The 2020 NFC East was one of the worst divisions in NFL history as the four teams finished a combined 23-40-1 and 12 of those victories were against each other. For this season, the NFC East is the only division where no team is projected to finish with double-digit wins at Caesars Sportsbook. Bettors have been hammering the Over on the Cowboys, Giants and Washington Football Team but not quite as optimistic on the Eagles.
The only team with a clear franchise quarterback in the division is Dallas with Dak Prescott. His season-ending injury in Week 5 last year was a huge reason why the Cowboys sunk to 6-10, but Prescott, who was off to a record-setting passing yardage start, is healthy from that knee injury now – he still surely will not play in the preseason, though. Dallas is a +115 favorite to win the division and has the highest win total at 9.5. A total of 71 percent of money wagered and 67 percent of tickets sold are on the Over. Frankly, that's no surprise as Cowboys bettors are always overly optimistic sort of like Cubs fans in spring training.
"It's been mostly over money, they're expecting that Dak [Prescott] will lead the Cowboys to a big year," said Nick Bogdanovich, Director of Trading for Caesars US. "He was playing at a super-high level before he got hurt. If he can get back to that level, that offense will be tough to stop. They improved their defense with the draft, so we'll see if it can all come together for them."
The Washington Football Team was a surprise division winner last year at 7-9, largely riding one of the NFL's top defenses. The WFT has a new starting quarterback this year in journeyman Ryan Fitzpatrick. He'll win some games and definitely lose others, and it would be a minor surprise if the 38-year-old is under center all season. Either Taylor Heinicke or Kyle Allen figures to take over eventually.
The WFT did upgrade at wideout with the free-agent signings of Curtis Samuel and Adam Humphries. The defense could be truly frightening. Set at 8 wins, 94 percent of the money and 82 percent of tickets sold are on the Over.
"All of the money is on the over for Washington," Bogdanovich said. "It's very possible that we move this up to 8.5. I think they have the best roster in the division, and one of the best defenses in the league. This one is simple, though, it comes down to quarterback play."
It's probably a make-or-break season for third-year Giants quarterback Daniel Jones, but the team got him a Pro Bowl wideout this offseason in Kenny Golladay. It's not clear, however, if running back and former Rookie of the Year Saquon Barkley will be ready for Week 1 after tearing his ACL early last season. Big Blue is set at 7 wins with 84 percent of tickets and 64 percent of money on the Over.
Finally, the Eagles cratered to 4-11-1 and last place last year, resulting in the firing of Coach Doug Pederson and trading of one-time franchise QB Carson Wentz. Anyone who says they know what new starting QB Jalen Hurts will be is lying. He showed good and bad signs as the starter the final four games in 2020. Rookie first-round WR DeVonta Smith is already hurt but should be fine for Week 1.
New coach Nick Sirianni hasn't proclaimed Hurts the starter yet, but he can't beat out Joe Flacco then it's going to be a VERY long season in Philly. Might be regardless. While 57 percent of tickets are on Over 7 wins for the Eagles, 61 percent of the money is on Under.
"We're a little high on the Under, but it's not that big of a decision yet," Bogdanovich said. "There's just so many question marks with the Eagles. Can Jalen Hurts be a legitimate NFL starting quarterback? He looked good at times last year, but it was more of a mop-up role where there wasn't as much pressure on him. They have a brand-new coaching staff too, so just a lot of question marks there."
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