The NFC East hasn’t had a repeat champion since the 2003/04 Philadelphia Eagles. Historically, it’s one of the best divisions in the NFL and is the first and only division to have four Super Bowl winners. The level of parity in the division has been great for fans to watch, and tough for analysts to predict.
Will the revolving door for NFC East throne continue?
Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys are coming off a season that had its ups and downs, but they finished on top in the NFC East. Dallas’ early-season schedule should have them off to a fast start with wins against the Giants (at home), Redskins, Dolphins, Jets, Vikings, Lions, and Bills. With wide-receiver Amari Cooper, and running back Ezekiel Elliot picking up after last season, they should give the Cowboys the firepower to down the Packers and Eagles at home as well. The second half of the season is where they’ll struggle. A division battle in New York after a bye week could knock them off their rhythm, and tough trips to New England, Chicago, and Philadelphia could spell disaster.
Prediction: 10-6 (4-2)
New York Giants
In New York, all is not well for a franchise that has spiraled out of postseason contention since going 11-5 in 2016. The Giants still have an elite running back, and a veteran quarterback under center. They should find some wins early with the Bills, Redskins, Cardinals, and Jets at MetLife Stadium. The Giants have stunned good teams at home recently (Chicago 2018, Kansas City 2017), and a Kirk Cousins led Vikings team could be this year’s G-Men upset. A sleeping Cowboys could also fall victim in New York as last year’s game in MetLife was a nail biter. Weeks 11-16 consists of a brutal stretch of six games (four against playoff contenders) where the Giants may drop five of their last six.
Prediction: 8-8 (2-4)
Philadelphia Eagles
Philadelphia is expecting a big season after adding more firepower with wide-receivers Desean Jackson, JJ Arcega-Whiteside, and running backs Jordan Howard, Miles Sanders. The Birds will try to keep pace with the Cowboys while staying healthy and notch wins against the Redskins, Lions, Jets, Vikings, and Bills. Weeks 7-11 will be the toughest test on the schedule as the Eagles get four 2018 playoff teams in five weeks. If the Eagles are able to grab two wins during that stretch, it may be smooth flying to close the season with games against the regressed Dolphins, Redskins, Giants, and a home date with Dallas.
Prediction: 12-4 (5-1)
Washington Redskins
The Redskins were one of the most injury-plagued teams in the NFL last season and still won seven games. Washington has a brutal schedule to begin the season with games against the Eagles, Cowboys, Bears, Giants (away), and Patriots. A bad start could dim any hope for a progressive season. By week 11, expect to see first-round pick Dwayne Haskins start at quarterback (if he isn’t already starting). He may have rookie struggles getting acclimated to the NFL. Last year the Redskins lost six of their last seven and scored 20+ points only twice to finish the season.
Prediction: 4-12 (1-5)
NFC East Standings: 2019-20 Prediction
Eagles 12-4 (5-1)
Cowboys 10-6 (4-2)
Giants 8-8 (2-4)
Redskins 4-12 (1-5)
Featured Image: Sportsbook Review
