2016 NFL Odds & Picks for NFC Divisional Favorites
Posted by Eric Williams on Wednesday,June 29, 2016 7:23, EDT in
NFL futures bet predictions are about to take center stage thanks to the expert analysis and quartet of NFC division NFL Betting lines and picks that you’re about to get. Let’s get started with an NFC East division that was, how shall I say it, mediocre at best, in 2015.
Check Out Our 2016 NFL Odds & Picks for NFC Divisional Season Favorites
NFC East
Dallas Cowboys +220
New York Giants +220
Washington Redskins +320
Philadelphia Eagles +360
Analysis: The Washington Redskins won the NFC ‘Least’ in 2015, but certainly weren’t a juggernaut as they posted a modest 9-7 record. The Skins could be a bit better in 2016 after adding elite cornerback Josh Norman and wide receiver Josh Doctson, but they’re still not my pick to win the NFC East in 2016. With both, Philadelphia (7-9) and New York (6-10) turning to new head coach in Doug Pederson and Ben McAdoo respectively, I expect both teams to have modest campaigns while finishing around .500 in 2016 as they try to find their new identities.
I like the Dallas Cowboys to rebound from their horrific injury-filled 4-12 season a year ago to win the NFC East in 2016 – if veteran quarterback Tony Romo can stay healthy. I love the addition of gifted running back Ezekiel Elliott with the fourth pick in the draft and I believe the Boys will play a lot like the did in 2014 when they won the NFC East behind a powerful rushing attack featuring the now departed DeMarco Murray.
Division Winner: Dallas Cowboys
NFC North
Green Bay Packers -150
Minnesota Vikings +185
Chicago Bears +1100
Detroit Lions +1200
Analysis: The Minnesota Vikings went 11-5 last season to snap Green Bay’s four-year reign atop the NFC North and they could in it all again in 2016 after making some offseason additions. Green Bay finished second in the NFC North in 2015 with a 10-6 mark despite playing without No. 1 wide receiver Jordy Nelson all season. The Detroit Lions finished 7-9 in 2015 but won their final three games and six of their last eight games and have an offense that can be downright explosive. The Chicago Bears won six games in head coach John Fox’s first season and will almost certainly improve on that mark in 2016.
With all of that said, the Green Bay Packers are my pick to win the NFC North in 2016, mostly because they have a chip on their collective shoulders and the best quarterback in the business in my estimation. I believe the return of Nelson and a slimmer, fitter Eddie Lacy at running back will give the Packers the offensive balance they lost a year ago while helping them get back on top in the NFC North, although the Vikings are offering the best value in the race for first place.
Division Winner: Green Bay Packers
NFC South
Carolina Panthers -200
Atlanta Falcons +500
New Orleans Saints +700
Tampa Bay Buccaneers +700
Analysis: Carolina ran away with the NFC South in 2015 by going 15-1 and reaching Super Bowl 50. Atlanta (8-8), New Orleans (7-9) and Tampa Bay (6-10) all finished well behind the Panthers and will do so again in 2016. The Panthers are still loaded with talent on both sides of the ball and will have No. 1 wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin back on the field after he missed the entire 2015 season. With a chip the size of Mount Rushmore on their collective shoulders, Carolina wins the NFC South for consecutive seasons.
Division Winner: Carolina Panthers
NFC West
Seattle Seahawks -175
Arizona Cardinals +250
Los Angeles Rams +800
San Francisco 49ers +1600
Analysis: The Arizona Cardinals won an impressive 13 games to bag the NFC West crown in 2015 and I expect them to contend in 2016 for both, the division title – and an appearance in Super Bowl 51. However, for me, I’m going with the Seattle Seahawks (10-6) to get back the division title after having their two-year run snapped by the Cards a year ago. Seattle still has an elite quarterback in Russell Wilson an outstanding defense and a head coach that knows which buttons to push. More importantly, the Seahawks will have a ton of motivation after struggling with apparent complacency last season.
The Los Angels Rams (7-9) drafted quarterback Jared Goff with the fist pick in the draft and I believe he will be a player at some point in the near future. But for me, I have no faith whatsoever in head coach Jeff Fisher and can’t see the Rams contending for a division title for at least another couple of years.
The San Francisco 49ers hired offensive genius Chip Kelly to lead them in a new direction after going 5-11 in Jim Tomsula’s one-and-done season a year ago. I expect the Niners to put plenty of points on the board under Kelly, but right now, the Niners can’t compare to either, Arizona or Seattle.
Division Winner: Seattle Seahawks
