2024 NFL Draft Betting: AFC West 1st Drafted Positions at Caesars Sportsbook
April 24, 2024
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April 24, 2024
No NFC East team has managed to secure back-to-back division titles since the early 2000s, when the Philadelphia Eagles dominated from 2001 to 2004. Since then, the division has witnessed a fair amount of turnover, with each team claiming at least three division titles. However, the Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles have been the primary contenders, clinching the title in seven of the last eight years. As the 2024-25 NFL betting season approaches, Caesars Sportsbook has both teams listed as identical +125 favorites to continue this trend.
Could Washington or New York disrupt this pattern with a strong showing in the 2024 NFL Draft? To assess this possibility, we must first examine how each team plans to approach the draft. Let’s delve into their potential strategies and envision what their first draft picks might look like come Thursday night.
Bet NFC East First Drafted Positions at Caesars Sportsbook
Dallas Cowboys First Drafted Position at Caesars Sportsbook:
- Offensive Linemen: -225
- Defensive Lineman or EDGE: +375
- Linebacker: +550
- Cornerback: +750
- Wide Receiver: +900
- Quarterback: +4500
The Cowboys’ loss to the Green Bay Packers in the Wild Card game marked a disappointing end to another impressive 12-win season, especially considering how money in the bank the team was against the NFL odds at home throughout the year. Surprisingly, the team remained relatively inactive during free agency, leaving many fans, including myself, anticipating significant moves in the upcoming draft. The quietness in Arlington hints at a potential big shake-up.
With key departures like Tyron Smith and Tyler Biadasz weakening the offensive line, there are evident gaps to fill. However, I’m hesitant to jump on the heavy favorite odds of -225 for an offensive lineman. While CeeDee Lamb and Jake Ferguson are premiere targets for Dak Prescott, the offense lacks a deep threat to stretch the field. I’m placing my bet on a wide receiver being selected at 9-1 odds, and I wouldn’t be surprised if Xavier Worthy, Adonai Mitchell, or an upper-tiered pass catcher – think Marvin Harrison Jr. or Malik Nabers – are among the potential picks, adding firepower and a necessary ingredient to the Cowboys’ attack.
Philadelphia Eagles First Drafted Position at Caesars Sportsbook:
- Cornerback: +120
- Offensive Lineman: +140
- Defensive Lineman or EDGE: +240
- Wide Receiver: +2500
- Safety: +3000
- Tight End: +4000
Nick Sirianni’s Eagles faced significant health challenges last season, which became painfully apparent in their 32-9 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the Wild Card round. The defeat starkly contrasted with their earlier 25-11 victory over the Buccaneers in Week 3, highlighting the impact of Jalen Hurts’ compromised health and the absence of his top target, A.J. Brown. However, with Saquon Barkley now donning midnight green and a formidable trio of receivers in Brown, DeVonta Smith, and Dallas Goedert, the offense appears to be in good shape.
I fully agree with Caesars’ assessment that cornerback is the team’s most pressing need of the draft. The pass defense struggled significantly last season (#31) and requires reinforcements. Iowa’s Cooper DeJean would be an excellent addition to bolster the defense, given his versatility in playing multiple positions. Despite any concerns about DeJean’s injury status, it wouldn’t surprise me if GM Howie Roseman made a move to trade up and secure the talented cover man.
New York Giants First Drafted Position at Caesars Sportsbook:
- Wide Receiver: -230
- Quarterback: +160
- Offensive Lineman: +650
- Tight End: +1200
- Cornerback: +4000
- Defensive Lineman or EDGE: +5000
The Giants struggled to capitalize on the prior year’s success in Brian Daboll’s first season as head coach, finishing with disappointing 6-11 straight-up and 8-8-1 against-the-spread records. As a result, they landed the sixth pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. GM Joe Schoen addressed various needs on both sides of the ball through free agency, bringing in players like DE Brian Burns, DT Jordan Phillips, SS Jalen Mills, and several additions to the offensive line, which sorely needed improvement after allowing a staggering 85 sacks.
Current mock drafts suggest that the Giants may trade up to select a quarterback or stay put and possibly reach for a wide receiver. It seems evident that upper management is growing increasingly dissatisfied with the performance and freak injuries incurred by Daniel Jones and is eager to find a solution. Schoen and Daboll want their guy and I think that guy is Drake Maye – do with that prognostication as you please!
Washington Commanders
Similar to the Chicago Bears, the Commanders’ first draft position odds are not available at Caesars. However, it’s widely known that they’re keen on selecting a quarterback. Despite this, there is uncertainty regarding which quarterback they will choose after Caleb Williams is off the board as the first pick. Currently, linemakers are offering -400 odds on Jayden Daniels and +320 odds on Drake Maye to be selected with the second overall pick. Condolences to fans of the franchise if new GM Adam Peters fools everyone and elects to go into the regular season with Marcus Mariota as his QB1.
