2023 NFC East Betting Preview – Season Win Bets
The NFC East boasted the best division in the NFC last year, with 3 of the seven playoff teams and the conference’s representative in the big game. This division squares off against the NFC West and AFC East divisions on the 2023 slate. Expectations are high again for this group of teams, so let’s look at how to play each team’s win total and a few other bets available at Bovada Sportsbook.
Philadelphia Eagles: Under 11.5, -145
The Eagles took the NFL by storm last year, winning their first eight games on the way to a 14-win campaign that ended with a heartbreaking loss in the Super Bowl. They have lost a few pieces on their defense and offensive line, but they will arguably be as talented this year as the 2022 squad. So why under? The schedule is significantly tougher, and they are now the hunted rather than the hunter. They also have the Super Bowl hangover to deal with, along with the loss of both of their Coordinators that took head coaching gigs. Jaylon Hurts elevated his game from a fringe starting QB to start last year to a top 5 QB this year. He will have to prove he can repeat that level of play this year when opponents are better prepared for him. I think it will be a little tougher sledding for him this year with opponents understanding the Eagle offense better and the change to new Coordinator Brian Johnson. Philly’s defensive front seven manhandled teams last year, but at the end of the season, teams that figured out how to block them proved they could pass on the secondary. Overall they are so good in the trenches that it’s hard to imagine them falling apart this year, but I look for a small step back and not being able to get to 12 wins.
Dallas Cowboys: Over 9.5, -170
BOVADA.LV line for over 11.5 is +190, so the real line should probably be ten or 10.5, but laying $170 to win $100 with this Cowboy squad to get to 10 wins is a good bet. They registered their 10th win last year in week 14 and have all of their key pieces back this year. They have elite players at the most important positions > Micah Parsons may be the best pass rusher in the league, CeeDee Lamb is a top 5 wide receiver, and Trevon Diggs is an All-Pro cornerback. QB Dak Prescott may turn into a pumpkin in big games, but he takes care of business in the regular season, and the offensive line is still a very solid group – especially when Tyron Smith is healthy. The addition of Brandon Cooks opposite of Lamb and Stephon Gilmore opposite of Diggs fills some holes from last year, while the exodus of OC Kellen Moore should make the offensive game plans more Prescott-friendly. Dallas has won 12 games each of the last two years, and I think they are a lock to win ten games in 2023. I also like Pollard over 8.5 touchdowns at +110.
New York Giants: Under 7.5, -120
The Giants were that magical team last year with new coach Brian Daboll that kept coming from behind to find ways to win games, even through the first round of the playoffs. I’m looking for the magic to evaporate this year and the Giants to look like the team we expected last year. Daboll was able to hide QB’s Daniel Jones’ ability to throw the ball, with the Giants finishing 26th in both passing yards and passing touchdowns, but I think opponents will make Jones beat them this year. Jones needs help from his wide receiver room, as the group is among the worst in the league. Richie James led the receivers with 57 catches last year, but he left in free agency, leaving the pass-catching duties to Isaiah Hodgins, Darius Slayton, and a host of slot receivers. They did acquire Raider TE Darren Waller, but he has struggled to stay on the field the last few years. Eight of the G-Men’s nine wins last year came by 8 points or less, so they were always a bad bounce away from turning a win into a loss. The Giants Under is my favorite bet in this division, and I also like Jones Under 3350 passing yards, -110. He only had 3205 last year (in 16 games), so he would have to have a better season this year and stay healthy again for the full season.
Washington Commanders: Over 6.5, +110
This is a tough call as Sam Howell is slated to be QB1 for the Commanders, and we have only seen 1 NFL game from him. Howell is probably about equal with Taylor Heinicke, but he is an upgrade over Carson Wentz, who started the season. Washington signed the very reliable Jacoby Brissett to compete with Howell, so their showing confidence in Howell makes me believe Howell is ready for prime time. Howell will have excellent receivers to throw to in Terry McLaurin, Jehan Dotson, and Curtis Samuel, while the backfield duo of Brian Robinson and Antonio Gibson is solid though not dynamic. The defense allowed the 7th fewest points in the league last year and will get Edge Rusher Chase Young back this year. The defense has the talent to be one of the league’s best, though they have been on that doorstep for a couple of years and are yet to break the door down. With a last-place schedule that includes contests with the Bears, Cardinals, Patriots, Falcons, and Broncos, it is easy to see the Commanders reaching seven wins this year. Since there is high volatility associated with Howell, if you have a strong opinion that Howell will meet expectations, it may be better to take Bovada’s offering of Over 8.5 wins at +270 or Under 4.5 wins at +245 if you think he will flop.
