2019 NFC East Gambling Preview, Odds, Picks and Fantasy Radar

The NFC East has two teams coming off strong seasons and playoff berths in the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys, however this season, the division looks more like a reality TV show than it does a competitive division.

There is drama and question marks across the board: hold outs, trade demands, QB controversies, and injury concerns. Let’s take a closer look and see what the drama is all about.

Philadelphia Eagles

2018 Record: 9-7

The Philadelphia Eagles are banking that they will shake off the injury bug that hindered the team on both sides of the ball last year. They beefed up the offense by adding running back Jordan Howard and former Eagle, DeSean Jackson to the team. The team is hoping that a healthy defensive squad will improve from their 23rd ranking last year.

Key Departures
Nick Foles (QB), Jay Ajayi (RB), Michael Bennett (DE)

Key Additions
DeSean Jackson (WR), Jordan Howard (RB)

Season Win Total
Over (-145)/Under (+115) 10 Wins

Prediction: 11-5
With the departure of former Super Bowl MVP Nick Foles, the Eagles’ season will rest on the wings of franchise quarterback Carson Wentz. If he is capable of staying healthy all season, there is no reason this team cannot win the division. This team is looking to get back to the Super Bowl and have the right coach to do so.

Fantasy Radar: Jordan Howard
Howard was previously a work horse back in the Chicago Bears’ system before the emergence of head coach Matt Nagy. In Nagy’s offense, Howard was not a lead back back like he was in the previous regime. With the departure of Ajayi, expect Howard to become a focal point in this offense and carry a heavy load running the ball.

Dallas Cowboys

2019 NFC East Gambling Preview, Odds, Picks, And Fantasy Radar — Don’t worry Jerry, Zeke is still training while on vacation in Cabo.

2018 Record: 10-6

Dallas is coming off a strong season winning their division and then the Wild Card game against the Seattle Seahawks. Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott’s strong sophomore campaigns, along with the late addition of Amari Cooper, had America’s team finish 7-1 on the second half of the season.

Now Dallas’ biggest concerns are contractual issues between Zeke Elliot and Jerry Jones. At the current moment, Zeke is holding out trying to get paid and he has yet to show up to training camp. If Zeke pulls a Le’veon Bell, it could be detrimental to Dallas’ success this year. Personally, I think once Jerry sees Alfred Morris get the ball, he will open up the checkbook for Zeke.

Key Departures
Cole Beasley (WR)

Key Additions
Randall Cobb (WR), Jason Witten (TE)

Season Win Total
Over (-115)/ Under (-115) 9 Wins

Prediction: 10-6
With a loaded defense again this year, expect Dallas to have another good season. Their key positions are full of young players hitting their primes and expect new offensive coordinator Kellen Moore to improve upon the 2018 offense by getting the ball moving downfield.

Should Zeke hold his ground, Dak will have to prove that he can play at an elite level. It’s worth noting that the Cowboys have a record of 28-12 and a 4-4 record without their young workhorse. Things could get ugly if Zeke holds out for the season, but I think Jerry Jones breaks and pays him before the end of the preseason.

Fantasy Radar: Amari Cooper
Amari Cooper was one of the best fantasy wide receivers in the league last year after being traded to the Dallas Cowboys and looks to continue that trend this year. Dak and Amari have had a full offseason to work on their chemistry and will be one of the best tandems in football.

Washington Redskins

2018 Record 7-9

The Cleveland Browns may have been the laughing stock of the NFL for the past decade, but the Washington Redskins are the definition of mediocrity. The team started their 2018 season with a great start until quarterback Alex Smith’s season ending injury and the season went downhill from there. It feels like Washington ends almost every season between 6-10 and 9-7 and I expect the same this year.

Key Departures
Preston Smith (LB), Jamison Crowder (WR), Ty Nsekhe (OL)

Key Additions
Case Keenum (QB) Ereck Flowers (OL), Landon Collins (SS),

Season Win Total
Over (+115)/ Under (-145) 6.5 Wins

Prediction: 6-10
I find it hard to believe Case Keenum is going to be under center for long, and Haskins will be playing before you know it. Haskins is not only a rookie quarterback, but his Pro Bowl left tackle Trent Williams is currently holding out. As it currently stands Williams it is not looking like he will be joining the team anytime soon, adding pressure to the young QB. On top of Trent Williams holding out and starting a rookie center, the Redskins do not have much talent at their skilled positions. Expect Gruden to feel the heat of the hot seat and could be asking his brother Jon for a job soon.

Fantasy Radar: Josh Doctson
This is a make or break year for the previous first round pick. Although we aren’t sure who will be throwing Doctson the ball, the offense has to move through someone and Doctson should have plenty of targets.

New York Giants

2018 Record: 5-11

It’s hard to feel bad for a fanbase that has won two Super Bowls this very decade, but I find myself genuinely hurting for these people. I’m not sure anyone has a clue what GM David Gettleman’s plan was this off season and I am not sure he does either.

Key Departures
Odell Beckham Jr. (WR), Olivier Vernon (DE), Landon Collins (SS)

Key Additions:
Jabrill Peppers (SS), Kevin Zeitler (OL), Golden Tate (WR)

Season Win Total

Over (+105)/Under (-135) 6 Wins

Predictions 3-13

I find myself laboring to think of ways that Big Blue got better this off season. Eli Manning is in a fight with Father Time and losing by a wide margin. From trading away their best offensive weapon and best pass rusher, to losing their Pro Bowl safety, there is not much for New Yorkers to be excited about this year. But hey… they have Saquon, right? At least he is exciting.

Fantasy Radar: Sterling Shepard

With Golden Tate’s looming four game suspension and teams daring Eli to throw the ball by stuffing 8 in the box, Sheppard should be the go-to pass catching target for Manning. Couple that fact with this being a contract year for the young wide receiver, he will be motivated to impress future suitors.