FOOTBALLSTORIES - NFC EAST PREDICTIONS

The Giants opted to bring back head coach Brian Daboll even after posting a 3-14 record in 2024. Photo by Andy Lewis.

There are just some divisions in the NFL that carry an identity that transcends time and space as the teams that occupy them now, are simply paying homage to the ones who came before. 

The faces attached to the jersey numbers rotate out, but the feeling remains the same. There is a burden placed upon these athletes from within and outside the locker room that asks for nothing but their best effort every time.

The NFC East is one of those divisions and the grind it asks its inhabitants to endure can be seen in the fact that no one has repeated as NFC East Champions since the Eagles won 4 straight from 2001-2004.

Over two decades of tug of war has resulted in an arms race between franchises who are all trying to secure a spot at the top and questions that will tell the story of 2025.

Can the Eagles break the streak and take-home back-to-back division titles?

Has Washington put themselves in a position to build off last year’s success and close the gap with Philly?

Are the Cowboys primed for a bounce back season or are they headed for another year of disappointment?

How far away is the Jackson Dart era in New York and what are the chances for a big surprise season?

I’ve peered into the crystal ball, and this is how I think things will shake out in the NFL’s most competitive division:

NEW YORK GIANTS

2024 Record – 3-14, 4^th Place NFC East

Key Additions – CB Paulson Adebo, S Javon Holland, DL Chauncey Golston, QB Russell Wilson

Key Departures – CB Adoree Jackson, LB Azeez Ojulari, LB Isiah Simmons, QB Drew Lock

Key Rookies – DE Abdul Carter (Penn State), QB Jackson Dart (Ole Miss), DT Darius Alexander (Toledo) RB Cam Skattebo (Arizona State)

2025 Prediction – 6-11-0, 4^th Place NFC East

Outlook – After a dumpster fire season in 2024, the team opted to bring back HC Brian Daboll and GM Joe Schoen and even without some of Owner John Mara’s comments on their future, the seats are undoubtedly red hot.

While I don’t expect an effort in 2025 that will save their jobs, glimpses into the future of the franchise with Rookies Carter and Dart along with sophomore WR Malik Nabers could make it one filled with more optimism than their record suggests.

Dallas will be in trouble if it doesn't fix the contact issue with linebacker Micah Parsons. Photo by Andy Lewis.

DALLAS COWBOYS

2024 Record – 7-10, 3^rd Place NFC East

Key Additions – DT Solomon Thomas, DE Dante Fowler, WR George Pickens, RB Javonte Williams,

Key Departures – G Zack Martin, WR Brandin Cooks, DE Demarcus Lawerence, DE Chauncy Golston

Key Rookies – G Tyler Booker (Alabama), DE Donavan Ezeiruaku (Boston College), CB Shavon Revel (East Carolina), RB Jaydon Blue (Texas)

2025 Prediction – 8-9-0, 3^rd Place NFC East

Outlook – Losing one of the best guards in football and an all-time great Cowboy right before the season in Zack Martin to retirement kicked off an off-season of woes that has only continued with the contract disputes of DE/LB Micah Parsons.

A roster lacking top end talent in some areas and quality depth in most others, seems to be hanging on by a thread. A healthy QB Dak Prescott and some new toys on offense should do enough to keep fantasy football fans happy but I’m struggling to see how this team competes for a playoff spot.

The Washington Commanders are hoping quarterback Jayden Daniels make a big step forward in his second season. Photo by Andy Lewis. 

WASHINGTON COMMANDERS

2024 Record – 12-5, 2^nd Place NFC East, (Lost in NFC Championship)

Key Additions – WR Deebo Samuel, OT Laremy Tunsil, DE Von Miller, DL Javon Kinlaw

Key Departures – DL Jonathan Allen, DE Dante Fowler, S Jeremy Chin

Key Rookies – OT Josh Conerly (Oregon), CB Trey Amos (Ole Miss), RB Jacory "Bill" Croskey-Merritt (Arizona)

2025 Prediction – 11-6-0, 2^nd Place NFC East

Outlook – What a difference a year and having a quarterback can make for your franchise as Jayden Daniels has ignited a serious spark in the fandom that had laid dormant since the RGIII era over a decade ago. Steady improvement all over the roster has fans curious to see if they can take the leap into championship contention but drama surrounding star WR Terry McClaurin and his hold-in give me serious reservations.

If the Commanders are going to avoid the sophomore slump that tends to plague 2^nd year quarterbacks, they’re going to have to resolve this problem and get their young playmakers’ favorite weapon under contract.

The Eagles are hoping for another magical season from Saquon Barkley. Photo by Andy Lewis.

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

2024 Record – 14-3, 1^st Place NFC East, (Super Bowl Champions)

Key Additions – CB Adoree Jackson, RB AJ Dillion, LB Azeez Ojulari, LB Josh Uche

Key Departures – DE Brandon Graham, S Chaundy Gardner-Johnson, CB Darius Slay, DL Milton Wilams, DE Josh Sweat, OL Mekhi Becton

Key Rookies – LB Jihaad Campbell (Alabama), S Drew Mukuba (Texas), DT Ty Robinson (Nebraska)

2025 Prediction – 12-5-0, 1^st Place NFC East

Outlook – The Eagles experienced the pinnacle of success taking home the Lombari last year and they stand in prime position to defend that title this season. Some roster turnover and question marks in key areas like CB and LB give me pause in them being as dominant as they were in 2024 but still the toast of the division.

A grueling schedule featuring no back-to-back home games will keep their race with Commanders for the NFC East title a bit more interesting but barring any major injuries, they should break that 21 season streak for the division enroute to NFC title game appearance. It’s hard to repeat as champs in this league but the Eagles truly do have all the pieces to make it a season to remember.  * 

Email Matt Santoleri at m.santoleri13@gmail.com