Bellus’ Betting Breakdown: The Eagles’ Case to Win the NFC East

The NFC East is a fascinating division. 

While some stats and trends are worth rolling your eyes at, the fact that no team has won this division in back-to-back years since 2004 is noteworthy. 

Last year the Dallas Cowboys pulled away from the field, winning 12 games and taking the division by three games. 

One thing that helped Dallas last season was their 6-0 record within the division. Oddly enough, that was the first time a team went undefeated in this division since… 2004. 

Last season, this Philadelphia Eagles team was able to make the playoffs, despite opening the season with just two wins in the first six weeks. 

But something changed after Week 6, and the Eagles have been a totally different team since (more on that later). 

And now things seem to be breaking their way. 

Dallas has gotten worse on both sides of the ball. Washington, while getting healthy on defence will provide a boost, I’m having a hard time wrapping my head around. Carson Wentz suddenly feeling comfortable in this division again. 

New York / Daniel Jones simply can’t be trusted, need I say more?  

This feels like a natural progression in Hurts’ career, with this season being the first divisional title he can add to his resume. 

Mid-season adjustment could lead to success in 2022

Through six weeks last year, Philly was the third-most pass-heavy team at 64 per cent. 

But teams begged the Eagles to run the ball. 

According to Warren Sharp, through Week 6, on early downs in the first three quarters, defences presented light boxes against the Eagles at a 68 per cent rate. 

Light boxes typically means more defenders are playing coverage, not only making it harder to pass, but easier to run. 

For context,  the league average of teams being presented