The NFC East has been one of the more “open” divisions in the modern NFL. There hasn’t been a repeat champion since the 2003-2004 season. The Philadelphia Eagles are coming off a dominant regular season and a steamrolling performance in their Super Bowl win. However, the Washington Commanders and Jayden Daniels will be sticking their names in the race for the division. With that being said, this has a chance to be one of the more top-heavy divisions in the NFL. Let’s dive into the standings of the NFC East for this upcoming season!
3-14 Dallas Cowboys Finish Last
To the surprise of many, I have the Dallas Cowboys finishing last in the NFC East for the first time since 2015. The roster was top-heavy before trading Micah Parsons. Now, without their best defensive player, they arguably have the worst defense in the entire NFL. Dallas did make a trade for receiver George Pickens, which will help their offense, but not even the 2013 Denver Broncos offense could win the shootouts this team could be in.
This is also the first year with their new head coach, Brian Schottenheimer. When you are entering the season with the worst coach in your division, that puts a handicap on your season. If Dak Prescott plays all 17 games, what do you think the Cowboys must score to be a competitive team, 30 a game? It’s not a secret that this is a rebuilding team. Their offense will be fun, and their defense will be atrocious. That sums up the 2025 Dallas Cowboys.
4-13 New York Giants
Much like the Cowboys, this is a rebuilding franchise. They have been retooling since making the playoffs in 2022. The Giants should have the best quarterback play since that season after bringing in Russell Wilson, Jameis Winston, and drafting Jaxson Dart. Malik Nabers should continue his stellar play with the upgrades at the QB position. However, there is one secret weapon that New York possesses that many teams, including the one’s in the NFC East, won’t be able to handle: their ability to rush the passer.
They have one of the best defensive lines in the NFL. When three of your front four are Brian Burns, Kayvon Thibodeaux, and Dexter Lawrence, not many teams are equipped to deal with that kind of talent. I see this season unfolding with Wilson starting the first 5-7 games, then Brian Daboll turning the reins over to their rookie quarterback, Dart. Have him take the majority of the reps, get him experience, and what’s the worst-case scenario? You stink, especially in the NFC East, and get another top eight pick in next year’s NFL Draft. That doesn’t seem so bad when you’re a rebuilding franchise.
9-8 Washington Commanders Take a Step Back
The Washington Commanders were the surprise of the NFC East and the entire NFL. Jayden Daniels had one of the best rookie seasons in league history and led Washington all the way to the NFC Championship game. If you believe he will continue his upward trajectory, I could see people being persuaded to think the Commanders will be contenders. With this being the second season under head coach Dan Quinn, we can expect the defense to build on the success they had in 2024.
One of their surprising moves was acquiring Laremy Tunsil from the Houston Texans, then drafting a right tackle with the 29th pick. Clearly, that shows their desire to keep their franchise quarterback upright and well-protected. After extending star receiver Terry McLaurins contract, they locked up Daniels’ favorite target. They were electric last season. Despite the setback, don’t worry, Commanders fans; I still have them squeaking into the playoffs with a 9-8 record.
12-5 Philadelphia Eagles Fly High and Win the NFC East
Was there ever a doubt that the Philadelphia Eagles would win the NFC East? Will they be the most dominant team in the conference? No, but they have arguably the best roster in the NFC. Do I think that Saquon Barkley will have a great season? Yes. Do I think he will rush for 2K again? No. Barkley will continue to be one of, if not the best, running backs in the NFL. Their defense will be just as physical as they were last season, but I don’t think their pass coverage will be as elite as it was in 2024.
The X-Factor is their quarterback, Jalen Hurts. It’s interesting to call the reigning Super Bowl MVP an X-Factor, but that’s what he is. When he is on, Hurts can be one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL. However, there have been stretches where his ability to play in a “pure dropback game” have been in doubt. His playstyle and talent fit this team, which features two number one receivers and the best offensive line in the NFL.
Final Thoughts
Many people pick the same top two teams in the NFC East. The Eagles will win this division by a wide margin, with a late season sprint. The race will be tight between Philly and Washington until about Week 13-14. The talent discrepancy is too large for there to be any other winner of this division than the Birds.
As always, thank you so much for checking out my prediction for the NFC East for the 2025-2026 NFL season! Be sure to check out our other amazing content here at New Leaf News! We hope you’re enjoying your day, and we look forward to seeing you all again soon.
