The NFC East used to be heralded as one of the toughest divisions in all of the NFL. However, as of recently, the NFC East has been dubbed as the “NFC Least.” Heading into the 2020 season, they will remain one of the weakest divisions in the league.
The Dallas Cowboys and the Philadelphia Eagles remain favorites in the division. Furthermore, they are both one of the favorites to win the Super Bowl. The Cowboys are 12-1 to win the Super Bowl, and the Eagles are 18-1 to win the Super Bowl. Both these teams will battle it out to see who finishes at the top.
The Washington Football Team and the New York Giants have been the bottom feeders of the division over the past couple of years. However, both of these teams have the potential to make a surprising run at the division title.
Here are our predictions for the NFC East for the 2020-2021 season.
Philadelphia Eagles
Eagles Schedule:
Week 1 @ Washington Football: Win
Week 2 vs Rams: Loss
Week 3 vs Bengals: Win
Week 4 @ 49ers: Loss
Week 5 @ Steelers: Loss
Week 6 vs Ravens: Win
Week 7 vs Giants: Loss
Week 8 vs Cowboys: Loss
Week 9: BYE
Week 10 @ Giants: Win
Week 11 @ Browns: Win
Week 12 vs Seahawks: Win
Week 13 @ Packers: Loss
Week 14 vs Saints: Win
Week 15 @ Cardinals: Win
Week 16 @ Cowboys: Win
Week 17 vs Washington Football: Win
Final Record: 11-5
Philadelphia Eagles offense
One of the biggest problems for the Eagles in 2019 was injuries. Injuries dominated their season and eventually cost them in the playoffs when quarterback Carson Wentz went down to a concussion against the Seattle Seahawks in the wild card round.
If the Eagles can stay healthy, they are going to be Super Bowl contenders. They added much needed help at the wide receiver position. They drafted Jalen Reagor, a rookie receiver out of TCU, to provide much needed big-play ability to the Eagles’ offense.
Miles Sanders will be the work horse running back for Philadelphia. This will allow Wentz to have a consistent running back to keep the offense balanced. On top of the receiving weapons, the running game should be rock solid for the reigning NFC East Champions.
This will give Carson Wentz plenty of options to throw the ball to. This should allow the offense to be extremely versatile, and be one of the most efficient in the league.
Philadelphia Eagles defense
The Eagles’ defense has the potential to be one of the top units in the NFL. In 2019, they finished in the top half of the league in sacks. They will once again rely on their front seven to anchor the defense.
Despite the strong front seven, the secondary was a major concern in 2019. However, the Eagles attempted to fix the porous secondary by trading for Pro Bowl corner Darius Slay.
They released Safety Malcolm Jenkins who was a steady veteran leadership. His absence will be felt in Philadelphia.
The secondary will still be a major concern and could possibly still hold back the Eagles from making a deep run in the playoffs.
Dallas Cowboys
Cowboys Schedule:
Week 1 @ Rams: Win
Week 2 vs Falcons: Win
Week 3 @ Seahawks: Loss
Week 4 vs Browns: Win
Week 5 vs Giants: Loss
Week 6 vs Arizona Cardinals: Win
Week 7 @ Washington Football: Win
Week 8 @ Eagles: Win
Week 9 vs Steelers: Loss
Week 10: BYE
Week 11 @ Vikings: Win
Week 12 vs Washington Football: Win
Week 13 @ Ravens: Loss
Week 14 @ Bengals: Win
Week 15 vs 49ers: Loss
Week 16 vs Eagles: Loss
Week 17 @ Giants: Win
Final Record: 10-6
Dallas Cowboys’ Offense
In 2019, the Dallas Cowboys finished No. 1 in the NFL in Total Offense. The Cowboys are going to have one of the best offenses again in 2020.
Despite contract frustrations, Dak Prescott is still anchoring down the quarterback position. Ezekiel Elliot is still one of the best running backs in the NFL and will be running behind one of the best offensive lines in football.
Amari Cooper and Michael Gallup led the Cowboys’ offense to 296.9 passing yards per game, the second most in the entire NFL. They drafted one of the best receivers in the 2020 draft, CeeDee Lamb, to add to one of the best offenses. With all of these weapons, Dallas’ offense might be even better than it was in 2019.
Despite the addition of new weapons, a new coaching regime might prove to be a set back for the No. 1 offense in the NFL. If new head coach Mike McCarthy can capitalize on all of the talent on this unit, Dallas might finally be making a run at the Super Bowl.
Dallas Cowboys defense
In 2019, Dallas finished ninth in total defense. Their defense, however, did not always produce in clutch situations. They gave up 31 points against an abysmal Bears’ offense. They also gave up 24 and 26 points versus the Jets and Bills, respectively.
