The NFC east was previously one of the worst divisions in the National Football League with no team finishing above .500 in 2020, but the division was toward the top last year with each team finishing above or at the .500 mark. With every team somewhat improving this offseason, I expect the division to be one of the winningest in football similar to last year.
Offseason Changes
Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles moved on from some key pieces to the 2022 roster, but were also able to add many replacements on the offensive and defensive side of the ball. After trading for Safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson last season and making it to the Superbowl, he signed with the Detroit Lions on a 1-year $6.5 million dollar deal. Philadelphia also lost defensive lineman Javon Hargrave, linebacker Kyzir White, running back Miles Sanders and more this past offseason.
Edge rusher Brandon Graham, defensive lineman Fletcher Cox, and cornerback James Bradberry were all able to resign with the Eagles. Rashaad Penny, former Seattle Seahawks running back, signed with the Eagles to help replace Sanders. D’Andre Swift, former Detroit Lions running back, was traded to the eagles after the lions decided to draft Alabama running back Jahmyr Gibbs in the first round.
2023-24 Prediction: 11-6
After having the easiest schedule last year and winning 14 games, I do not see anyway the Eagles win that many games this year. I think they could represent the NFC in the Superbowl once again this year, but the regular season seems tough on paper. Week 6-15 is a very tough stretch of games with Eagles facing the Jets, Dolphins, Chiefs, Bills, 49ers, Cowboys twice and on the road versus the Seahawks in those stretch of games. I think the ceiling is 12 wins for the Eagles and the floor 10.
Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys made some big moves adding wide receiver Brandin Cooks and cornerback Stephon Gilmore to what already is a great team on paper. They also made the decision to move on from a couple weapons, releasing running back Ezekeil Elliot and losing tight end Dalton Schultz in free agency. I do not believe these losses will be that big for the Cowboys as they already have a young very talented running back in Tony Pollard and were able to draft athletic tight end Luke Schoonmaker from Michigan in the second round.
2023-24 Prediction: 11-6
This division is going to a battle and the games these teams’ matchup, it is going to matter a lot to be able to win the division. Dallas finished 12-5 last year and I see them finishing with around 11 or 12 wins this season as well. My pick will be the Cowboys to barely win this division. I honestly think the Eagles, Cowboys or even the Giants could win the division, but I really like Dallas if Dak Prescott can lead this team. Dallas decided to trade for quarterback Trey Lance last week and I really think this will motivate Prescott. I also believe Micah Parsons is the best player in football and this team could be my Super Bowl pick in the weaker NFC.
New York Giants
The Giants outperformed expectations last season, finishing 9-7-1 and third in the NFC East. Even with the upgrades, New York once again is only projected for around 7 and a half wins. The Giants were able to add star tight end Darren Waller, resign quarterback Daniel Jones and replace some of the defensive losses. New York also resigned running back Saquon Barkley on a one-year deal. New York drafted Maryland cornerback Deonte Banks, center John Michael Schmitz, and Tennessee wide receiver Jalin Hyatt in the 2023 NFL Draft.
2023-24 Prediction: 9-8
I really like the Giants and all the moves the teams made, but I think there are two Superbowl contenders in this division that will be tough to beat. The Giants not only have a tough division, but have tough games outside of the division, playing all AFC East and NFC West teams. The ceiling is 10 wins for the Giants, but the floor could be a lot worse.
Washington Commanders
A new offensive coordinator, a new starting quarterback, and young weapons for the Washington Commanders makes this team very interesting. After firing offensive coordinator Scott Turner, the Commanders were able to replace him with former Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy, who obviously had a lot of success in Kanas City. The Commanders moved on from previous quarterbacks Carson Wentz and Taylor Heinke and is giving last year fifth-round pick from North Carolina Sam Howell the keys to the offense. I do not expect Washington to win the division this season, but this year is still big for the future of the team. Defensive ends Chase Young and Montez sweat will look for new deals as they are on last year of rookie contracts and the Commanders will need to resign them next season to keep their strong defense.
2023-24 Prediction: 6-11
As much as I like the Commanders as well, I just cannot see them finishing better than third in this division. Six wins may be a little low, but they have a lot of tough games and with the changes on offense, it may take time to get in a groove even though the Commanders looked good in the preseason.