Mail
PrintTwo teams that “didn’t have a chance” to win their divisions suddenly have a chance again, this after scoring a pair of upset victories—one on the road against a playoff team, another at home against a non-playoff team—this past weekend.
The Redskins defeated the Saints 40-32 as 7-point road underdogs and the Bucs upended the Panthers as 2.5-point home underdogs on Sunday. Both teams were double-digit divisional long shots prior to the season, but their odds have improved following their big wins.
* * *
NFC East odds before (and after)
Eagles +165 (+175)
Giants +205 (+350)
Cowboys +245 (+175)
Redskins +1200 (+620)
NFC South odds:
Saints +125 (+205)
Falcons +140 (+115)
Panthers +550 (+800)
Bucs +1650 (+775)
* * *
Does it seem like an overreaction or do these teams both have a legitimate chance to stay relevant?
The Redskins impressed in the opener and are now listed as a 3-point road favorite against the Rams. If they can pull off the win, they’ll then be favored to improve to 3-0 against Cincinnati in Week 3, their first home game.
Tampa Bay, meanwhile, has a bit more of an uphill climb. The Bucs are 7.5-point underdogs at the Giants this week, and they’re a projected 7-point dog at Dallas a week later.
In our view, the Redskins are more likely to have staying power. The Eagles are an injury to Mike Vick away from falling apart, and we’re not convinced they’re the class of the division anyway. The Giants and Cowboys are both strong, but neither team seems likely to rip off an 11-5 or 12-4 season, especially not against the schedules they’ll be up against.
A few other notable divisonal odds moves:
- Buffalo went from +800 to +1400.
- Indianapolis went from +2200 to +4000.
- San Francisco, previously at -280, is now a -400 favorite.
