The Glass Half Everything- 2025 NFC East Preview

The NFC East division always seems like a dogfight at the beginning of the season and somehow comes down to the wire almost every season. This year, it feels like all four teams are playoff bound. It should be fun  to watch it all play out for 17 weeks.

 

Dallas Cowboys

Record in 2024-25: 7-10

Key Player: George Pickens- Wide Receiver

Player to Watch: Marshawn Kneeland- Defensive End

The Cowboys had to play most of last season without starting quarterback Dak Prescott and were only able to squeeze out seven wins. This year he returns with a bevy of weapons, but a new coaching staff.

CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens should form one of the most formidable receiving duos in the NFL. They’ve added veteran running back Javonte Williams to anchor the backfield, but look out for speedy rookie Jaydon Blue.

A healthy secondary in Dallas could spell trouble for the rest of the NFL. DaRon Bland and Trevon Diggs are ball hawks that could rack up a bunch of interceptions, but they’ve been susceptible to giving up big plays. They’re relying on safety Malik Hooker to provide some balance.

Upfront the loss of Micah Parsons will be a big blow, but the Cowboys were already preparing for him not being in the lineup. They’ll lean on Dante Fowler and Marshawn Kneeland to replace some of those sacks. The newly acquired Kenny Clarke and Solomon Thomas helps beef up a defensive line that gave up a ton of rush yards in 2024. Prediction: 8-9

 

New York Giants

Record in 2024-25: 3-14

Key Player: Russell Wilson- Quarterback

Player to Watch: Abdul Carter- Outside Linebacker

The Brian Daboll era in New York started with a playoff appearance and a playoff victory, but that seems like a lifetime ago. Entering this season, Daboll is one of a handful of coaches that needs to have positive results or else.

The front seven received an immediate upgrade when they drafted Abdul Carter, a generational pass rusher who does a lot more than you might think. Add in defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence and linebacker Brian Burns to form a menacing pass rushing trio.

The secondary is unproven, but should get a boost from the aforementioned pass rush. Picking up Jovan Holland could pay heavy dividends, especially if he could produce numbers like he had in 2022.

Is Russell Wilson a placeholder, a savior or a lame duck? Whatever he his, he’ll start the season at quarterback and he will be a massive upgrade at the position. Waiting in the wings is rookie Jaxson Dart, but he shouldn’t play this season barring anything crazy.

Malik Nabers breakout rookie season should be followed up by more greatness this year. Wilson will have a bunch of targets including a couple tight ends to go with Wan’Dale Robinson, Darius Slayton and Nabers on the edges. The backfield is loaded with solid runners Tyrone Tracy Jr., veteran Devin Singletary and rookie Cam Skatteboo. Prediction: 8-9

 

Philadelphia Eagles

Record in 2024-25: 14-3

Key Player: Jalen Hurts- Quarterback

Player to Watch: Jihaad Campbell – Linebacker

The defending Super Bowl champs come into this season looking to duplicate last season’s results.

There’s nothing really new about the Eagles’ offense: they’ll run the ball with Saquon Barkley and Jalen Hurts will make plays both with his legs and arm. A.J. Brown and Devonta Smith will be too much to handle on the outside and tight end Dallas Goedert will control the middle of the field. Wide receivers like John Metchie III and Jahan Dotson could help them open up the offense a bit more.

Ultimately it will come down to injuries with the offense.

The defense is significantly talented especially up front. They add a playmaker at middle linebacker in Jihaad Campbell to flank what might be the best defensive line in football.

The secondary is solid, but very young. Kelee Ringo has to step up this season or he’ll lose grip on his starting role. Teams will try to attack the Eagles on the back end, but they should be up to the task. Prediction: 12-5

 

Washington Commanders

Record in 2024-25: 12-5

Key Player: Jayden Daniels – Quarterback

Player To Watch: Trey Amos- Cornerback

The most surprising team of last season won’t surprise anybody this season. Every week, the Commanders will get the opponents best punch.

Jayden Daniels comes into year two fully loaded with offensive talent after some massive upgrades. The offensive line is revamped and should provide a better level of protection for Daniels. The team added dual threat wide receiver (and running back) Deebo Samuel to flank wide receiver Terry McLaurin and tight end Zach Ertz. The team should score a bunch of touchdowns with an offense full of home run hitters.

The defense has improved and is full of veterans. They added Von Miller and Javon Kinlaw in the offseason to beef up their front line. The secondary will need to prove it can hang with some of the better offense. Rookie cornerback Trey Amos has turned heads in training camp and will get thrown into the fire early to prove himself. Prediction: 10-7