Ryan's Rant: NFC East
by John Ryan
The NFC East has suddenly become the NFC Least in recent weeks. The Monday Night Football loss by the Philadelphia Eagles as 9.5-point favorites at home to the Chicago Bears all but ends their season. I am well aware that the St. Louis Cardinals pulled off the improbable and overcame a 10 ˝ game deficit to make the playoffs in MLB and then won the World Series. However, the Eagles are not in any way the team that the Cardinals were.
The self-proclaimed 'Dream Team' has posted a 3-5 record and trail the NY Giants in the NFC East by three games with eight games left to be played. Dallas, however, is the pick at this point to win the NFC East and I would encourage you bet this opportunity at +200 or better. The Giants are listed at even money, the the Eagles still a hopeful +290 and Washington +4000. Let's not forget that the Giants are 6-2, but have outscored their opponents by just 14 points on the season.
The reason I like Dallas to win this division is two fold. First, they are the best team with the best talent in the division and second they have a favorable schedule forthcoming. They just defeated Seattle 23-13 this past Sunday. They then will arguably be favored in all, but one game over the remaining eight games.
This week Dallas is a six point favorite hosting the Buffalo Bills. I expect them to win that game moving their current win streak to two games. They will take to the road the following week at Washington, which I believe they will win. Then they're home in Week 13 to host Arizona, a team that may be a 15-point dog on the road at Philadelphia once the betting line is posted. Their biggest game and one that might be for first place in the division occurs in Week 14 hosting the NY Giants. In Week 15, they play Tampa Bay, which will be a tough game coming off the Giants game, but one they can win. Then, in Week 16 they host Philadelphia and they will want to revenge the embarrassing 34-7 defeat in Week 8. Then the final game of the season a(nd arguably the only one they will be intsalled as dogs) will be at the NY Giants.
Dallas is a much better team than their 4-4 record indicates. They rank 7th gaining 280 passing yards per game, 12th gaining 120.8 rushing yards per game, 16th allowing 232.5 passing yards per game and 10th allowing 102.4 rushing yards per game. Their running game is improving and gaining momentum and their ability to stop the run will turn opponents into one dimensional passing attacks.
So, consider taking Dallas to win the Division.
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