NFL Futures – Picking NFC Divisional Dark Horses
Here is one dark horse team from each division in the NFC and their odds to win the division at one of the leading sportsbooks. All of these teams have the odds stacked against them to win their respective divisions, but they have a legit, albeit small one, shot to win it.
NFC East – Washington Redskins +600
The Redskins play in the toughest division in the NFL, as the NFC is stacked. The Redskins had the 4th best defense last season and they may be better this season with the addition of stud DT Albert Haynesworth and 1st round draft pick DE Brian Orakpo. The question mark for the Redskins is at the QB position with Jason Campbell. The Skins have a decent WR corps and a great rushing attack led by Clinton Portis, but their season may come down to how Campbell plays. The Redskins discussed trading up in the draft to take QB Mark Sanchez, but they decided to stay put with Campbell. Campbell is in a contract year and if he dies not play well Washington may go out and draft or sign another QB. However, if Campbell has a good season and the Redskins’ D plays well the Redskins have a shot at winning the NFC East.
NFC North – Green Bay Packers +220
The Vikings, Bears, and Packers all have a good shot at the NFC North title, but out of those three teams the Packers have the worst odds. Aaron Rodgers played well last year, but Ryan Grant, who was re-signed in the off-season, has to play better then last season. He did have over 1,000 yards, but he failed to average 4 yards per carry. The Packers have a good secondary, but stopping the rush was a big problem for them last season. Green Bay addressed that need by their two 1st round picks of NT B.J. Raji and OLB Clay Matthews. If these rookies can improve a so-so Packers’ D then they have a good shot at winning the division title.
Carolina Panthers – +230
Jake Delhomme was very up and down last year and he needs to bounce back and be more consistent this season. They have a good rushing attack with DeAngelo Williams and 2nd year RB Jonathan Stewart and Steve Smith is a veteran WR that is still one of the best in the game. Their secondary is pretty solid, but getting to the QB and stopping the run is a concern. The Panthers loaded up on D in the draft using their 1st 3 picks on defensive players and they re-sign Julian Peppers in the off-season. The NFC South is up for grabs and how the Panthers finish may come down to how Jake Delhomme plays.
NFC West – San Francisco 49’ers +240
The 49’ers have a good young team, but they are having trouble signing their awesome 1st round pick in WR Michael Crabtree. If he does not sign it may be a big blow to San Francisco. Former #1 pick Alex Smith has looked great in camp and may beat out Shaun Hill for the starting QB position. RB Frank Gore needs to bounce back and have a solid season and he dies not have to do it all with the addition of RB Glen Coffee in the draft. Last season the 49’ers defense was decent ranking 13th in the league and in the off-season they signed a couple of free agents and drafted some players to help on D. The 49’ers are young and talented and if whoever plays QB steps up they have a chance in the weak NFC West.
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