The NFC East has been the most competitive division in football over the past 5 years, with a different winner each season from 2020-2024. Here is where things stand entering 2026.
1. Philadelphia Eagles The Eagles are the class of the division until proven otherwise. A top-5 rushing attack, a dominant defensive line, and a quarterback in Jalen Hurts who has matured into a legitimate MVP candidate. Their 2025 record of 12-5 was the best in the NFC East. Source: Pro Football Reference.
Strength: Roster depth. They can absorb injuries better than anyone in the division. Weakness: Wide receiver production outside the top target.
2. Dallas Cowboys The Cowboys have the highest ceiling but also the most question marks. If the young secondary develops and the offensive line investment pays off, this is an 11-win team. If not, they are staring at another 8-9 season.
Strength: Star power. Dak, CeeDee, Parsons is the best top-3 in the division. Weakness: Roster depth and salary cap inflexibility.
3. Washington Commanders The Commanders have been quietly building through the draft and hit on several mid-round picks in 2024 and 2025. The young quarterback has shown flashes. This is a team trending up.
Strength: Young core with room to grow under the cap. Weakness: Still lack a true number-one pass rusher.
4. New York Giants The Giants are in a rebuild. The 2025 season at 4-13 confirmed what everyone suspected. The quarterback situation is unsettled and the roster needs work at multiple positions.
Strength: Draft capital. Multiple first-round picks over the next 2 years. Weakness: Everything else.
Sources:
- Pro Football Reference — 2025 standings and records
- Over The Cap — cap space by team
- PFF — roster rankings
Giants fan checking in from the DFW area. Can confirm, we are in pain. The 4-13 record was somehow worse than it sounds because most of the losses were not even competitive.