NFC East 2021 Predictions

Source: Tim Heitman/USA TODAY Sports

Last Year the NFC’s "Least" division was laughable. It took a sad seven games to be crowned the NFC East winner, which for a division with some of the most historic franchises in the league is a shame. The once tough and feared division is looking like a group filled with doormats. Will there be a drastic improvement for the NFC East division this season? Let’s take a look.

Dallas Cowboys

Key Additions

Brent Urban DL

Keanu Neal S

Key Losses

Andy Dalton QB

Aldon Smith DE

The Cowboys season last died the day Dak Prescott got injured. Sure, they were 2-3 when he went down, but that offence was electric when he was in the game. But once Dalton and DiNucci made their way into regular playing time the Boyz were gonners. Obviously if Dak can stay healthy their offence should be a force, and coming into this season they are absolutely the favourites to win the division.

Aside from Dak being the main cog in the Cowboys machine they are loaded on offence. With Zeke looking mean and ready to go, their running game should be right back to where it was in years past. And even if Zeke goes down, Pollard is looking like a legit replacement. But if you're a fan of this team you have to be drooling looking up and down their Wideout depth. They should be at the top of the league offensively this year.

The Cowboys defence didn't do the team any favours last year. They also didn't do much to improve their issues on the defensive end. Dan Quinn was hired as the team's defensive coordinator, so that could help improve their defensive woes. However, it’s tough to say because the Cowboys always have injury issues, so I think a lot of their hopes fall squarely on their health.

Prediction: (9W - 8L) On paper, Dallas should run through this division. They have a few issues that could leave some worried, mainly if Prescott can be healthy. But it's hard to overlook that offence and the potential for their defence to somewhat improve.

New York Giants

Key Additions

Kenny Galloway WR

Kyle Rudolph TE

Key Losses

Golden Tate WR

Kevin Zeitler OG

The Giants 2020 season was a horror show at times. Saquon Barkley went down with an ACL tear in week 2, Danny Jones played less than stellar most weeks but yet they still somehow won six of the last 11 eleven games to finish 6-10. I can't imagine this team getting much better with who else is in their division, but if they can carry their late season success from last year into 2021 they could surprise a few folks.

Daniel Jones wasn’t very good last year, but he showed some flashes on the ground. That’s not really what you want out of your QB, but hey you gotta take what you can get. But they did go out and get Kenny Galloway, and with Barkley coming back, they should look a lot more competent. But realistically, if Jones can't move the ball this year his future with the Giants could be jeopardy.

While there's major question marks on the offense it's the complete opposite on the defensive side. They were 9th in points allowed, and in five of their six victories last season the defence allowed less than 20 points. The Giants' red zone defence was incredible, allowing the second best percentage within their 20 yard line. They should be a top 10 defence this season.

Prediction: (6W - 11L) The Giants defence is strong but their offence stinks. Their O-line is inexperienced with five starters under 25 years old, and the health of Galloway and Barkley could be a big concern. There’s just too many what-ifs to have confidence in this team.

Philadelphia Eagles

Key Additions

Devonta Smith WR

Ryan Kerrigan DE

Key Losses

Carson Wentz QB

Cam Johnson P

The Eagles will embark on a campaign with Jalen Hurts and new head coach Nick Sirianni leading the way. Sirianni will look to give the Eagles offence some new life after an awfully disappointing showing last year. If you're a Philly fan you have to be stressing the QB situation. Hurts is the guy...for now, but after they went out and got Gardner Minshew you can't help but think Hurts is on a short leash. And in that environment that doesn't sound like fun.

Sirianni was a good coordinator in Indy and he'll need to bring every ounce of knowledge he has to turn the page for this franchise. It's been a sudden and harsh fall for this franchise and they're hoping the Smith - Hurts connection will help ride out the storm of recent years. Devonta Smith is as smooth as smooth can be, but can Hurts be the guy and consistently get him the ball? That's the biggest question Philly fans will be asking this year.

Brandon Graham and Fletcher Cox were both pro bowlers last season, and their pass rush will once again be the best aspect of this team. Their 49 sacks ranked top 5 in the league last season, but they’ll have to sure up the rush defence if they hope to stay in games and cut down on time away from the ball. If the offence can’t get going I would expect a slip in performance from this D core in 2021.

Prediction: (5W - 12L) The Eagles will have a new coach and a new starter this season. Hurts could have an up and down season, and with a lack of depth at receiver it could be a long season (or short depending on how you look at it) for the young QB.

Washington Football Team

Key Additions

Ryan Fitzpatrick QB

Curtis Samuel WR

William Jackson CB

Key Losses

Alex Smith QB

Ryan Kerrigan DE

Ronald Darby CB

Last season, DC's football team had some inspiring storylines. Ron Rivera was battling cancer, Alex Smith came back on the field after being away for two years, and Taylor Heinicke almost led the team to a postseason victory over the eventual champs. They made a few nice moves in the offseason bringing in Fitzmagic and Curtis Samuel, but really this team begins and ends with it's defence, which is a scary one.

Ryan Fitzpatrick will join his 9th team. He will look to improve Washington's dismal offence, and replace not only Alex Smith but Washington's former 1st-rounder QB Dwayne Haskins. Say what will you about Fitzmagic, the dude has done nothing but move the ball throughout his career. With Gibson running the ball, and McLaurin leading this receiving core, this offence should be much more consistent.

Like I said before, the defence for Washington was their bread and butter last year. Chase Young will be terrorizing opposing QBs once again this season. He should build upon a strong rookie season, and with Kerrigan gone they'll be leaning on him heavier than last year. They can stop the run, they can stop the pass, they can take your strength and make it a weakness. Simply put, this defence is nasty.

Prediction: (8W - 9L) Washington's defence should lead the way for this squad, but I just don't trust Ryan Fitzpatrick for a full season. He’s a great backup QB, but I don’t think he should ever be your full-time starter. It should be another meh season in Washington.