The first week of NFL preseason is in the books and opening weekend (September 7th) is right around the corner. With a few key injuries and suspensions already making headlines, now is the time to start digging deeper into expectations for each team. Today we will take a look at the NFC East.
DALLAS COWBOYS
Last season: 13-3
BetOnline O/U wins: 9
2016 was a great regular season for the Cowboys as they cruised to a 13-3 record behind a pair of rookies in Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott. While Green Bay was able to knock them out in the divisional round, expectations are high heading into the 2017 season. At least they were.
The recent announcement of a 6 game suspension for Elliott has created a lot of uncertainty and added pressure on Prescott and the defense to keep them afloat until Elliott’s return. Elliott can’t be replaced but with one of the league’s best offensive lines, Darren McFadden and company should be able to find room to run. And Elliott is appealing the suspension so his return could be before the 6 games are up.
The area that needs to show big improvement is the defense. With Jaylon Smith healthy and a few key additions in the secondary, Dallas should be better on defense than last year. Given the talent on offense and a short window before Elliott’s appeal of the suspension, I think there is a lot of value in taking the Cowboys to win over 9 games this season and getting back into the playoffs.
NEW YORK GIANTS
Last season: 11-5
BetOnline O/U wins: 8.5
The Giants were another NFC East team that Green Bay defeated in the playoffs. While they didn’t show it against the Packers, New York had one of the better defenses in the league last season, giving up a 2nd best 17.8 points per game. Between their secondary and defensive line, they should be able to field another strong defense in 2017.
Offensively, Eli Manning is back once again and has the luxury of throwing to Odell Beckham Jr, Brandon Marshall and Sterling Shepard. The Giants will be able to throw the ball and create big plays. The question mark will be at running back where Paul Perkins gets the first shot taking over for Rashad Jennings.
New York has talent on both sides of the ball but with an unproven running game, I put them just behind the Cowboys. But defense travels and I think taking over 8.5 wins is a solid play.
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
Last season: 7-9
BetOnline O/U wins: N/A
The Eagles made a few moves in the offseason to help Carson Wentz take a leap forward in his 2nd year as starting quarterback. The recent trade of locker room favorite Jordan Matthews has shaken up the offense but with Alshon Jeffery, Nelson Agholor, Torrey Smith, Zach Ertz and LeGarrette Blount, Wentz has plenty of weapons to play with.
Philadelphia also has a talented defense that only gave up 20.7 points per game last season. There was not a lot of turnover on that side of the ball so a solid defense can be expected.
The one area of concern is the schedule. Besides the always tough NFC East games, the Eagles non division games include the Chiefs, Panthers and Seahawks on the road and home games against the Cardinals, Broncos and Raiders. While Wentz is primed to make a big jump, that schedule will be tough for a young QB to navigate.
WASHINGTON REDSKINS
Last season: 8-7-1
BetOnline O/U wins: 7.5
Last season was an up and down one for Washington and more of the same can be expected. Offensively, Kirk Cousins is back to run the show but there isn’t a clear cut game breaker on the outside and while tight end Jordan Reed has shown flashes, he just hasn’t been able to stay healthy.
The lack of the running game will make the offense one dimensional and that added pressure on Cousins to have big games passing might lead to more turnovers.
Defensively, the Redskins struggled last season, giving up 23.9 points per game. Teams ran for almost 120 yards per game and that problem wasn’t addressed in the off season. Without a running game and the inability to stop the run, teams will control the clock leaving Washington playing from behind most games. Combine that with a tough schedule and I think Washington will be bringing up the rear of the NFC East.
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