2007 NFL Betting: Analyzing the East Nfc
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (10-6 SU, 9-7 ATS): his personal problems behind him, Head Coach Andy Reid should lead the Eagles to their seventh Playoff participation over the past nine years. Back from injury, motivated by the drafting of Houston QB Kevin Kolb, Donovan McNabb will be the key to offensive success in Philadelphia. RB Brian Westbrook is nothing if not versatile offensive line had five starters playing 16 games last season. The attack on the Eagles defense, blitz as much as any team in the league. The corners can manage this pressure, but Philadelphia needs to upgrade its defense Rush, ranked 26th in the NFL last year, to run the playoffs.
By the Numbers (Regular Season 1998-2006)
SU: 83-61
ATS: 80-59-5
HF: 23-23-1
HD: 13-9-3
AF: 18-11
AD: 26-17-1
Sportsbook Buster: The Eagles are 8-1 ATS vs. Star Vikings, who play in Minnesota, October 28.
Paris sports Angle: Philadelphia 11-1 ATS the week after playing the Giants in New York. This year, post Giants enemies are the Jets (October 14) and Cowboys (Dec. 16).
DALLAS COWBOYS (9-7 SU, 8-8 ATS): Taskmaster Bill Parcells has retired, turning the reins to easy-going Wade Phillips, who earned his reputation forming the San Diego defense. Indeed, Dallas should be more aggressive (and productive) in the Phillips 3-4, that under Parcells, who was more conservative. On offense, there is a question if QB Tony Romo can rebound from a devastating playoff loss (the botched hold in Seattle Field Goal) and if WR Terrell Owens may be appeased. Julius Jones and Marion Barber as a tandem difficult running but the line is just average. The Cowboys should be in the wild card race.
By the Numbers (Regular Season, 1998-2006)
SU: 67-77
ATS: 69-69-6
HF: 25-21-4
HD: 14-7
AF: 8-11
AD: 23-28
Sportsbook Buster: their last six games, the Cowboys are 0-5-1 ATS against the Giants, who play September 9 and November 11.
Paris sports angle: Dallas is 4-15 ATS versus non-enemy Conference on the road.
NEW YORK GIANTS (8-8 SU, 8-8 ATS): The pressure is on head coach Tom Coughlin and QB Eli Manning to produce. Coughlin, not the most popular coaches, Manning needs to improve its ratio of 18-24 TD to interception. It may be difficult now that RB Tiki Barber (1662 yards) has retired and the offensive line lost Luke Petitgout. Jeremy Shockey is a talented tight end while Plaxico Burress and Amani Toomer (if the latter is in good health after ACL surgery) are competent wideouts. On defense, the Giants must deal with problems in high school but new coordinator Steve Spagnuolo hope to minimize this problem with a stream crossing safe. Manning will have a great year for New York to the playoffs.
By the Numbers (Regular Season, 1998-2006)
SU: 73-71
ATS: 69-73-1
HF: 23-29-1
HD: 8-10
AF: 15-9
AD: 23-23-1
Sportsbook Buster: The Giants have covered three straight against the Jets, who play October 7.
Paris sports angle: New York is 10-2 as an underdog against the East AFC.
WASHINGTON REDSKINS (5-11 SU, 5-10-1 ATS): Jason Campbell has received the call in week 11 and now work at quarterback but Washington open or play it tight this year? The return of Clinton Portis, who missed the last seven weeks of the season with a broken hand, and the return of Ladell Betts (1154 yards) suggest that the Redskins will be primarily a racing team. If Campbell wants to throw, TE Chris Cooley and wideouts Santana Moss and Antwaan Randle El, are targets quality. The Washington defense that ranked 31st in the NFL last season and set a league record for least turnovers (12) in a 16-game needs to improve dramatically if the Redskins were out of basement NFC East.
By the Numbers (Regular Season, 2002-2006)
SU: 65-79
ATS: 66-73-5
HF: 18-23-2
HD: 12-15
AF: 8-11-1
AD: 27-18-1
Sportsbook Buster: The Redskins have failed to cover six straight games against the Packers, whom they play in Green Bay, Oct. 14.
Paris sports angle: Washington was a follower Underdog road a position in which the team is likely to be seven or eight times this season.
Legend:
SU = Straight Up
ATS = against the spread
HF = Home Favorite
HD = Home Underdog
AF = Away Favorite
AD = Away Underdog
Fifth in a party of eight NFL Betting series preview
Next: Analyze the NFC North
About the Author
This article was written by Karol Lucan for http://www.thegreek.com
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