NFC Betting: Eagles 'Smart', But Not 'Sexy' Pick?

While the Philadelphia Eagles have the best odds to win the NFC and return to the Super Bowl, most of the public's betting money is instead backing the surprising Detroit Lions.

The Philadelphia Eagles may be the best team in the NFC, but they're not longer the most popular. At least among NFL bettors, that is.

According to the latest odds and trends at the BetMGM Las Vegas sportsbook, the Eagles have the best chance of winning the NFC and making it to Super Bowl LVIII next February in Las Vegas. But the most bets - 36 percent, in fact - are being placed on the Detroit Lions to win the conference. Also, most of the money (34 percent) is being wagered on the Lions.

The influx of attention in Detroit has lowered its odds of winning the NFC from +1,100 down to +850. The Eagles remain the favorite at +250, followed by the San Francisco 49ers (+375), Cowboys (+500), Lions and Seattle Seahawks (+900).

It's quite the shift in public opinion for the Lions, who are in elite (sad) company. Since 1996, only three teams haven't play in an NFC Championship Game: the Washington Commanders, Dallas Cowboys and Lions.

The Eagles are garnering 13 percent of the bets, and 12 percent of the total money on NFC wagers. No other team is attracting more than 10 percent in either category, meaning the Eagles are the smart pick but the Lions are the "sexy" choice.

Meanwhile, Philadelphia remains a solid betting pick to win its season opener over the New England Patriots. The Eagles are a 4.5-point favorite in the Week 1 game, to be played on "Tom Brady Appreciation Day" Sept. 10 at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro.

---

Follow Richie Whitt on Twitter

Want the latest in breaking news and insider information on the Philadelphia Eagles? Click Here.

Want even more Philadelphia Eagles news? Check out the SI.com team page here