The NFC East is home to the reigning Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles, who enter 2025 looking poised for a repeat. Competition exists, though. Washington has enough talent to grow into a real threat, and Dallas remains capable of winning if everything breaks right.
But how wide is the gap between the Eagles and the rest? Is Washington a true contender or just a nuisance? Can Dallas actually keep pace, or is this the start of a rebuild? And are the Giants even relevant right now? Let’s take a closer look.
Philadelphia Eagles
The defending champs return with their roster largely intact. Jalen Hurts continues to be one of the league’s most underrated players, his critics pointing to modest passing totals while ignoring his efficiency and game management. With Saquon Barkley demanding touches and Hurts excelling as a dual-threat, Philadelphia’s offense remains versatile and dangerous.
The Eagles are not flawless, but they are close. Their defense grew stronger with another draft class geared toward immediate contributions, and their offense remains dynamic with a system designed to keep opponents off balance.
Can Saquon Stay Healthy?
Barkley dazzled in 2024 with highlight-reel runs and consistent production, often gaining yards after contact. His Philadelphia tenure has been storybook so far, excelling as a runner, receiver, and blocker.
Still, the Giants moved on from him for a reason: injuries. Barkley’s workload will remain heavy, meaning the threat of a setback is always present. The Eagles must be smart with his usage and prepared with a contingency plan if injuries resurface.
DeJean and Mitchell: The League’s Best Cornerback Duo?
It might sound bold to call two young players the league’s top tandem, but the film supports it. Cooper DeJean and Quinyon Mitchell complement each other perfectly.
Mitchell’s physical, press-man style evokes memories of Pat Surtain II, while DeJean’s hybrid versatility allows him to thrive outside, in the slot, or over the top. His emergence gave Philadelphia confidence to let C.J. Gardner-Johnson walk, and expectations for his sophomore season are sky high.
The Verdict
This team dethroned the Chiefs for a reason. They are loaded at skill positions, stout on both lines, and disciplined in their approach. In a tough division, the Eagles remain the favorite, and with good reason.
2025 Projected Record: 12–5 (O/U: 11.5)
NFC East Projection: 1st
Washington Commanders
Critics called the selection of Jayden Daniels at No. 2 overall in 2024 a reach. Daniels silenced those doubts quickly, winning Offensive Rookie of the Year and leading Washington on a stunning playoff run that included routs of Detroit and Tampa Bay before bowing out to Philadelphia.
With Daniels entrenched as a rising star, optimism surrounds the Commanders heading into 2025.
Is Deebo Samuel Still a Factor?
Deebo Samuel’s brief peak as one of the NFL’s most dynamic receivers faded as injuries and inconsistency mounted in San Francisco. Washington acquired him hoping to revive his career, but early signs have been mixed. He appears slower, less explosive, and still battling conditioning issues.
If Samuel can carve out a role as a reliable short-yardage option and build chemistry with Daniels, he could still become a valuable chain-mover. But the version that once terrorized defenses may be gone.
An Aging Defense
Washington’s defense is built around veteran names, but time has caught up to many of them. Marshon Lattimore, slowed by chronic hamstring issues, is no longer the shutdown corner he once was. Bobby Wagner and Von Miller, both well into their thirties, provide leadership but lack the speed they once had.
The veteran presence matters, but the lack of youth and athleticism could cap this defense’s effectiveness.
The Verdict
Washington’s hopes rest on Daniels avoiding a sophomore slump and continuing his rapid ascent. If he progresses rather than regresses, the Commanders have the talent to stay dangerous. The defense raises questions, but the offense may be good enough to keep them in the hunt.
2025 Projected Record: 10–7 (O/U: 9.5)
NFC East Projection: 2nd
Dallas Cowboys
Leave it to Jerry Jones. Just as Dak Prescott returns, Micah Parsons is shipped out in one of the most baffling trades of the modern era. Without Parsons, Dallas faces the challenge of replacing his game-changing disruption with a committee approach, a task that borders on impossible. Kenny Clark helps shore up the run defense, but he cannot replicate Parsons’ impact.
Can Diggs and Bland Thrive Without Parsons?
Daron Bland earned a well-deserved extension as the league’s best run-stopping corner, pairing physical tackling with solid coverage skills. Trevon Diggs, meanwhile, is the prototypical boom-or-bust corner, gambling for interceptions while surrendering the occasional big play.
Their success has long depended on the relentless pressure created by Parsons. Without it, Diggs in particular could become exposed if opposing quarterbacks have more time to manipulate him.
Do the Cowboys Have a Running Game?
Javonte Williams has been slowed by significant lower-body injuries that have drained his explosiveness. Rookie Jaydon Blue carries promise but remains unproven. Unless one emerges, Prescott could find himself throwing 40-plus times a game, an unsustainable formula.
The Verdict
Dallas still has talent, but the Parsons trade leaves a massive hole. Prescott’s return boosts the offense, yet the defense risks collapse without consistent pressure, and the absence of a reliable run game only adds to the strain.
2025 Projected Record: 9–8 (O/U: 7.5)
NFC East Projection: 3rd
New York Giants
The Jaxson Dart pick still feels like a reach with the season looming. Rookie edge rusher Abdul Carter has shown flashes but also lowlights, including an ugly preseason rep where he was pancaked.
Brian Daboll appears to be gambling his job on Russell Wilson, hoping for a resurgence. Yet Wilson’s time in Pittsburgh offered little evidence he can be more than average at this stage, and the roster around him is not strong enough to cover his decline.
What Can Malik Nabers Do in Year 2?
Nabers produced 1,204 yards and seven touchdowns in 2024 despite catching passes from Daniel Jones and Tommy DeVito. That speaks volumes about his talent.
Wilson may no longer be elite, but he is an upgrade over last year’s options. If he and Nabers can develop chemistry, the second-year receiver could quickly join the ranks of LSU’s other star alumni.
Is Abdul Carter a Bust in the Making?
It is too early to draw conclusions, but Carter has not looked the part of a top-three draft pick. His athleticism and strength have not yet translated consistently at the pro level. With Brian Burns drawing double teams and Dexter Lawrence anchoring the interior, Carter will need to step up quickly.
The Verdict
This looks like the end for Daboll in New York. The Giants are improved slightly from last year, but they remain far from contention. Dart should sit and learn while Wilson takes the snaps in what may be a long season.
2025 Projected Record: 5–12 (O/U: 5.5)
NFC East Projection: 4th
Final Thoughts
Philadelphia enters 2025 as the clear favorite, with Hurts, Barkley, and a deep roster chasing a repeat. Washington has the right mix of youth and veteran presence to stay competitive, while Dallas feels like a team stuck in transition despite Prescott’s return. As for the Giants, they remain firmly in rebuild mode.
If you are betting this division, there is no reason to get cute. The Eagles are still the way to go.
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