Is quarterback Donovan McNabb healthy again? If he is, the Philadelphia Eagles could be a sleeper in the NFC. Odddsmakers have established the Eagles as 20/1 long shots to win the 2009 Super Bowl.
The Eagles added a marquee name to their defensive backfield when they signed former Patriots cornerback Asante Samuel to a mega contract. They also franchised tight end L.J. Smith and brought in defensive depth in Chris Clemons (Raiders) and Rocky Boiman (Colts).
Not too many NFL pundits know what to expect from the Eagles this year. The team is only three years from a Super Bowl appearance, yet McNabb can’t seem to stay healthy and questions about the receiving corps are again persistent. If McNabb can stay upright, however, the addition of Samuel to the defense should be huge and the Eagles could challenge the Cowboys and Giants in the NFC East.
Odds for the Eagles are pretty consistent at the major sports books. Current prices on the Eagles’ chances to win the 2009 Super Bowl range from 20/1 at Sportsbook.com and Bodog, while SBG Global has Philadelphia at 25/1.
Oddsmakers have also set the Eagles’ over/under total for wins in 2008 at 8.5, but clearly think Philadelphia will win more than 8.5 games considering the over pays out at –165 compared to +135 for the under.
The Eagles are an interesting team, but they have plenty to offer. McNabb can still be one of the league’s top quarterbacks if he can stay on the field and running back Brian Westbrook is one of the best talents in the NFL. The defense added a major piece in Samuel, but the run defense has to improve for Philly to make a run. McNabb is the key, but don’t count the Eagles out in 2009.
Philadelphia Eagles Odds to Win 2009 Super Bowl
SBG Global 25-1
Bodog 20-1
Sportsbook.com 20-1
Philadelphia Eagles 2008 Regular Season Win Totals Odds
Philadelphia Eagles Over 8.5 Wins (-165)
Philadelphia Eagles Under 8.5 Wins (+135)