2009 NFL Picks Philadelphia Eagles NFC East Betting Odds: What a difference a year makes for the Philadelphia Eagles. This time a year ago the expectations were that Donovan McNabb and Andy Reid were probably starting their final season with the Eagles, and the team seemed destined for a major rebuilding. Now, buoyed by their surprising trip to the NFC Championship Game, Reid is back on solid ground and McNabb has signed a new contract that should keep him throwing passes in Philadelphia for the rest of his career. The 2009 NFL Picks experts at online sportsbook SBG Global have the Philadelphia Eagles +650 odds to win the 2010 Super Bowl.
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES – NFC EAST
2008 Season Record: 9-6-1, second in NFC East
Offense: 7
Defense: 8
Special Teams: 7
Coaching: 8
2009 NFL Picks: 10-6
OVER 9½ Wins: 140 odds
UNDER 9½ Wins: +110 odds
Pros: The Eagles were solid on both sides of the ball in 2008, ranking sixth in the NFL in scoring offense (26.6 points per game) while allowing the fourth fewest points in the league (18.1 ppg). In recent years, Philadelphia has been an aging team, but they made solid strides this off-season to get younger at key positions, most notably the offensive line and defensive backfield.
Cons: Running back Brian Westbrook gained 750 fewer yards from scrimmage in 2008 than the previous season and underwent ankle surgery in June. If he is not able to return to full strength, the offense will be hard pressed to match their production from a year ago. Injuries also hampered receiver Kevin Curtis, as his numbers fell dramatically after posting a career-year in 2007. The receiving corps lost veteran tight end L.J. Smith to free agency.
Surprise Stat: In 2008, DeSean Jackson (62 receptions, 912 yards) became the first rookie to lead the Philadelphia Eagles in receptions and receiving yards since Keith Jackson in 1988.
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Outlook: The addition of two-time Pro Bowl offensive tackle Jackson Peters and veteran offensive guard Stacy Andrews will immediately improve what was an aging offensive line. The defense added veteran cornerback Ellis Hobbs from the New England Patriots to reunite with his former Patriot teammate Asante Samuel.
Draft Overview: The Eagles used their first three picks to address offensive needs. First round pick Jeremy Maclin, out of Missouri, is a solid receiver and should get an opportunity to see immediate action. The selection of Pittsburgh running back LeSean McCoy with the 53rd pick was a major coup, considering he was originally projected as a first round pick. His immediate playing time will depend on the health of Westbrook, but McCoy will undoubtedly be groomed as Westbrook’s successor. If fifth round pick Cornelius Ingram, a tight end from Florida, is able to recover from a serious knee injury suffered while at Florida, he could be one of the steals of the draft. The selection of former Virginia Tech defensive back Victor Harris might be another huge value pick as he could see immediate action in the secondary.
Overall Outlook: With Donovan McNabb re-signed and happy, look for him to continue the resurgence he displayed over the final weeks of the 2008 season. He has led the Eagles to the NFC Championship Game fives times in his career and the Eagles appear to have enough talent to contend for another appearance. The NFC East is always a tough division and the Eagles are just 4-8 against division foes over the last two years.
Key to Success: The receiving corps of Jackson, Curtis, Maclin and tight end Brent Celek must develop consistency and provide McNabb with multiple weapons, especially if Westbrook isn’t at full strength when the season starts.
Intangibles: The defense will be looking for a leader with the departure of safety Brian Dawkins after 13 seasons and seven Pro Bowl appearances. Look for defensive end Trent Cole, cornerback Sheldon Brown and strong safety Quintin Mikell to fill the leadership void.
SBG Global has posted their 2009 NFL Picks odds to win the 2010 Super Bowl:
Arizona CARDINALS: +2900
Atlanta FALCONS: +2000
Baltimore RAVENS: +2500
Buffalo BILLS: +8500
Carolina PANTHERS: +3950
Chicago BEARS: +2000
Cincinnati BENGALS: +8500
Cleveland BROWNS: +7500
Dallas COWBOYS: +1400
Denver BRONCOS: +6000
Detroit LIONS: +15000
Green Bay PACKERS: +2500
Houston TEXANS: +2000
Indianapolis COLTS: +1000
Jacksonville JAGUARS: +4500
Kansas City CHIEFS: +7500
Miami DOLPHINS: +3000
Minnesota VIKINGS: +800
New England PATRIOTS: +300
New Orleans SAINTS: +1700
New York GIANTS: +850
New York JETS: +3500
Oakland RAIDERS: +5500
Philadelphia EAGLES: +650
Pittsburgh STEELERS: +700
San Diego CHARGERS: +500
San Francisco 49ERS: +6500
Seattle SEAHAWKS: +3000
St. Louis RAMS: +8500
Tampa Bay BUCCANEERS: +10000
Tennessee TITANS: +2000
Washington REDSKINS: +4850
