The NFC East was won by a 7-9 Washington Football Team in 2020, the lowest win total amongst division winners.
The Philadelphia Eagles memorably benched starting quarterback Jalen Hurts against Washington in the final game of the season. This decision helped the Eagles improve their draft position but also ruined the 6-10 Giants’ chances of making the playoffs.
New York held the tiebreaker over Washington and would have made the postseason if the Eagles had managed to win.
It is a new year in the NFC East, and the teams have retooled and redefined themselves in the offseason. As a result, legitimate competition will be restored to the division, and the winner will be over .500.
You can check out our complete 2020 NFC East recap.
Odds to Win the NFC East in 2021
Dallas Cowboys Team Preview 2021
According to FanDuel, the Cowboys are the presumptive champions of the division at +110 odds. Dallas drafted Micah Parsons with their first-round pick and got Dak Prescott, though they lack a true lockdown corner.
The Cowboys had a glaring issue in their run defense last season, allowing the second-most yards in the league. Parsons will help Dallas play more downhill, but they still lack talent on their front line.
Demarcus Lawrence was supposed to be a stalwart for the defense but has not played up to his $105-million contract. Instead, he recorded 6.5 sacks in 2020 after producing seasons of 10.5 and 14.5 prior.
Washington Football Team Preview 2021
The defending-champion Washington Football Team has the second-highest odds at +260 and is the most intriguing pick in the field. They have the boom-or-bust ability with “Fitzmagic” taking snaps and a receiving corps of Terry McLaurin, Curtis Samuel, and Adam Humphries.
Antonio Gibson also had a productive 2020 season, his first at running back full-time, and will play a key role.
WFT was a top-five defensive unit last season led by Chase Young and the terrifying front seven. They reinforced their strength in the draft with the selection of outside linebacker Jamin Davis, who should start.
William Jackson III was acquired in the offseason, dubbed the ninth-best corner in the NFL by Pro Football Focus. Adding a lockdown corner to a unit that allowed the second-fewest passing yards makes Washington elite on the back end.
New York Giants Team Preview 2021
The Giants are in the bottom half of the NFC East with +400 odds and a turnover-prone quarterback.
Daniel Jones has recorded 38 touchdowns and 31 turnovers in two professional seasons, giving a poor return. If he struggles again, the Giants will grow increasingly likely to move on from him.
Saquon Barkley’s injury also limited the Giants’ offense severely, but he will be back at full strength by fall. In addition, the additions of Kenny Golladay and Kadarius Toney provide Jones with playmakers and should make New York’s offense more exciting.
While the offense struggled, New York developed one of the stingiest defensive units in the league. Leonard Williams’ 11.5 sacks were key in establishing this newfound defensive identity.
James Bradberry and Jabrill Peppers are thumpers in the secondary, and the addition of Adoree Jackson adds even more speed.
Philadelphia Eagles Team Preview 2021
The Eagles round out the bottom of the division with +550 odds to finish in first place in Jalen Hurts’ second season. Hurts beat the New Orleans Saints in his first start but finished the campaign with nine scores and 10 turnovers.
Phili brought in help in the draft, selecting Heisman-winning receiver DeVonta Smith and reuniting him with his former Alabama teammate. Smith thrived in college despite concerns that he was too skinny and will be a player to watch for Philadelphia.
The Eagles were one of the best teams at getting after the quarterback last season. However, they were middle-of-the-pack in passing defense and in the bottom-third for rushing yards allowed. They did not make any significant offseason moves to help with these and will struggle as a result.
2021 NFC East Predictions
The division has several storylines that will develop over the season.
The team with the best value here is the Washington Football Team. They won the division last season and have upgraded at quarterback, a desperate need, as well as linebacker and receiver. Their coach has reached a Super Bowl, and they have one of the best defenses in the league.
The Giants have an outside shot if their defense can play well, but Daniel Jones limits their ceiling.
The division is thereby Dallas’ to lose, but concerns over Dak’s long-term health and Mike McCarthy’s coaching style remain. No team has won the NFC East consecutively since 2004, and the Cowboys will hope to continue the trend.
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