NFC East Preview

by Marc Narducci | Sep 11, 2026

The NFL season is right around the corner. The Eagles open on Sunday, Sept. 13 with a 4:25 p.m. home game against the Washington Commanders. Once again, the Eagles are the team to beat in the NFC East, but it should be more competitive this season. Here are our picks for the division and a look at the teams.

1.EAGLES

Last year: 11-6 (won the division, lost in the first round of the playoffs to San Francisco).

Key newcomers: WR Dontavion Wicks (30 receptions, 332 yards, 2 TDs for Green Bay); WR Makai Lemon (first-round pick from USC); Edge Jonathan Greenard (38 tackles, three sacks for Minnesota); CB Riq Woolen (41 tackles, 12 pass breakups for Seattle).

Biggest question: Can Jalen Hurts adapt to a dramatically changed offense of new coordinator Sean Mannion?

Outcome: Once again, the Eagles are the team to beat. They will have to place AJ Brown’s production but won’t miss his moodiness. Having a healthy Greenard will be a key. The Eagles should have one of the best defenses in the NFL and if the offense is consistent, this is a team capable of competing for a Super Bowl.

2. Dallas Cowboys

Last year: 7-9-1 (second in the NFC East).

Key newcomers: S Caleb Downs (first-round pick from Ohio State); LB Rashan Gary (45 tackles, 7.5 sacks for Green Bay); LB Malachai Lawrence (first-round pick from UCF); CB Cobie Durant (40 tackles, three interceptions with the LA Rams).

Biggest question: Can Dallas defense be improved after being last in the NFL in scoring defense, allowing 30.1 points per game?

Outcome: If healthy, the Cowboys should be a viable contender in the NFC East. Dak Prescott threw for 4,552 yards, 30 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. If he can repeat this level of performance, then the Cowboys will be highly competitive. The additions on defense in the offseason should make this a much tougher unit.

3. NY Giants

Last year: 4-13 (fourth in the East).

Key newcomers: Head coach John Harbaugh (180-113 in 18 seasons at Baltimore); OG-OT Francis Mauigoa (first-round pick from Miami); TE Isaiah Likely (27 receptions, 307 yards, one TD for Baltimore); LB Arvell Reese (first-round pick from Ohio State); CB Greg Newsome II (52 tackles, nine pass breakups for Cleveland and Jacksonville); PK Dominic Zvada (rookie undrafted free agent from Michigan).

Biggest question: Can reckless quarterback Jaxson Dart stay out of the blue tent and remain relatively healthy?

Outcome: The Giants should be vastly improved, but Dart must use better judgement when running and he also must progress after an up and down rookie year. This doesn’t look like a contender in the East, but the Giants could double their win total this season.

4. Washington Commanders

Last year: 5-12 (third in the East).

Key newcomers: WR Stefon Diggs (85 receptions, 1,014 yards and four TDs for New England); LB Sonny Styles (first-round pick from Ohio State); LB K'Lavon Chaisson (31 tackles, 7.5 sacks for New England).

Biggest question: With a suspect offensive line that has already lost tackle Larmey Tunsil to injury, will QB Jayden Daniels be running for his life?

Outcome: Besides the offensive line, Daniels himself has something to prove. After an outstanding rookie season in which he led the Commanders to the NFC title game, Daniels was limited to seven games, and he didn’t play particularly well. He needs to look like the rookie Daniels just for Washington to avoid the cellar in the NFC East.

Dallas Cowboys QB Dak Prescott / Courtesy of Dallas Cowboys

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Author: Marc Narducci

NFC East Preview

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