The biggest story for the NFC East going into the 2019 season will be how long the holdout lasts for Dallas Cowboys star running back Ezekiel Elliott. In Elliott’s first three seasons in the NFL, he has led the league in rushes and rushing yards in two of those three seasons while leading in yards per game in all three seasons. The Cowboys have a 28-12 record in games he played winning two NFC East crowns while having a 4-4 record in games he missed. Whether or not Ezekiel Elliott plays this season will determine whether or not the Cowboys win the NFC East and make the postseason this season. This makes it tough to make predictions for the division when there is no indication of how well negotiations are going into Elliott’s new contract or if he will forgo negotiations and play without signing an extension. Be that as it may I will be making my predictions as if Elliott will not be playing this season. Let’s Begin!
Philadelphia Eagles: 11-5
When it comrd to the NFC East in the 2019 NFL season, the Philadelphia Eagles are without a doubt the best team in the division. Carson Wentz back fully healthy has a chance to have an MVP season this season with a supporting cast Desean Jackson making his return to the Eagles, Darren Sproles, Nelson Agholor, Alshon Jeffrey and Zach Ertz not to mention a pretty good offensive line. The key for the Eagles will be their defense as last season their defense was not as good as their Super Bowl team’s defense the season before. If their defense can perform the way they did in the 2017 season, the Eagles will have a chance to make a run at the Super Bowl this season.
Dallas Cowboys: 8-8
Coming in at second place in the NFC East will be the Dallas Cowboys. With or without Ezekiel Elliott, the Cowboys are much better than the Giants and Redskins. While Elliott is out with the contract holdout, Dak Prescott’s role in the Cowboys offense will surely increase leading to more pass attempts. While their passing attack is certainly good with receivers like Amari Cooper, Tavon Austin, Randall Cobb and Jason Witten, their lack of threat in their running game will be hurt their offense. If their defense can have the same production they had last season, they have a chance to be better than expected and not only challenge for a Wild Card playoff spot, but even win the NFC East entirely.
New York Giants: 6-10
Let’s be honest, the only reason the New York Giants will be third place in the NFC East instead of last is because the Redskins are in the division. In their first season with Odell Beckham Jr., this will surely be a huge stat season for Saquon Barkley. Last season, Barkley in his rookie season lead the NFL in yards from scrimmage, second in rushing yards and fifth in rushing touchdowns. In addition, he was tied for the second most receiving touchdowns on the Giants last season and lead the Giants in receptions. With all that being said, the lack of certainty at the quarterback position will prove to be troublesome for the Giants offense and the team will struggle as a result.
Washington Redskins: 3-13
I don’t think there is a single doubt in my mind that the Redskins will be the worst team in the NFC East this season. The biggest problem for the Redskins going into this season is they are suffering from too many injuries. In addition to Alex Smith missing the entire 2019 season after suffering a leg injury last season, the Redskins have three cornerbacks (Danny Johnson, Adonis Alexander, and Quinton Dunbar) who are likely to miss an extended amount of time due to injury, and two players (Reuben Foster and Robert Davis) recovering from ACL injuries. Also, most of their offensive talent are either past their prime or are unseasoned unable to be difference makers for the Redskins offense. For these reasons, the Redskins will be the worst team in the NFC East and will be in contention for the number one draft pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.
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