TE and dependable option for Dak Prescott.
Dallas enters the year with high expectations after going 12-5 over the past two seasons. Prescott will be back under center but did not have his best season a year ago after dealing with multiple injuries along the way. However, with a strong defense headlined by young stars Micah Parsons and Trevon Diggs, they’ve got a shot at the top spot.
Pick: Dallas Cowboys to make playoffs (-215)
As a lifelong Eagles fan, it pains me to say anything good about the Cowboys. But this is an uber-talented team.
Dec 29, 2022; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Dallas Cowboys cornerback Trevon Diggs (7) celebrates after a fumble was recovered by linebacker Micah Parsons (11) during the first half against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
While I do think that the Eagles win the division, I believe the Cowboys will be on their heels all season long and find their way into the playoffs as a wildcard. I love what Dallas did in the offseason and feel as if this remains a top-five defense with an explosive offense that can consistently put up points.
Despite my love for Philly, Dallas has the combined strength from their offense and defense to make it into the playoffs this season.
New York Giants
- +850 to win NFC East
- Implied Wins: 7.5 (+100)
- Key Additions: Darren Waller (TE), Parris Campbell (WR), Jamison Crowder (WR), Bobby Okereke (LB), Armani Oruwariye (CB)
- Key Departures: Nick Gates (C), Julian Love (S), Jon Feliciano (G)
If I had to give the Giants an offseason grade, it would be a B+. I love what the team did at WR, as they added two veteran receivers, Parris Campbell and Jamison Crowder. The addition of Darren Waller also should be significant as he has the potential to be top five at his position assuming health. Perhaps the biggest note from the offseason is the Giants’ decision to retain Daniel Jones and Saquon Barkley. But the defense needs some help.
The Giants’ defense will be similar to the one that we saw a season ago. They upgraded at the linebacker with the addition of Okereke, but still need some help to get back to the playoffs as they did in ‘22.
Pick: New York Giants over 7.5 wins (+100)
While I do think that this Giants team overachieved a season ago, this number is too low to ignore.
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) throws to wide receiver Darren Waller (12) during organized team activities (OTA's) at the Giants training center on Wednesday, May 31, 2023, in East Rutherford.
New York got better in the offseason, especially from a skill position standpoint which was their biggest weakness last season. The addition of Darren Waller will play a key role in the Giants' offense and should elevate the play of Daniel Jones.
The NFC East is tough, but I would not be surprised if they can win three games in the division. Their schedule outside of the division is tough which is why we see this number so low. Regardless, some of their most difficult games will be played at home which makes me feel as if they can clear this number.
Washington Commanders
- +1200 to win NFC East
- Implied Wins: 6.5 (+100)
- Key Additions: Jacoby Brissett (QB), Andrew Wylie (T), Cameron Dantzler (CB), Cody Barton (LB)
- Key Departures: Taylor Heincke (QB), Cole Holcomb (LB), Bobby McCain (S), Wes Schweitzer (G), Cam Sims (WR), Carson Wentz (QB)
Washington possesses the longest shot to win the NFC East as they finished last a season ago and they might have gotten worse in the offseason.
QB has been an inconsistent position for Washington over the last few seasons. Carson Wentz came over from Indianapolis with a shot to revive his career but struggled and was eventually benched. The team has also moved on from Taylor Heincke and will now hand the keys to former North Carolina standout Sam Howell. And with so much transition at the most important position, the Commanders may be in trouble.
Washington Commanders under 6.5 wins (-120)
This is the team that I believe will take a beating in the NFC East this year. I do not believe that they will win more than two games in the division. Plus, overall, Washington has the eighth-hardest schedule in football.
In a rebuilding season, this is the perfect fade spot. While I do think Sam Howell could enjoy success in this league, year one will come with tons of learning mistakes. And with their defense being good but unable to carry the offense, the under on their win total makes sense from a betting standpoint.
