2014 NFL futures betting: Breaking down the NFC East

The NFC East has provided spectators with some thrilling divisional races in recent years, with the division title decided in a head-to-head matchup on the final day of the regular season in four of the last five years.

The race shapes up to be competitive again this season, with any one of the four teams capable of finishing atop the division at the end of the season.

The Philadelphia Eagles are expected to repeat as division champions this season, as seen in the odds comparison below.

Odds courtesy BetOnline, Bovada, Sports Interaction.

Philadelphia Eagles

The Eagles were the only NFC East team to hit the double-digit mark in wins in Chip Kelly's inaugural NFL season. It turns out his offense does translate well to the pro ranks, as shown in the stat lines for Nick Foles and LeSean McCoy.

DeSean Jackson and his 82 catches are gone, but the team's pass-catching corps looks like it will improve with a returning Jeremy Maclin, and the additions of Jordan Matthews and Darren Sproles. Lane Johnson's four-game suspension will hurt in the early going, but the offensive line was a strength for the Eagles a year ago and should be again this season.

The defense will be a weakness for the team again this season. First-round pick Marcus Smith will help a pass rush that wasn't up to par last season, but opposing quarterbacks should still feel safe when they see the Eagles on their schedule. The linebacking corps and secondary could use some help.

New York Giants

One of the biggest positives the Giant offense had going entering last season was Eli Manning's familiarity with Kevin Gilbride's offense after so many years together. That goes out the window with Ben McAdoo coming in to implement a quick-hitting attack that will rely on the ability of Victor Cruz and Rueben Randle to pick up yards after the catch.

Defensively, the Giants need to get back to doing what they do best, and that's getting to the quarterback with their front four. That starts with Jason Pierre-Paul, who has just two sacks in his last 18 games. General manager Jerry Reese's re-made secondary should be improved over last year's unit, but the defense will be reliant on quite a few players who are north of 30.

Washington Redskins

Mike Shanahan may be gone, but he sure left some talent behind for new head coach Jay Gruden. The Redskins have a franchise quarterback in Robert Griffin III, a standout running back in Alfred Morris, and the team's receiving corps might be its biggest strength entering the season. 

DeSean Jackson and Andre Roberts will join Pierre Garcon and Jordan Reed in a Washington passing attack that has the potential to be one of the elite units in the game. A healthy Griffin, working without the crutch of a college-style offense, could put together his best season yet.

On the other side of the ball, defensive coordinator Jim Haslett will be in for another long year. Getting to the quarterback with outside linebackers Brian Orakpo and Ryan Kerrigan has to be a priority. Beyond that, Haslett will be doing a lot of finger-crossing and praying.

Dallas Cowboys

The Cowboy offense will be slinging the ball early and often this season. New passing-game coordinator and playcaller Scott Linehan will have plenty of weapons at his disposal, with Tony Romo, Dez Bryant, DeMarco Murray, and Jason Witten each among the top players at their position. He'll want to keep the ball on the ground when he can though, as an offensive line that features the likes of Tyron Smith, Travis Frederick, and Doug Free projects to be one of the league's elite units.

The problem with the Cowboys' current roster make-up is that the talent is heavily skewed on one side of the ball. The team's defense will be in for some big trouble with Sean Lee out for the season. DeMarcus Ware and Jason Hatcher are also gone, leaving new defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli with very little to work with. The unit's only hope is a bounce back from cornerbacks Brandon Carr and Morris Claiborne, otherwise they'll be below average at every position.

Where to put your money

In a division that looks to be a toss-up, it only makes sense to go with a team that offers up a decent return. The Redskins can be had at +400 on SIA, and with an offense that has the weapons to be special this season, they're not a bad team to invest in. The Giants could also be worth a look at +325 on BetOnline, but there are too many moving parts there to build an accurate projection.

More 2014 NFL futures betting articles:

AFC East | AFC North
AFC South | AFC West

NFC East | NFC North
NFC South | NFC West

Super Bowl odds | Yardage leaders odds
MVP odds | Win total odds
Super Bowl odds II