Dallas Cowboys, NFC East, Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Commanders

NFC East 2021 Preview The Most Open Division In The NFL?

NFC East 2021 Preview The Most Open Division In The NFL?

The NFC East was pretty dismal wins wise in 2020 with no team managing to get to 50-50. The Washington Football Team eventually took the division with a 7-9 record just ahead of the Giants & Cowboys who both stuttered to a six-win season. So given this why the interest in the division going into 2021?

Well once again we don’t expect any of the teams to make a deep postseason run, however, it could end up being mighty close again. Being impartial there is a case for any of the four teams winning it. All four look to have drafted quite well and they have all been pretty active in free agency. The winner might not end up deep in the playoffs but the race for the title could be fun.

Further, it could be a make or break season for Giants QB Daniel Jones who has suddenly got a bit of talent around him. Another mediocre season could see Big Blue drafting a QB in 2022.  Also in Dallas, the seat under Mick McCarthy is already a few degrees warmer than he would like.

Nothing like a bit of off-field intrigue to spice up a division. Anyway, this is how we see the division panning out.

NFC East Predicted Finish

This is how we see the table panning out.

1st Washington Football Team

Washington look set to repeat as divisional champions, thanks mainly to what could be the best defense in the NFL. They added LB Jamin Davies in the draft and stiffened the secondary by adding William Jackson III.

Offensively they have a competent QB1 in Ryan Fitzpatrick and some depth behind him if things go wrong. Receiving wise they look good and if Logan Thomas continues to break out then they should be capable of amassing 9+ wins.

Ryan Fitzpatrick Will Be In The NFC East in 2021

Fitzmagic is the likely starting QB in Washington
Image: davrilg/Shutterstock.com

They were a much-improved team once they ended the Dwayne Haskins experiment last year and were 5-4 after the bye week. Further none of those four losses was by more than a score.

2nd Dallas Cowboys

Dak is back which means they will be fun to watch in 2021. Ezekiel Elliot will hopefully be back to his best and they have an exciting WR pairing of Cooper & Lamb. Scoring points shouldn’t be the problem. The issue is their defense! We love the addition of Micah Parsons who we rated highly in our mock draft.

However is he enough to shore up what was a pretty dismal unit in 2020? We think not and this could cost them a few close games. They should push Washington but just fall short of the postseason. That would be enough to end Mike McCarthy’s career there too.

3rd Philadelphia Eagles

The Eagles begin the post Carson Wentz era with loads of question marks at QB. They had no choice but to draft a QB in round one this year which left them with ex Oklahoma man Jalen Hurts at the top of the depth chart. We are yet to be convinced he is a QB1 and would not be surprised if Joe Flacco starts a few games.

Their defense looks ok if a little lacking in depth plus they face a brutal early schedule and those first six games could easily see them 1-5. Eagles games will be worth watching to see De’Vonta Smith, who we think is a future pro bowler, however, we think they will have to sort the QB position out before they threaten the playoffs.

4th New York Giants

Big Blue’s season will likely hinge on how Saquon Barkley performs on his return from injury. That may sound like a big statement, but he really is a game-changer when at his best and Daniel Jones really needs him. This brings us nicely to him and the fact he took a bit of a step back last year, markedly so when Barkley went out injured. The Giants have splashed out on the offensive side of the ball but will they gel? If Daniel Jones can’t get the job done with this supporting cast we expect the Giants to move on from him.

NFC East Final Wins Total

Washington Football Team  10-7

Dallas Cowboys 9-8

Philadelphia Eagles 7-10

New York Giants 6-11

So there you have it our predictions for what could be the most unpredictable division in the NFL. While you are here why not check out our other NFC East Posts or have a go at some of our NFL Quizzes. Go on everyone loves a Quiz, don’t they?

 

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