posted September 11, 2009 at 11:30 EST in NFL Props
NFL Prop Betting - NFC East Team Total Interceptions
The New York Giants and Philadelphia Eagles will almost undoubtedly be two of the top contenders to win the NFC title in 2009 – and the Dallas Cowboys and Washington Redskins may not be very far behind.
One thing each NFC East team possesses is a quarterback that doesn’t throw many interceptions, thereby putting a premium on the NFC East team that can record the most interceptions.
This look at each team’s entertaining, season-long NFL team interception odds, followed by my in-depth analysis and selections on how each franchise will fare in the interception department will help BetUS NFL sports betting members everywhere increase their seasonal pro football betting bankrolls.
With the 2009 regular season opener less than two weeks away, let me get started.
New York Giants
Over 17 INTs -120
Under 17 INTs -120
Analysis: The New York Giants have been pretty darned consistent under head coach Tom Coughlin the last few seasons ranking seventh in defense in 2007 and fifth in overall defense last season. The G-Men have also been very solid in the interception department the last three seasons, picking off 17 passes in 2006, 15 passes in 2007 and another 17 passes last season. However, with the Giants not upgrading their defensive secondary at all from last season – and not surpassing the 17-interception mark in three consecutive seasons, tells me it would likely be an anomaly if New York does top 17 interceptions in 2009.
NFL Pick: Giants Under 17 INTs
Philadelphia Eagles
Over 16½ INTs -120
Under 16½ INTs -120
Analysis: The Philadelphia Eagles racked up a whopping 19 interceptions in 2006 but took a big step backwards in the pick-off department in 2007, recording just 11 interceptions before bouncing back a bit in 2008 with 15 total team interceptions.
Now the Eagles head into the 2009 regular season as one of the favorites to win the NFC title, but will have to do so without its beloved and ingenious defensive coordinator Jim Johnson who passed away earlier this summer after a long bout with cancer. Maybe it’s me, but after losing Johnson and foolishly parting ways with longtime – but still effective – safety Brian Dawkins, I say the Eagles stay Under 16 ½ Total Team Interceptions.
NFL Pick: Eagles Under 16½ INTs
Dallas Cowboys
Over 16½ INTs -120
Under 16½ INTs -120
Analysis: The Dallas Cowboys recorded a fantastic 18 team interceptions in 2006 before increasing that number by one in 2007, racking up 19 team picks, good for second in the NFC that season. The ‘Boys took a huge drop in the interception department last season, ranking 30th overall with a pitiful eight interceptions, the same number of picks the Green Bay Packers have already recorded in three preseason games this year. This pick is as easy as pie, take the Under here as it is highly unlikely that the Cowboys will more than double than team interception total from a year ago.
NFL Pick: Cowboys Under 16½ INTs
Washington Redskins
Over 15 INTs -120
Under 15 INTs -120
Analysis: While the Washington had a respectable season in 2008 under first-time head coach and former NFL signal caller Jim Zorn and excelled on defense, ranking fourth in yards allowed per game (288.8 ypg), intercepting the ball clearly was not one of Washington’s strengths as they recorded just 13 team interceptions last season to rank seventh in the NFC. Washington has also struggled to pick off opposing passers in each of the last three seasons, recording 14 interceptions in 2007 and a measly 6 picks in 2006, dead last overall.
The Skins also didn’t do much to upgrade their defensive secondary, but did use their second draft pick this year (80th) overall, to grab cornerback Kevin Barnes. This pick looks fairly simple with Washington not having any standout defensive backs and recording under 15 interceptions in three consecutive years. I say take the Skins to make it four straight years of Under 15 picks in 2009.
NFL Pick: Redskins Under 15 INTs
