Philadelphia Eagles
There hasn’t been a repeat champion in the NFC East in over twenty years, so why not go with history in our projections for this season?
After a great start in 2023, the Eagles fizzled out quickly, winning just one game in their last six to end up at 11-6 and second in the NFC East. Their secondary was exposed, their quarterback played through injuries, and nothing seemed to go their way in the last third of the season. Now, they come into the 2024 campaign with a chip on their shoulders and something to prove. They’re also undoubtedly excited to see their new running back, Saquon Barkley, in action. The backfield of Barkley and Hurts could be one of the best in the NFL, and with Devonta Smith and A.J. Brown still lining up at receiver, there’s no reason this team shouldn’t be an offensive powerhouse yet again.
Prediction: 12-5
Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys have their fair share of superstars, and it’ll once again be the job of those players to propel this team back to the postseason. The Ceedee Lamb-Dak Prescott connection is one of the best in the league, Micah Parsons is a top five defensive player, and ball hawks Daron Bland and Trevon Diggs can be nightmares for opposing quarterbacks. The team does, however, have some holes coming into the new season. Last year, Dallas expected Tony Pollard to take off in this offense as the go-to back for the first time in his career. That didn’t happen at all, and now, the expectations for the Cowboys rushing attack in 2024 are a lot lower. They brought back Ezekiel Elliot from New England, but at this point, no defence in the league should be worried about Dallas on the ground.
If Dak and the pass catchers can still find ways to move the ball downfield in a one-dimensional offence, Dallas will still be an elite team. If they do have troubles, though, the Cowboys may see some regression.
Prediction: 11-6
Washington Commanders
A new era of Washington football has arrived with new ownership and Jayden Daniels, but don’t expect monumental changes in 2024. Besides drafting their new quarterback second overall, the Commanders didn’t make a ton of moves outside of signing a few veteran free agents (Bobby Wagner, Austin Ekeler). The hiring of new head coach Dan Quinn should help a little defensively, but it’s hard to imagine that the unit will be good enough to make up for the inevitable ups and downs of a rookie quarterback’s debut season in the NFL, especially with such a mediocre offence around him.
Overall, this Commanders team probably won’t be challenging for a postseason spot this year, but that’s okay. If Jayden Daniels shows he can be a legit NFL quarterback and guides them to a few good wins along the way, I’m sure most fans will be happy with that.
Prediction: 7-10
New York Giants
Malik Nabers is one of the most exciting rookies from the 2024 Draft, but he may be the only bright spot in New York’s miserable offence this year. After finishing 6-11 last season, Brian Daboll’s team comes into 2024 without their former star Saquon Barkley to help in both the passing and rushing attack. His replacement, Devin Singletary, is a fine player, but the two are hardly comparable. At the end of the day, New York’s offensive success is dependent on the quarterback. In 2022, Daniel Jones had a career year and won a playoff game. In 2023, Jones was terrible and never really gave this team a chance to succeed. If he can find his game again this year, New York will certainly have a fighting chance with the football.
Defensively, the Giants do have standout talent. Deonte Banks is a great young cornerback, Brian Burns is a terrific lineman, and Dexter Lawrence and Kayvon Thibodeaux have the ability to disrupt a game as well. Unfortunately, if the offence isn’t producing, it might be almost impossible for this unit to keep up in the NFC East.
Prediction: 5-12
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