These were crucial losses that jeopardized the entire season for the Cowboys. With that said, this unit will look much different in 2020.
Dallas plans to use a variation of looks on defense, switching between a 4-3 defense and a 3-4 package that will utilize their unique defensive line.
The secondary is also a question for Dallas as they let Byron Jones go in free agency. Their defense is going to be a huge variable in how far this team can go.
Washington Football Team
Washington Football Schedule:
Week 1 vs Eagles: Win
Week 2 @ Cardinals: Loss
Week 3 @ Browns: Loss
Week 4 vs Ravens: Loss
Week 5 vs Rams: Loss
Week 6 @Giants: Win
Week 7 vs Cowboys: Loss
Week 8: BYE
Week 9 vs Giants: Loss
Week 10 @ Lions: Win
Week 11 vs Bengals: Win
Week 12 @ Cowboys: Loss
Week 13 @ Steelers: Win
Week 14 @ 49ers: Loss
Week 15 v Seattle: Loss
Week 16 vs Panthers: Win
Week 17 @ Eagles: Loss
Final Record: 6-10
Washington Football’s offense
Washington is in a position to be a surprise team in 2020. They are extremely underestimated, and they could become a difficult team to play.
The offense will hinge on the progress of quarterback Dwayne Haskins. He had an up and down rookie year, and he is looking to take the next step as a full-time starter for Washington.
Washington will use a running back by committee approach with J.D. McKissic, Antonio Gibson and Bryce Love. The Washington offensive line is a huge question mark. Their play is what is going to dictate how good this offense can be.
Related: Ranking Washington wide receivers
The receiver position has underrated potential. Terry McLaurin is one of the best young receivers in the NFL. Cam Sims and Steve Sims could be poised for breakout years.
If Dwyane Haskins and the offensive line improve, Washington can have one of the most surprising offenses in the NFL.
Washington Football’s defense
Head coach Ron Rivera and defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio have a plethora of talent to work with on the defensive side of the ball.
The defensive line is already one of the best in the NFL despite the youth. Chase Young, Jonathan Allen, Montez Sweat and Ryan Kerrigan, among others, provide Del Rio with an abundance of options.
The linebackers have raw and untapped potential that can propel Washington to not only having the best defensive line in football but the best front seven in football.
The secondary is once again an issue for Washington. Safety Landon Collins will be the anchor, and he will try to lead the young secondary.
Washington will not only have the best defense in the NFC East but one of the best defenses in all of the NFL.
New York Giants
Giants Schedule:
Week 1 vs Steelers: Loss
Week 2 @ Bears: Win
Week 3 vs 49ers: Loss
Week 4 @ Rams: Loss
Week 5 @ Cowboys: Win
Week 6 vs Washington Football: Loss
Week 7 @ Eagles: Win
Week 8 vs Buccaneers: Loss
Week 9 @ Washington Football: Win
Week 10 vs Eagles: Loss
Week 11: BYE
Week 12 @ Bengals: Loss
Week 13 @ Seahawks: Loss
Week 14 vs Cardinals: Loss
Week 15 vs Browns: Loss
Week 16 @ Ravens: Loss
Week 17 vs Cowboys: Loss
Final Record: 4-12
New York Giants’ offense
The Giants seem like they have their franchise quarterback in Daniel Jones. He impressed in his rookie season despite difficult circumstances. Entering his sophomore year, he will be the full-time quarterback in New York.
Jones will be paired with one of the best young running backs in the NFL, Saquon Barkley. If he can stay healthy, Barkley will be the focal point of the entire offense, and will ease the burden for the former Duke Blue Devil.
However, Jones and Barkley will deal with an offensive line looking to improve from a rough 2019 season. The Giants drafted former Georgia offensive linemen, Andrew Thomas, and his presence should help improve the line.
The receiving core is solid, but it is nothing out of this world. Golden Tate is a veteran who can provide the occasional deep play. Sterling Shepard struggles to stay healthy.
The Giants’ offense will improve from 2019, but will still be in the bottom half of the NFL.
New York Giants’ defense
New York finished in the bottom half of the league in total defense last season. It does not look like they will be improving much.
The defense is extremely young and has a lot of raw talent and untapped potential. However, it will take more time for the defense to take the next step. This unit lacks a star player who will demand the attention of the offense.
Jabrill Peppers is the lone bright spot in the defense, and will be one of the best defensive players in the NFC East.
New York’s defense will force the offense into passing situations. This isn’t necessarily a recipe for success for a young quarterback.