NFC East Predictions

By Dylan Ehle

NFC EAST:  For the first time since I started watching football, this will be the weakest division in the NFC.  It feels really, really weird to say that.  So many Super Bowl squads, championship game squad, and #1 seeds have come out of this division of champions over the years, but that won’t be the case this time.  While many of these teams have enormous upside, there are too many question marks for each team. 

The Giants have been decimated by injuries, their offensive line is getting old.  How will Cruz perform after landing a deal he feels is substandard?  Will Nicks and the rest give Eli enough viable targets?  Can their secondary stay healthy?  Eli’s play in the clutch should be enough to get them at least over .500, which will be enough to win the East.   Prediction:  9-7, NFC East Champions, 4th Seed

The Redskins overachieved last year, in my opinion, and this year field about the same team with one less reliable knee.  The defense will make some plays, but you have to worry about what weapons a presumably less than 100% RG3 will have to work with – an injury-plagued Pierre Garcon?  The 50-year-old Santana Moss?  Unless Alfred Morris plays on an AP-type level, I don’t see the ‘Skins going anywhere this year.  Prediction:  8-8 

The Cowboys didn’t do much to improve on last year’s average team.  They continue to stay the course with Tony Romo, who is an average quarterback, and they are puzzled that they have average results year after year.  You’d think a team with the pedigree of the Dallas Cowboys could lure a top QB to come and play for the big star, but it just hasn’t happened.  Demarcus Ware alone is good for a few wins, and the Romo-Dez combination will put up some points but it's going to be a tough season in Big D.  Prediction:  6-10

The Eagles are one of the toughest teams to pick this season.  No one really knows how Chip Kelly’s offense will translate from college to the pros, which makes his team a real wildcard.  I’m always skeptical of these big-time college coaches, though….look at how successful Nick Saban and Steve Spurrier were.  I think the Eagles will have a shocking upset or two, but it’s going to be a  rough year yet again for Philly.  Prediction:  5-11