NFL Preseason Predictions – NFC East: Cowboys, Giants, Eagles,
I always like to start my NFL predictions with the NFC East. Growing up in New Jersey, this is the division I know best. I follow the Dallas Cowboys closely and grew up with The Triplets winning Super Bowls, and the New York Giants have been one of my most profitable teams to bet with two upset Super Bowl wins while I was handicapping professionally. The Eagles are the team I hate most , which is why this article is so difficult for me to write – they seem poised for the NFC East division title this year.
But that doesn’t mean I’m going to pick them to win it. With every team in this division crawling out of such mediocre 2013 campaigns, I think this is anyone’s year.
1. New York Giants (10-6) – I expect clutter and mediocrity in this division again, but most of all, I expect Eli Manning to bounce back. The New York Giants had an incredibly active offseason, adding running back depth for a proper platoon, a big-name guard, and another shut down corner. They have an excellent secondary, brought back Beason in the middle, and have always found a way to generate a pass rush and create defensive line depth. I think they’ll be fine, and if Eli Manning can put it all back together, the Giants may be the team to beat in this division.
2. Philadelphia Eagles (9-7): The Eagles finished the year with momentum and hope, but this offseason was puzzling. You bring in a coach famous for his explosive, fast-paced offense, and then you dump a wide receiver that embodies everything he believes in? I don’t believe in Nick Foles, I think the league will figure out this offense, and if not for LeSean McCoy the Eagles would be terrible. That said, McCoy can be unstoppable at times and the Eagles will be hard to beat in this division. I just don’t buy in.
3. Washington Redskins (7-9): RG3 looks like a shell of the quarterback we thought he would be. Even if he’s healthy, I don’t think Washington has the pieces to contend. With so many questions at quarterback and offensive line, it’s going to take a lot for the Redskins to surprise people this year.
4. Dallas Cowboys (5-11): How do you let DeMarcus Ware go? Yes, Tony Romo is important and underrated, but he’s not enough to carry this team. If his contract meant getting rid of the best player on the team, then the GM needs to be fired. Oh wait, the GM is also the owner? Well, never mind. This season is going to look a lot like the Quincy Carter era with Romo running for his life. The Cowboys will be trying to win shootouts as other offenses pile on the points, and untimely interceptions will derail late comebacks all year. Dallas is in trouble – but I bet they cover some spreads.
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