The last time the same team won back-to-back division titles in the NFC East was all the way back in 2004 when Philadelphia claimed its fourth-straight title. BetOnline may have Dallas favored to repeat according to its NFL futures odds, but that is far from being a done deal.
The Dallas Cowboys will try and become the first team to repeat as division champions in the NFC East since 2004, but each of the other three teams in this race should have something to say about that. The futures odds at BetOnline favor Dallas, but the Cowboys’ margin for error remains rather slim.
Dallas Cowboys +145
The Cowboys went from just four wins in 2015 to a 13-3 record and a NFC East title last season on the strength of two rookies. Dak Prescott took over the reins at quarterback and Ezekiel Elliott reestablished the Dallas ground game to help this offense finish fifth in the NFL in both total yards and points. Oddsmakers appear to believe that this might be a case of too much too soon with a projected win total of 9.5 games and I would have to agree.
With a cloud of uncertainty hanging over Elliott due to some off the field issues and a ridiculously high expectation level for this team as a whole, Dallas will need everything to go its way this season to remain on top in the NFC East.
New York Giants +185
Last season’s 11-5 record was good enough for a wild card spot in the playoffs and New York is expecting even bigger things this season. Its projected win total has been set at 8.5 and bettors have been bullish as well with a -155 moneyline on the OVER. One of the biggest reasons for last season’s turnaround from three-straight losing seasons was a defense that was second in the NFL in points allowed.
The Giants added tight end Evan Engram to fold in the first round of the draft to give veteran quarterback Eli Manning even more firepower on an offense that already has Odell Beckham Jr. and Sterling Shepard as its top two receivers.
Philadelphia Eagles +400
This could be the most interesting team in the NFC East in 2017. This is Doug Pederson’s second year at the helm as head coach and Carson Wentz’s second year at quarterback. The addition of wide receiver Alshon Jeffrey and running back LeGarrette Blount through free agency should improve an offense that was 22nd in the league in total yards.
The Eagles’ defense took a big step forward under defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz and the addition of defensive end Derek Barnett should improve its ability to put more pressure on opposing quarterbacks. If everything comes together quickly, Philadelphia could be on the fast track to the top of the NFC East this year.
Washington Redskins +475
As been the case with this franchise under the Dan Snyder’s rein as owner, front office turmoil is threatening to spill over onto the field. Kirk Cousins will remain the starting quarterback for at least one more season under the franchise tag, but the loss of wide receivers’ DeSean Jackson and Pierre Garson will not help his cause for a long-term deal.
Washington slipped to 8-7-1 last season and its projected win total for this year has been set at 7.5 with the betting odds slightly favoring the OVER at -120. There is still enough talent on both sides of the ball to compete for a division title this year, but the cloud hanging over the quarterback situation is just too dark to ignore.
