NFC East Futures Pick
It’s early days, but that doesn’t mean that there isn’t value early on these NFL divisional futures! Here’s my breakdown and pick for this year’s NFC East Winner:
Philadelphia Eagles @ +105
Dallas Cowboys @ +140
Washington Redskins @ +1000
New York Giants @ +1400
Let's start with who isn't going to win the East. We can rule out the Giants from the off. Saquon Barkley may be a generational talent but they're still weak in the offensive line position and Eli Manning will be back under centre. They'll struggle to top last season's five wins.
Washington Redskins are an unknown. Dwayne Haskins should be starting in game one, with Case Keenum acting as understudy to the rookie. Sophmore Darrius Guice will be back from injury and is effectively a rookie once more but he has huge potential. Jordan Reed is a continued injury risk, as are the Redskins O-Line, who have been suffering from injuries for years, which has limited them from ever showing how good they are as a unit. The WR room needs work too, with Josh Doctson looking like an almighty bust.
This leaves us with a two-way battle between the Cowboys and Eagles, with Philadelphia favored by the sportsbooks.
The Eagles ended the 2019 season in good shape having begun with a stutter. Nick Foles is gone so there is even more importance on Carson Wentz keeping himself injury-free. They finished only one win shy of the Cowboys last year but they look weaker than the 'Boys in nearly every position except QB.
The Cowboys biggest problem is Jason Garrett, the head coach who is almost bad enough to act as an equalizer. Dak Prescott is another polarizing figure and in my view, he isn't a franchise guy. That said, the young talent on that team is sensational. Zeke Elliott is one of the league's elite backs, and despite holdout rumours he'll be back for opening day. Amari Cooper has proven his many doubters, including me, to be wrong. Cooper also has Randall Cobb alongside him and the experienced vet will be an upgrade on last year's teammates.
On defense there is even more young talent with Jaylon Smith and Leighton Vander Esch forming one of the league's best linebacker corps.
At a price of +140 the Cowboys offer great value. They have multiple tools who could provide the x-factor, on both sides of the ball. Not only that they only have one real competitor, a team led by a quarterback with an alarming history of injuries.
2u – Dallas Cowboys to Win the NFC East @+140