2018 NFL Preview: The NFC East

NFC East
The Philadelphia Eagles should cruise to another NFC East title in 2018, no matter who’s at quarterback. (Photo Credit: Bill Streicher/USA TODAY Sports)

Projected NFC East End-of-Season Standings

1 Philadelphia Eagles (13-3)

2 New York Giants (8-8)

3 Dallas Cowboys (7-9)

4 Washington Football Team (6-10)

Philadelphia had the deepest team in the league last season, without question. While they had the expected losses and adds to some areas of the roster, not much else has changed about their status as the NFL’s premier team. The biggest worry is getting everyone healthy and avoiding an early-season slump as a result of not doing so.

There’s a good-sized gap between the Eagles and the rest of the division. The Giants get the edge here based on a good mix of veterans at important positions and young players in positions to contribute. They seem most likely to reach .500 almost by default, as Dallas and Washington took steps back over the offseason and New York could pretty much only take a step forward.

If you look across the Cowboys depth chart, there’s just not a lot there. Based on reputation, this team would figure to push for the playoffs, but there are as many questions surrounding this team as there has been in a long time.

From a talent standpoint, Washington isn’t all that behind Dallas or New York in the NFC East. However, the team from D.C. projects to have a tougher path to making noise in the broader NFC than either of the two aforementioned division foes.

QB Watch (Because It’s the Most Important Position)

Philadelphia: Whether its Nick Foles or Carson Wentz, the Eagles should be fine. Wentz was an MVP candidate a year ago until he got hurt and gave way for Nick Foles to win a Super Bowl MVP. It will be interesting to see when Philly hands the keys back over to Wentz and if there are any hiccups before or after. Otherwise, last season shouldn’t be looked at as any sort of fluke. You might not classify this offense as “explosive” but they find a way to bully opponents until they find room for a big play.

New York: Every NFL fan has an opinion on Eli Manning, for better or worse. Nothing said in this space will change any opinions. And by now we have all the evidence to prove whatever side of the argument we side on. It just it what it is.

Dallas: Dak Prescott was awesome as a rookie. Then expectations got ratcheted up and he was pretty pedestrian. The safe bet is that this year he sort of splits the difference (even though there wasn’t a ton) and is good enough to reaffirm that he’s Dallas’ QB going forward, but at the same time, he’s not transcendent enough to take the team to levels of achievement the rest of the roster doesn’t quite merit.

Washington: Changing from Kirk Cousins to Alex Smith might come to be seen as a lateral move. But where it will really help Washington is in helping to acquire more sorely-needed talent elsewhere. By not being attached to Cousins’ salary gap number, monetary resources can be spread around. That type of process takes longer than one offseason, however.

Non-QB Positions/Players to Watch

Philadelphia: As previously mentioned, Philly is deep and just all-around solid. Besides quarterback, there isn’t a lot to go out of your way to watch for, especially since we’re talking about the reigning NFL champions. In general, though, the health of the team could be something to keep an eye on. They’re already behind the eight-ball from as far as injuries go. If enough names appear on the injury list, it’ll chip away at the depth which could have a domino effect on the entire team.

New York: Odell Beckham Jr. is just worth watching, period. On the field or off the field, love him or hate him, the guy is just entertaining. He’s most entertaining with the football in his hands. Which he figures to have plenty this season. Fresh off a new contract extension, it’ll be interesting to see where Beckham asserts himself into the “Best WR” conversation as the season goes along in comparison with Antonio Brown, Julio Jones, etc.

Dallas: What the Cowboys can cobble together for an offensive line might be one of the most intriguing plots of the season. It’s too much to ask for them to be as dominant as past Dallas O-lines, but where they fall on the bad to average spectrum will be a huge determinant on how the season plays out.

Washington: Now that Adrian Peterson is on board, along with the notoriously risk-adverse Alex Smith, finding out where Washington’s offensive production comes from could be anybody’s guess. Jordan Reed is still there and very productive when healthy. But he routinely figures to miss a few games per season. Somebody at an offensive skill position needs to step up here.

Crazy-Wild Scenario

None of the bottom three NFC teams have a meaningful advantage over the others. Any crazy-wild scenario would, therefore, revolve around the Eagles not winning the division. (And given that they’re already the leading candidate to have the season sunk by injury, it’s not that far-fetched.) If that’s the case, then anything is in play for the NFC East.

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Ryan lives in Wisconsin. He was raised on a steady diet of whole milk, cheese, sports, WWF/WWE wrestling, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

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