NY Giants are easily a smart bet to win the NFC East

Training camp is quickly approaching, which means that NFL betting season is already underway. The NY Giants are ranked third in their division with +450 odds to win the NFC East. That means a $100 dollar bet on the GMEN to win the division would give you $450 in winnings if Big Blue is able to win their first NFC East title since 2011.

“Oddsmakers have a confusing idea of what the Giants season will look like. They expect the team to top 7 wins, but have them slated for a top-10 draft pick. They expect Saquon Barkley to return to form, but not for Daniel Jones to take the next step. Everything seems contradictory here, but perhaps that’s just oddsmakers hedging their bets” said OddsChecker spokesman Kyle Newman.

The Cowboys and Washington Football Team have better odds to win the division, but I think the NY Giants are the smartest bet. Joe Judge and the GMEN showed significant improvement in 2020 as the season progressed. After starting the year 1-7, Big Blue had a competitive 5-3 finish and was fighting for their playoffs lives in Week 17. They also finished 4-2 in NFC East games, with both losses coming in the final minute.

The NY Giants have everything it takes to win the NFC East in 2021

What gives me hope that the NY Giants will get over the hump in 2021? I think the defense will continue to improve under defensive coordinator Patrick Graham. There is a reason Graham was given a generous extension this offseason.

Graham confused opposing quarterbacks and offensive coordinators all season long in 2020, despite a lack of talent at the cornerback position and an inconsistent pass-rush. Adoree’ Jackson will help solidify the secondary after receiving a big contract from Dave Gettleman. This will allow Graham to play more man-to-man and add even more versatility to what the defense can do.

An improving defensive unit that ranked in the top 10 last season isn’t the only reason the GMEN are a smart NFC East title bet. Daniel Jones has been surrounded with some explosive weapons this offseason. Not only did Dave Gettleman sign one of the NFL’s elite deep threats in Kenny Golladay to a big contract this offseason, but he used his first-round pick on the speedy and elusive Kadarius Toney, who could be a perfect fit for Jones.

Whether or not Jones can make a leap in his third year is obviously the biggest question mark for the Giants heading into 2021. His second season PFF grade is actually higher than Josh Allen’s second-year grade. If Jones can somehow replicate Allen’s third-year leap, when Allen solidified himself as a top 10 QB (maybe a top 5 QB) last season, then the NY Giants will be in great shape.

Will the offensive line be good enough? That is another major question mark heading into the season. I think starting tackles Andrew Thomas and Matt Peart will benefit from a full offseason with their new offensive line coach, Rob Sale. Nick Gates was solid in his first season playing center, and he should be even better in year two. The guards, Shane Lemieux and Will Hernandez are young and hungry to prove themselves.

An improved offensive line will bode well for Daniel Jones’ development. Also boding well will be Saquon Barkley’s comeback. The NY Giants’ best player is coming off a torn ACL, but he looks great in offseason workouts and should be ready to go week 1. Barkley’s presence will help Jones and the offense get kickstarted. He could also help make the Giants winning the NFC East a smart bet.