It feels like Christmas. NFL football is officially back. And with it comes the challenge of predicting the most unpredictable division in the league: the NFC East.
Believe it or not, we’re heading into year 20 without a repeat division winner, one of the wildest stats in all of sports. Especially considering how many dominant teams have come out of the NFC East over the years, it’s almost unbelievable.
That said, it’s easily the toughest division to forecast, but I’m going to take my best shot at getting it right in 2025. Let’s dive in.
NFC East Champions: Philadelphia Eagles (4-2 in the East, 11-6 overall)
The streak finally ends. After nearly two decades without a repeat NFC East champion, the Eagles break the curse, and it’s thanks to a stacked roster with very few holes heading into the season.
Coming off a Super Bowl win, Philly won’t dominate quite like they did in 2024. Expect something closer to their 2018 season after their first title: still strong, but not invincible.
They’ll make the playoffs and host a home game, but a tougher first-place schedule will expose some of their weaknesses along the way.
Offense: This offense is built around its elite offensive line, arguably the best unit in the NFL. Even after losing Mekhi Becton in free agency, the trio of Lane Johnson, Landon Dickerson, and Jordan Mailata is as good as it gets on one team.
They paved the way for Saquon Barkley’s 2,000-yard season in 2024, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he sees fewer touches this year to conserve him for the postseason.
As for Jalen Hurts, I still don’t consider him among the elite quarterbacks. He’ll need to prove he can be that guy, especially with the expectation that the Eagles will need to push the ball downfield more to stay competitive.
There’s also the uncertainty of yet another new offensive coordinator in Kevin Patullo. He’s been with the staff since 2021, but stepping into a new role always brings early question marks.
At the end of the day, this offense will go as far as the run game can carry them. The big question is whether they can replicate their 2024 success under a tougher schedule in 2025.
Defense: This is where the Eagles will struggle, with clear concerns at CB2, edge rusher, and safety.
Philly loses a ton of veteran leadership and production, parting ways with Darius Slay and C.J. Gardner-Johnson in the secondary, along with Josh Sweat and Brandon Graham off the edge. That’s a lot of experience and stability, gone in one offseason.
The biggest issue? Cornerback opposite Quinyon Mitchell. It’s a major question mark. Too many teams have strong WR2 options that will look to feast in matchups against Adoree’ Jackson, Kelee Ringo, or Jakorian Bennett, none of whom inspire full confidence that they can be the guy.
If the Eagles’ pass rush doesn’t get home consistently, this defense could be in serious trouble. The margin for error is slim on the back end, and without pressure up front, they can be in trouble.
Dallas Cowboys (4-2 in the East, 10-7 overall)
The Micah Parsons trade to Green Bay changed everything for me when it comes to predicting the Cowboys.
Before the move, I had them winning 10-plus games with ease and locking up a Wild Card spot. But losing their best defensive player, and one of the most dominant forces in the league, makes me a lot more hesitant.
There’s definitely enough talent on this team to finish above .500, but 10 wins might be a bit optimistic. We’ll have to wait and see.
Offense: With Dak Prescott fully healthy and the addition of George Pickens, this passing game is set to be electric and exciting to watch.
That said, the same issues with the run game persist; there’s just a lack of talent at the position. Jerry Jones is banking on Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders to revive their careers in Dallas.
They really should have drafted a quality running back within the first four rounds to change the narrative. Without that, I expect the same running game struggles that have held Dallas back in recent seasons to continue in 2025, limiting the offense’s full potential.
Defense: Just like the run game on offense, the Cowboys’ run defense has struggled for as long as I can remember, and they still haven’t really addressed it. (Unless you count adding Kenny Clark in last week’s trade.) Teams will likely continue to have their way on the ground in 2025.
On the other hand, even without Micah Parsons, I like their edge-rushing group. Dante Fowler Jr., Sam Williams, and Donovan Ezeiruaku should all have strong seasons, with Fowler leading the charge.
Adding Jack Sanborn and Kenneth Murray in the offseason were sneaky but smart moves that could help elevate the defense, at least until DeMarvion Overshown returns from injury.
In the secondary, Trevon Diggs and DaRon Bland are both healthy again, and they’ll remind everyone why they’re one of the league’s most elite ball-hawking duos in 2025.
Washington Commanders (3-3 in the East, 9-8 overall)
I’ve taken some heat for this take when I was on air at Fox Sports The Gambler radio, and it spread on TikTok. But hear me out.
The Commanders had an easier schedule in 2024, playing a fourth-place slate, which certainly helped them along. In 2025, they face a tougher second-place schedule, so after their impressive NFC Championship run, it wouldn’t be surprising if they struggle more.
Oh, and one more thing, they’re the OLDEST team in the NFL, with an average age of 28.1 years. There are concerns in that department.
Offense: Jayden Daniels will take a step back in 2025.
Yes, he’s already being talked about as a top-10 quarterback, and while the hype is at an all-time high, let’s slow down a little bit.
Last season, he threw for 3,568 yards, 25 touchdowns, and 9 interceptions, and added 891 yards and 6 scores on the ground. An incredible year, no doubt.
But with a full year of film on him, defenses will be more prepared, just like we saw with C.J. Stroud. After his own breakout rookie year, Stroud’s numbers dipped: from 4,108 yards, 23 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions to 3,727 yards, 20 touchdowns, and 12 picks in year two.
It’s not that Daniels will be bad; I actually believe he’s going to have a great career. But much like Stroud, I think the league adjusts, and both Daniels and the Commanders will take a step back in 2025.
Defense: As I mentioned earlier, this is an old team, and that holds especially true on the defensive side of the ball.
Bobby Wagner and Von Miller are both over 35; age becomes a real factor when you’re playing a full 17-game season.
In fact, only three defensive players on the roster are younger than 26: Trey Amos, Quan Martin, and Mike Sainristil, all of whom were drafted within the last two years and all play in the secondary.
There’s definitely talent across the board, but the age of this unit could be a major concern when it comes to long-term production, durability, and staying healthy down the stretch.
New York Giants (1-5 in the East, 5-11 overall)
This placement shouldn’t come as a surprise; the Giants have major holes all over the roster. Some people have them winning fewer than four games, but I think they’ll manage at least five.
They’re likely headed for a top-10 pick in the 2026 draft, but if Jaxson Dart gets some valuable starts this season, there’s a real chance their fortunes start to shift in the right direction next year.
Offense: Letting Saquon Barkley walk, to Philadelphia, no less, while extending Daniel Jones has set this franchise back several years.
Now, heading into 2025, the Giants might have the most talked-about quarterback room in the league: Jaxson Dart, Russell Wilson, and Jameis Winston. That trio is bound to cause headaches. Each could get starts, each might flash some good moments, and each will likely have their share of struggles. The fanbase is going to be divided no matter what.
In what could be a make-or-break year for Brian Daboll, it’ll be interesting to see how he manages this situation and whether he can do enough to hold onto his job.
Outside of Malik Nabers, there’s a serious lack of playmaking talent on this offense. That’s going to be a recurring issue for New York once again this season.
Defense: I really like the direction the Giants are taking on defense.
Trading for Brian Burns and drafting Abdul Carter definitely has my attention to what type of unit they’re constructing.
This group will be talented enough to keep them in games, and they’ll probably even steal a few wins purely because of how well the defense plays.
For more NFL content, follow me on Twitter @MontaltoJared, on TikTok @JarSportsTakes, and YouTube @JarSportsTakes.
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