Predicting win totals for every NFC team in 2019
It's never too early to get a head start on the 2019 NFL season.
Once the draft ends and free agency kicks in, oddsmakers will be releasing win totals for the upcoming campaign, giving bettors an opportunity to go over or under. We're going to take our best stabs at what we believe the totals will be for every team, starting with the NFC.
NFC East
Dallas Cowboys - 8.5 (Over -135, Under +115)
Which direction will the Cowboys go next season? A run to the divisional round might help their stock but this is actually one of the toughest numbers to project.
New York Giants - 7.5 (Over +100, Under -120)
OK, so is this the year New York takes a leap? This would be the second straight campaign with a 7.5 for the Giants, who underwhelmed to the tune of 5-11 in 2018.
Philadelphia Eagles - 9 (Over -125, Under +105)
The Eagles should pace the pack in the NFC East but it'll be intriguing to watch how the market treats them going forward.
Washington Redskins - 5.5 (Over -110, Under -110)
We're probably looking at a trying year for the Redskins, who need quarterback stability and a whole bunch of luck to make any noise in the division.
NFC North
Chicago Bears - 10 (Over -120, Under +100)
The Bears look ripe for a run in the NFC, though they'll have a huge target on their back for the first time in what feels like forever.
Detroit Lions - 6 (Over +105, Under -115)
The public isn't going to like anything about the Lions, who finished 3-7 to end the season with no pulse.
Green Bay Packers - 8 (Over -130, Under +110)
The market typically loves Aaron Rodgers and the Packers, but you have to wonder if there will be some overcorrecting here after the wheels fell off late last season.
Minnesota Vikings - 9 (Over -110, Under -110)
It's tough to envision the Vikings taking a step back after an 8-7-1 record and just missing the postseason. The team is well-constructed and should be a challenge to the Bears in the division.
NFC South
Atlanta Falcons - 8.5 (Over +105, Under -125)
The Falcons were arguably the quietest 7-9 team last season, unable to regain momentum after falling behind the eight ball in the middle of the campaign. We wouldn't be surprised to see this open 8.5 and move to 8, or vice versa.
Carolina Panthers - 7 (Over -125, Under +105)
Cam Newton's injury puts us in a tough spot when trying to project the Panthers. Still, this team is slowly trending down.
New Orleans Saints - 10.5 (Over -110, Under -110)
The Saints should be right in the thick of things again next year, but will it be all sunshine and rainbows in Drew Brees' age-40 season?
Tampa Bay Buccaneers - 6.5 (Over +110, Under -130)
Though they'll be projected to finish in the basement of the NFC South again, there are some things to like about the Buccaneers, whether it be the passing game, the coaching turnover, or the fact they can't be any worse on defense as they were in 2018.
NFC West
Arizona Cardinals - 5 (Over +100, Under -130)
The Cardinals should improve on a 3-13 campaign, but this franchise has one heck of an offseason to-do list. Kliff Kingsbury figures to struggle mightily in his first year as an NFL coach with one of the worst rosters in the league.
Los Angeles Rams - 11.5 (Over +100, Under -130)
The Rams figure to teeter in the 11-11.5 range based on how the market reacts to their lack of production in the Super Bowl. Nonetheless, we know L.A. can rip through a regular season.
San Francisco 49ers - 8 (Over -115, Under -105)
We still don't have a clue what the ceiling is for the 49ers after quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo suffered a season-ending injury back in Week 3. This team could look even more different if they land Antonio Brown or perhaps another top-tier free agent.
Seattle Seahawks - 9 (Over +110, Under -130)
As the Seahawks continue to be underestimated, head coach Pete Carroll continues to deliver with nine- or 10-win campaigns. Seattle isn't as daunting as the Rams or Saints in the conference, so you can likely find the number to be more shaded to the former rather than the latter.
Alex Kolodziej is theScore's betting writer. He's a graduate of Eastern Illinois who has been involved in the sports betting industry for 11 years. He can quote every line from "Rounders" and appreciates franchises that regularly wear alternate jerseys. Find him on Twitter @AlexKoIodziej.