As OTAs (organized team activities) begin for the Philadelphia Eagles, many of the familiar storylines are being discussed: when additional roster moves will be announced, whether or not any of those announcements will include a difference-maker at cornerback and/or safety, what should be expected in terms of wins and losses when the regular season gets underway.
It’s funny how things change and do so quickly. It wasn’t that long ago that many of us were moaning about the Eagles’ offseason and there not being enough movement or aggressiveness. Now, following a five-man draft class (and a trade that brought one of the NFL’s best young receivers to the nest), statements are being made like ‘the NFC East is the Eagles’ division to win’.
For clarification, we turn where most interested parties would turn for clarification on matters like these: those shiny Las Vegas casinos. It may only be May, but they’re already diving headfirst into releasing odds on what to expect during the coming NFL campaign.
So, Vegas believes the Philadelphia Eagles WON’T win the NFC East.
Is it possible that the Eagles win the NFC East? Conventional thinking would state they may be due for their moment. As you’ve probably heard, the ‘Money Division’ hasn’t had a repeat champion since Philly won four straight division titles from 2001 to 2004.
According to WynnBET, that might change however they give Philly +200 odds to take the crown. The Dallas Cowboys, however, have +110 odds. Let’s hope Vegas is wrong.
The logic, like it or not, is easy to understand. Dallas has the division’s best quarterback. Despite their losses (Amari Cooper, Randy Gregory, Bradlee Anae, and La’el Collins to name a few), they still have one of the most talented rosters in football.
Philly could be aided by the fact that Ezekiel Elliott has regressed and Dak Prescott losing Cooper will be more of an issue than people realize. It could also be fair to state that Mike McCarthy, long-term, can’t lead this team anywhere. Still, even with that being said, if the Birds are to take the NFC East, Dallas will be their largest divisional hurdle.
The Washington Commanders and New York Giants are at the bottom of the barrel and should compete with one another for the right to stay out of the cellar. There will always be surprises though. Let’s hope the Birds are able to prove the doubters they still have wrong, Vegas oddsmakers included.