It really galls me to say it – and there's still a lot of things that can happen to change this – but when it comes to the NFC East in 2024 this appears to be true:
The Philadelphia Eagles – if the season were to start today – will win the NFC East in 2024.
I'll pause a moment to let you scream “No!” in protest. I did the same when I came to this stomach-turning conclusion.
But as the rosters of the division's four teams sit today, it's hard to deny that the Eagles are in the better position.
The good news is that we still have free agency, this month's draft, and potential trades still to come. Moves – and injuries – could impact the division before the season opens.
So don't bookmark this – as one Eagles fan did with last year's “way-too-early, pre-draft prediction” post.
He decided to point out the Eagles were leading the division late in the year.
Then the Eagles proceeded to collapse, Dallas won the division (as predicted), and I never heard from the guy again.
With all that in mind, here's the April 3rd, way-too-early, NFC East division prediction post for 2024:
Philadelphia Eagles
- Predicted finish: 1st
- Predicted record: 11-6
The NFC East is in for a tough schedule overall in 2024. If any of the four teams win 12 games or more I'll be shocked.
Of the four teams, the Eagles currently have the best roster stability overall.
Unlike the Cowboys, Philadelphia has a strong running back room and a better receiver corps to work with.
Their offensive line has taken a step back with the retirement of center Jason Kelce. I'm thinking the Tush Push success rate is going to drop in 2024.
The Eagles defense seems stable at this point, despite the curious trade of Haason Reddick to the Jets. In short, Philadelphia looks ready for another playoff run at this point.
Their biggest handicap is their head coach, Nick Sirianni, whose mouth keeps writing checks his players can't cash.
They've made some changes in the coaching staff designed to mitigate that. But Sirianni is likely still going to find a way to gum up the works.
The Eagles biggest asset is their GM, Howie Roseman. Unlike his counterpart in Dallas, Roseman has shown he knows how to make moves to put his team into contention.
And somehow he has done so without putting his team into salary cap hell.
Dallas Cowboys
- Predicted finish: 2nd
- Predicted record: 9-8
If you're not already mad enough at me, I'll add something else to really chap your hides.
I may be just a little overly optimistic here. Even if they get to nine wins – a hard ask with their schedule – I don't think they'll make the playoffs.
I'm writing the rest of this post from a fallout shelter because I know y'all are going to start throwing heavy objects at me.
But the truth hurts. And the truth is Dallas' roster is in complete disarray right now.
There isn't enough help coming in free agency, the draft, or via trade to fix all of the gaping holes in the depth chart.
The quarterback may or may not be playing his last year in Dallas. There is no clear RB1 on the roster.
After CeeDee Lamb, Brandin Cooks, and Jake Ferguson who else does Dak Prescott throw too?
The offensive line is getting scrambled into a new starting five. Even the defense has an issue in every group.
Then there is a head coach that is being set up to fail in a contract year.
And don't even get me started on the chaos that is the Cowboys' front office.
None of the above is conducive to championship-winning football. Again, a lot can happen between now and opening kickoff.
But we're talking a miracle of biblical proportions if the Cowboys make the playoffs in 2024 as their roster stands today.
New York Giants
- Predicted finish: 3rd
- Predicted record: 6-11
To be honest, I went back and forth between the Giants and Commanders for third place.
Both teams are clearly rebuilding. The Giants just let their star running back sign with the Eagles.
They are likely going to move on from Daniel Jones this year and have next-to-nothing at quarterback to replace him with.
The rest of the roster wouldn't put the fear of the almighty into a Division II team right now either.
Washington Commanders
- Predicted finish: 4th
- Predicted record: 5-12
As of right now, the Commanders starting quarterback would be Marcus Mariota.
I may need to downgrade that predicted record by two wins.
Washington will likely draft LSU quarterback – and Heisman winner – Jayden Daniels with the second pick. But will he be the opening day starter?
Maybe. Maybe not.
The Commanders do have former Cowboys' defensive coordinator Dan Quinn as their new head coach. And he pilfered several Cowboys free agents to come to D.C. with him.
But this team is clearly rebuilding. They aren't ready for prime time just yet.
And please remember – this is the “way-too-early prediction post” and not the “final-prediction-before-the-season-opens” post.
Yeah, I'm looking at you rando Eagles' fan.
