NFC Division Winners: Taking a Look at the Odds

The NFL season is only a few days away, so now is the time to get our ducks in a row and figure out what we to bet on for the upcoming season. Actually, who are we kidding, if you are a gambler you want to bet on EVERYTHING!  Let’s start with the NFC and try and figure out who to bet on to win their division.
 
NFC East
 
Giants: +150
Eagles: +200
Cowboys: +250
Redskins: +1000
 
The NFC East is a toss up. The Giants, Eagles and Cowboys are such frustrating teams. All three can play great for stretches of the season then make some mind numbing mistakes a few games later. The Cowboys look like they are finally ready to get over ‘the hump’ but in all honesty, we are probably going to see the same old Cowboys. 
 
Your best bet is to take the Giants to win the division, but the Redskins are not dead money here. At +1000 the Skins are showing incredible value, especially in the circus that is the NFC East. If I were a Redskins fan I would not hesitate to put a little money down.
 
Pick: Giants (but if you’re looking to gamble, bet on the Redskins)
 
 
NFC North
 
Greenbay: -300
Lions: +500
Bears: +500
Vikings: +3500
 
Greenbay is probably going to win the division but it’s awfully hard to justify betting on it at -300. The Pack could easily go 10-6, which would leave the door open for the Bears or Lions. There is also the fact that they looked horribly out of sync during last season’s playoff loss to the Giants. It’s difficult to build a dynasty in the NFL- the Packers do not have to go 14-2 this season to be effective. I think Greenbay will win the division, I just don’t like the price.
 
Pick: Greenbay (but don’t bet it)
 
NFC South
 
Saints: +125
Falcons: +130
Panthers: +400
Buccaneers: +1500
 
The NFC South is such a toss up. The Falcons, even though they are not a legitimate Super Bowl contender, consistently churn out 10-6 or better seasons with Matt Ryan at QB. So they could easily win the division.
 
The Saints are usually an elite team, and under normal circumstances would be a larger favorite to win the division but we do not know how the loss of Head coach Sean Payton will affect them. The best bet is to have faith in Drew Brees and take the Saints.
 
Pick: Saints (you’re getting a better than normal price because of Bounty Gate)
 
 
NFC West
 
49ers: -245
Seahawks: +500
Cardinals: +800
Rams: +1200
 
 
The 49ers will easily win the division and are getting great value too. If Greenbay is -300 in a close division then the 49ers should be -600. This is a spot where the odds-maker’s numbers are extremely off. Maybe it’s because the 49ers were a little under the radar last season or maybe it's because Vegas doesn't believe in Alex Smith, but San Fran is in for a 11-5 season at worst. There is no chance that the Seahawks, Cardinals, or Rams will have a better than 10-6 record.

Pick: 49ers