The NFC East has been the laughing stock of the NFC in recent years as they struggle to get a team into the playoffs each season. However, this offseason, the division made some major upgrades as a whole and it could be one of the most intriguing divisions in the NFL in 2021.
All four teams will once again be in contention to win the division. The Dallas Cowboys and Washington Football Team are expected to be the favorites in the division, although the New York Giants improved in a big way as well. As for the Philadelphia Eagles, there are some questions marks, but they could surprise us.
Let’s dive into what the standings in the NFC East could look like when the season wraps up next season.
First Place: Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys had a rough season in 2020 due to an array of injuries and character concerns, but I believe that will be the past and the Cowboys will find themselves atop the division in 2021. The Cowboys made some impressive strides to get better, and the fact that they play in the NFC East could help them secure a division crown yet again.
Dallas made some major upgrades to their roster, those of which include Micah Parsons, Kelvin Joseph, and Keanu Neal. All of those players will have a major impact on the Dallas defense and they could help anchor the team as a whole. Dak Prescott is back and healthy and will get to work with his outstanding wide receiver unit for hopefully a full season. This team is too star studded to not be the early favorites for the division crown. The bookies would apparently agree, as Dem Boyz currently lead the division in the NFL futures odds 2022 race to snag the NFC East title.
Second Place: Washington Football Team
The Washington Football Team were the lone team to represent the NFC East in the playoffs a season ago, but that could change this upcoming season. The Washington Football Team only made the playoffs by the skin of their teeth last season and they may struggle to stack some wins without the presence of a true number one quarterback.
The Washington Football Team did see some upgrades at the wide receiver position and on defense, but for the most part the core of the team will remain the same. Ryan Fitzpatrick is the man under center for the Football Team after the team failed to land a to tier talent in the 2021 NFL Draft. The Football Team does have a great coaching staff, which could really help them win some games, which is honestly the only reason I have the Washington Football Team this high in my rankings.
Third Place: Philadelphia Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles didn’t even sniff the playoffs a season ago, but they are under the regime of a new coaching staff now. The Eagles dealt away former number two overall pick Carson Wentz in favor of Jalen Hurts this offseason, which will allow the team to better utilize Hurts and his toolset.
The Eagles could see a lot of improvement, but in my opinion they aren’t quite there yet. The addition of Heisman Trophy winner Devonta Smith is massive for the Eagles’ offense as he already chemistry with Hurts and could be the team’s top receiver from the jump. The additions of safety Anthony Harris, running back Kerryon Johnson, and offensive lineman Landon Dickerson also gives the Eagles some great talent to add to their roster.
Philadelphia will be better, but they still need a few drafts to get back on top of the division.
Fourth Place: New York Giants
The New York Giants have had a very impressive offseason, but I don’t think it’s impressive enough to give them a top spot in the division quite yet. Daniel Jones is still the man under center for the Giants and he has dampened the teams chances of getting the ball in the end zone. The Giants, however, do have the return of Saquon Barkley to look forward to, which is massive for the New York offense.
The Giants made a big splash this offseason as they added the services of Kenny Golladay, John Ross, Kyle Rudolph, and Azeez Ojulari and could make an improvement this season. I don’t think the Giants are where they want to be, and this could be a good learning season for New York.
Once the Giants get an upgrade at the quarterback position, they could be a legitimate Super Bowl contender.
