The NFC East enters the upcoming season with its usual share of uncertainty and high expectations across all four teams.
The Philadelphia Eagles are looking to earn the division crown for the third consecutive time after but after several offseason changes, the door may have opened for another team to knock the Eagles off.
Dallas enters with a re-tooled defensive unit, New York looks to bounce back behind structural offensive upgrades, and Washington works through significant offensive line setbacks.
With week one just around the corner, the “First Things First” crew predicted the NFC East, projecting how the season will unfold for the Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, and Washington Commanders.
Each panelist had a different pick for division champion, reflecting the uncertainty of the division of these four squads.
Nick Wright’s NFC East Prediction
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Nick Wright selected the Philadelphia Eagles to win the division with a 13-4 record, projecting the Dallas Cowboys in second at 9-8, the New York Giants in third at 7-10 and the Washington Commanders fourth at 5-12.
Wright favored Philadelphia despite offseason roster turnover, pointing to quarterback resilience and potential trade deadline activity.
“All offseason, I have said the Eagles could be 13-4, they could be 7-10, and firing Sirianni. I landed for the Philadelphia Eagles at 13-4,” Sirianni said. “I think A.J. Brown is addition by subtraction. I think they know the salary cap chickens are coming home to roost in the next couple years because of the void year, so they will be extra aggressive at the trade deadline, as [Eagles general manager] Howie [Roseman] often is.”
The Cowboys did not fully convince Wright as he projected them to miss the postseason.
“Since Dan Quinn left, they’ve been awful. They’ve got nine wins. To me, I think they’ll be fun, interesting, but not good enough,” Wright said.
He went on to pick New York third, expressing skepticism about quarterback Jaxson Dart.
“Jaxson Dart’s not wearing his hat backwards. He’s wearing it sideways and cocked with maybe a bandana underneath it. And it is not someone you can trust to be your franchise quarterback,” Wright said.
Wright added that Washington faces significant depth concerns.
“I don’t like their weapons. The offensive line is banged up. They have a bad defense,” Wright said.
Chris Broussard’s NFC East Prediction
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Chris Broussard differed at the top of the standings, picking the Dallas Cowboys to win the division, followed by the Philadelphia Eagles in second as a playoff wildcard, the New York Giants in third, and the Washington Commanders in fourth. Broussard expects an improved defensive unit to propel Dallas to the top spot.
“Love the offense. Expect a huge year from Dak and his receivers. Love the new defensive coordinator Christian Parker and the additions that they made. I think their defensive line is going to be tough with Quinnen Williams and all these guys,” Broussard said.
Regarding the rest of the division, Broussard projected Philadelphia to drop from the top spot while Washington struggles up front.
“Last year, they became the first team in 23 years to repeat as NFC champions. I don’t think there’s a three-peat. I would love to see Jayden Daniels have a bounce-back year, a terrific year, but that offensive line with Laremy Tunsil is now out with a tear. I think they’re gonna struggle, and I think the defense isn’t that great either,” Broussard said.
Broussard liked the head coaching hire of John Harbaugh for New York in third.
“Love the hire of John Harbaugh in New York. I think they desperately needed a culture change. I think he’s in the process of doing it,” Broussard said. “Defense should be better, but it’s a tough division. I got them third.”
Broussard added that Washington will struggle up front. “I would love to see Jayden Daniels have a bounce-back year, terrific year, but that offensive line with Laremy Tunsil is now out with a triceps tear. I think they’re gonna struggle, and I think the defense isn’t that great either,” Broussard said.
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Danny Parkins projected a surprise shift in the division, picking the New York Giants to finish in first place, followed by the Dallas Cowboys in second, the Philadelphia Eagles in third out of the playoff picture and the Washington Commanders in fourth.
Parkins put Dallas in second as a playoff team, anticipating a high-scoring offense.
“They’re going to be in the playoffs. They’re very good as the Dallas Cowboys. The Cowboys are going to throw 600 times. They’re going to score,” Parkins said.
Conversely, Parkins expressed skepticism toward Philadelphia’s outlook following recent offensive struggles.
“All they were last year was a bottom half of the league team in points, passing yards, rushing yards, total yards, and third downs, and they lost A.J. Brown,” Parkins said.
Parkins projected Washington at the bottom, pointing to head coach Dan Quinn and offensive line injury troubles.
“The Washington Commanders are in trouble, and I think Dan Quinn should be the heavy favorite to be first coach fired,” Parkins said. “When you need to keep your quarterback healthy and you have a bad offensive line and Laremy Tunsil goes down, that is just a very bad recipe.”
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