NFL's 100th year hits our screens tonight after what feels like a century since the Super Bowl. Glad we're all still alive and kicking after it - except you Cody Parkey - and ready to make some bets on the division outcomes.
First up, the NFC preview. Odds per Bet365, so check what your own bookies offer. Find our AFC Betting Preview here.
NFC North
Let's start where it's all kicking off: The NFC North. This is one of the most competitive divisions. And while the bookies tip the Bears to retain the crown, I think two other teams are more likely to do so.
Nice things don't usually last in the NFL. I think that will be seen with the seemingly infallible Bears defense. They are talented group with good personality traits, but it is so rare for a dominant defense to back up the next year. Just look at the Jaguars, who were on par with the '85 Bears in 2017 before regressing in 2018. An elite level is so hard to maintain.
It's possible the players step back up -especially considering this group is returning largely untouched - but I forecast a step back. Why? Because losing defensive guru Vic Fangio to Denver is huge.
My other worry is quarterback Mitchell Trubisky. He got away with a lot last year; turn on his tape and you'll see so many turnover-worthy plays he basically got lucky with. He mightn’t be so lucky this year and may not be able to rely on Khalil Mack and Co. to bail him out for his bad decision-making.
So my pick is between the Packers and the Vikings. The Vikings had very little change in the off-season and bring back a core of players that were seen as an NFC favourite a year ago. Things didn’t come together, but with an extra year and maybe some of the expectation removed, I think they’ll flourish; relying on a healthy Dalvin Cook at running back and a passing game that includes two top wideouts in Stephon Diggs and Adam Thielen.
The Packers are a massive danger. I think give will flourish in a new, more innovative offensive scheme with head coach Matt LaFleur. But such a change usually comes with growing pains. Besides that, they just don’t boast the sheer roster quality that the Vikings do.
It will be close and could come down to the Week 16 matchup in Minnesota. But I think the Vikings win the North.
VERDICT: Minnesota Vikings @ 21/10
NFC South
A part of me will always dislike the Saints as a Vikings fan. It comes with the gig. But I simply can’t deny the situation surrounding the Saints and the overall quality of their roster.
This team has been so close in the last two years. Between the Minneapolis Miracle and the blown Pass Interference call last year against the Rams, they will be out for blood again this year. And if there’s one coach in the NFL who can do that, it’s definitely Sean Payton..
New Orleans faces a strong division this year with Panthers quarterback Cam Newton apparently being fully healthy. The Falcons boast an extremely high powered offence and Bruce Arians now captains the ship in Tampa Bay ( can he finally get the best from quarterback Jameis Winston?)
I feel like this Saints team is nearly too big to fail. Quarterback Drew Brees is nearing the end at age 40, and his struggles at the end of last season are one of my few concerns with this pick. But with the WR/RB duo of Michael Thomas and Kamara, Brees doesn’t need to carry this team like years gone by. And I’m sure he'll hit the field each Sunday wanting to take another iconic picture of him and his son holding that Lombardi.
I feel like the Panthers could be the dark horse threat in this division. Overall, it might be the strongest division in football and tied with the AFC North for most intriguing.
VERDICT: New Orleans Saints @ 5/9
NFC East
Philadelphia. That's where this discussion should start and end. I mentioned in my earlier write up that I think they have an extremely deep and talented roster. I can’t see anything stopping this team from winning if franchise quarterback Carson Wentz can stay healthy. That is an if however, especially with Super Bowl MVP Nick Foles out the door.
My reasoning is simple: the team is one year removed from winning a Super Bowl and since then the roster has only improved. The pass catchers have incredible versatility; whether the situation calls for a big, wide, short or small receiver, you can bet they have it on the roster. The O-line depth has been restocked which used be an issue. With head coach Doug Pederson calling the plays, the sky is the limit.
I think the Cowboys have an edge to them and are the only threat to the Eagles here. But I think Philadelphia has a better roster and better play callers.
This is my shortest write up for the NFC but with good reason. Lock in the Eagles.
VERDICT: Philadelphia Eagles @ Evens
NFC West
The lights are bright for the Los Angeles Rams -- last year's showtime ticket in the NFC. They enter 2019 as the most likely winners, but the Patriots gave the whole league a blueprint on how to stop quarterback Jared Goff and the offense: defend the run and see what they show from there.
I feel Goff is an overpaid chauffeur in a very good car. Head coach Sean McVay is the Mercedes Engineering team. A bit like with Lewis Hamilton, Goff just needs to show up on Sundays and steer the car to victory. At less than evens, I won’t be playing that.
The 49ers have, in my opinion, one of the biggest upsides in football. Head coach Kyle Shannahan is somewhat of a forgotten commodity in the NFL media circles. Yet he orchestrated the Falcon’s offence that failed to win that infamous Super Bowl against the Patriots and Bill Belichick. Shanahan then witnessed McVay turn into the “next big thing” using his concepts. So it might be time to prove a point - with a now healthy assembly of offensive weapons - and get the recognition he deserves.
The last team I think which could get involved in this division battle is Seattle. They are going against the grain. Pete Carroll is opting for what seems a run first offence, even after signing Wilson to a record setting contract. But I just don’t know if they have the capability to win enough games required to take this division. The cardinals should be last in division given all known capabilities but there is an X-factor here with new head coach Kliff Kingsbury, whose Air Raid offence will be handled by first overall pick Kyler Murray.
This and the AFC North are the hardest to find a solid bet at the prices. I would personally back the 49ers here but I really don’t feel like there’s much of an opportunity to get the appropriate value.
VERDICT: Rams @8/13
