Best Bets to Win the NFC Conference in the 2023 NFL Season
Last season saw the Philadelphia Eagles take down the National Football Conference, en route to getting nipped in the Super Bowl, 38-35, by the Chiefs. The Eagles will again be looking to get through the NFC this year for the second straight season, something that has only happened once since ’99. With all the powers in the NFC over the last quarter-century, it’s a bit surprising that only the Seahawks in 2014-15 have repeated as NFC kingpins during this period. It’s not easy to stay on top in this league.
The Eagles were certainly regarded as a team on the rise, but them taking down the NFC last season only further bolsters the overall notion that you needn’t focus simply on favorites. A team on the rise getting good value can see a few things come together and quickly become a force. Not all teams take a prolonged route to excellence, as we’ve seen many recent examples of it happening almost overnight. So with that in mind, let’s take a look at our favorite picks to take down the NFC this season. (All Odds by Bovada)
Top Betting Picks to Win the NFC in 2023
Philadelphia Eagles (+250): Granted, this goes against what we just pointed out about repeat conference winners, but coming up painfully short in the Super Bowl should result in a team that feels it has unfinished business. I don’t know if it’s wise to bank on some kind of hangover this year—not for this bunch. It all came together last season, as Jalen Hurts became a star at quarterback, with key additions on both sides of the ball finally coming together for the Eagles. They now add RB D’Andre Swift to an offense that really took on new life last season. But what really gets the Eagles over the hump is a stout defense that thrives in all areas but can really put a hurt on opposing aerial offenses. There’s just something about this system, the growth of talent, their coaching, and trajectory that makes one reluctant to leave them out of this conversation. Sure, taking contrary stands on a bet like this can pay off, but not properly acknowledging the Eagles seems like it would be a mistake this season. It’s hard to find a reason why they’d take a step backward in 2023.
San Francisco 49ers (+400): With a great system, fine coaching, and an ability to overcome what would wreck most teams, the resilient 49ers look to see more things go their way this season. Hammered by injuries seemingly almost every season, one must entertain the notion of what they could become if some better fortune can come their way on the injury and personnel fronts. They looked like a real contender with Brock Purdy under center, still making it to the conference championship without him after the rookie QB went down with a knee injury. Granted, the Eagles still seem a step above in certain aspects, but the Niners can get an awful lot of what they do have, and if they can avoid the injury bug in large doses—watch out!
Dallas Cowboys (+550): A conflicting pick for many reasons, there is a lot to be said for and against this selection. They are in a decent division to do damage, even more so if the Eagles happen to take a step back. That defense returns with another year of experience, and having difference-makers throughout could pay off. And not that getting rid of the slowing Ezekiel Elliott will necessarily hurt much, but the offense seems to be in need of a boost of some sort. Whether it’s that stubborn case of mediocrity that afflicts Dak Prescott, his last of postseason standout showings, or having no real dependable weaponry outside of CeeDee Lamb, but that side of the ball stands out as a problem. Additions like WR Brandin Cooks seem to fall a little short. Still, their talent and just this sneaking feeling that Dallas is due to make them a team you don’t want to just disregard altogether.
Detroit Lions (+900): One can already hear the groans. Take a team where one needs to be very elderly to even remember the last time they made it to a championship. And only get +900 if you’re right? Granted, there are those who won’t make this bet, but the Lions are entering 2023, not totally dissimilar from how the Eagles came into 2022. Coach Dan Campbell seems to be setting things up nicely in Detroit, and QB Jared Goff looked better than he ever had at points last season, connecting well with a deep and varied receiver package. With the growing menace they have on defense, along with some additions that could give them one of the best secondary units in the conference, we could see a pretty complete team beginning to form this season. If one just looked at what they had and forgot that they’re Detroit for a moment, a +900 quote for this bunch seems like pretty good value.
Carolina Panthers (+2500): This definitely qualifies as an “early to the party” pick on a team where there are truly no guarantees or even assurances. Frank Reich and what looks to be a great coaching staff take over a team that didn’t look that bad over the second half of last season. Much of this is predicated on top pick QB Bryce Young and whether he can connect with a revamped veteran pass-catching crew. The NFC South might be primed to be plucked this season, with all other three teams facing major questions heading into the new season. And after almost making a postseason run last season with almost nothing going right, a season with better luck and a new philosophy taking hold could result in a serious upgrade for the longshot Panthers in 2023.
