NFC EAST PREVIEW
DALLAS COWBOYS (6-10)
Strengths: The offense, when healthy, has already shown it can be among the best in the NFL with QB Dak Prescott, who just signed a club-record $160 million, four-year deal, RB Ezekiel Elliott and the receiving threesome of Amari Cooper, CeeDee Lamb and Michael Gallup. The offensive line is back intact with the return from injuries of RG Zack Martin, LT Tyron Smith and RT La’el Collins.
Weaknesses: Last year’s defense gave up the most points in franchise history, and coordinator Mike Nolan was replaced by Dan Quinn after just one season. The Cowboys set a club record in the seven-round era with eight defensive draft picks. The first-rounder was LB Micah Parsons, who is lining up all over the place and has shown star potential in training camp. There still isn’t a proven playmaker at safety, which could continue to be a trouble spot.
Tipico Sportsbook Says: Win Super Bowl: 30-1. Over/under wins: 9.5.
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (4-11-1)
Strengths: If healthy, the offensive line led by threetime All-Pro center Jason Kelce, three-time Pro Bowl right tackle Lane Johnson and threetime Pro Bowl right guard Brandon Brooks is among the best in the NFL. Brooks missed last season, Johnson only played seven games and Kelce was the only lineman who started every game. The defensive line is also strong. Sixtime Pro Bowl defensive tackle Fletcher Cox anchors a unit that features Brandon Graham, Kerrigan, Josh Sweat, Derek Barnett and Javon Hargrave. Weaknesses: Quarterback Jalen Hurts is unproven. He showed flashes of potential along with inconsistency in four starts. The Eagles haven’t had a wideout reach 1,000 yards receiving since 2014 but have invested consecutive first-round picks at wide receiver in DeVonta Smith and Jalen Reagor. Tipico Sportsbook Says: Win Super Bowl: 70-1. Over/under wins: 6.5.
NEW YORK GIANTS (6-10)
Strengths: Pat Graham’s defense surprised opponents last season with its multi-faceted looks. While the line lost Tomlinson in the middle of the 3-4 front, DL Leonard Williams returns from a career-best season. Blake Martinez is a tackling machine among the linebackers, while the rest are fast and young. The secondary is deep and added Jackson to play opposite Pro Bowler James Bradberry. PK Graham Gano made his last 30 field goal attempts of 2020.
Weaknesses: The offensive line was weak last season and it remains a question mark. Three of the five starters return: left tackle Andrew Thomas, left guard Shane Lemieux and center Nick Gates. Will Hernandez, who lost his job at LG after a bout with COVID-19, has replaced Zeitler at right guard. Veteran Nate Solder, back after opting out last season, and secondyear pro Matt Peart, are competing for the job at right tackle.
Tipico Sportsbook Says: Win Super Bowl: 70-1. Over/under wins: 6.5.
WASHINGTON (7-10)
Strengths: The defense led by AP Defensive Rookie of the Year Chase Young could be just as good as last season after ranking second in the NFL. Young, fellow edge rusher Montez Sweat and stalwart defensive linemen Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne should torment opposing quarterbacks, and the linebacking corps is better with the addition of first-round pick Jamin Davis.
Weaknesses: The offense is still a major question mark now with 38-yearold Ryan Fitzpatrick running the show as the undisputed starting quarterback. Coach Ron Rivera is expecting Fitzpatrick, running back Antonio Gibson, top receiver Terry McLaurin and tight end Logan Thomas to help Washington have at least an average offense.
Tipico Sportsbook Says: Win Super Bowl: 40-1. Over/under wins: 8.5.