Big seasons for QBs and RBs who have shown flashes of brilliance ? and inconsistency ? in the past will be the key for the New York Giants, Carolina Panthers and Chicago Bears to finish atop their respective NFC divisions in the 2006 season.
All three teams are favored to win their divisions, according to recently released NFL Futures betting odds at betED.com.
The Giants are +250 to win the NFC East, the Panthers are -125 to take the NFC South and the Bears are -190 to finish on top of the NFC North. The Seattle Seahawks, previewed last week, are -325 to win the NFC West.
Some other picks available at betED.com include Tampa Bay at +285 to win the NFC South, and Philadelphia at +325 to take the NFC East.
The preview prognosticators agree that one of the most important factors for a successful season for the Giants is Quarterback Eli Manning being able to not only repeat his great start from last season, but continue it through the entire campaign. Another key for New York is RB Tiki Barber proving his career year in 2005 was not just a one-season wonder.
The WR/TE positions are strong and deep, and Wide-Receiver Sinorice Moss provides a much-needed deep speed threat. Moss has clicked well with QB Manning in mini-camps.
The Carolina Panthers have one of the most stable quarterback groups in the NFL, with Jake Delhomme and Chris Weinke holding down their same respective positions over the last five years.
But their RB position is a little up in the air this season. After losing Running back/Full back Stephen Davis, the main back in 2006 will be DeShaun Foster. Foster has been inconsistent, but as long as he can stay healthy and on the field, the Panthers will have an athletic, reliable back for the 2006 NFL season.
Meanwhile, Chicago has been plagued no so much by inconsistency at the pivot position, but by injury. After tearing the ACL in his right knee early in the 2004 season, Rex Grossman broke his left ankle in the 2005 preseason and missed the first 13 games. Chad Hutchinson flopped and rookie Kyle Orton began the season as the starting QB.
In the off-season, Chicago signed veteran Brian Griese to a five-year deal. The Bears have said they are committed to Grossman as their starter, but Griese has started 72 of 75 games in his career.
Next week: The top divisional picks for the AFC.
betED.com
All three teams are favored to win their divisions, according to recently released NFL Futures betting odds at betED.com.
The Giants are +250 to win the NFC East, the Panthers are -125 to take the NFC South and the Bears are -190 to finish on top of the NFC North. The Seattle Seahawks, previewed last week, are -325 to win the NFC West.
Some other picks available at betED.com include Tampa Bay at +285 to win the NFC South, and Philadelphia at +325 to take the NFC East.
The preview prognosticators agree that one of the most important factors for a successful season for the Giants is Quarterback Eli Manning being able to not only repeat his great start from last season, but continue it through the entire campaign. Another key for New York is RB Tiki Barber proving his career year in 2005 was not just a one-season wonder.
The WR/TE positions are strong and deep, and Wide-Receiver Sinorice Moss provides a much-needed deep speed threat. Moss has clicked well with QB Manning in mini-camps.
The Carolina Panthers have one of the most stable quarterback groups in the NFL, with Jake Delhomme and Chris Weinke holding down their same respective positions over the last five years.
But their RB position is a little up in the air this season. After losing Running back/Full back Stephen Davis, the main back in 2006 will be DeShaun Foster. Foster has been inconsistent, but as long as he can stay healthy and on the field, the Panthers will have an athletic, reliable back for the 2006 NFL season.
Meanwhile, Chicago has been plagued no so much by inconsistency at the pivot position, but by injury. After tearing the ACL in his right knee early in the 2004 season, Rex Grossman broke his left ankle in the 2005 preseason and missed the first 13 games. Chad Hutchinson flopped and rookie Kyle Orton began the season as the starting QB.
In the off-season, Chicago signed veteran Brian Griese to a five-year deal. The Bears have said they are committed to Grossman as their starter, but Griese has started 72 of 75 games in his career.
Next week: The top divisional picks for the AFC.
betED.com
