1. Dallas Cowboys– For the second time in three seasons, they claimed the NFC East crown in 2018. When things seemed to be against them last year, they remained calm and went on an impressive winning streak. The acquisition of Amari Cooper saved their offense and their season in my opinion because at the beginning of the year, the Cowboys didn’t have that playmaker in the receiving core. The expectations are always high for them. Dak Prescott is back, Ezekiel Elliott returns, Cooper will be there for the entire season and a familiar face returns to the team. Jason Witten is back after spending one year in the broadcasting booth. The best move the Cowboys made this off-season was deciding to extend DeMarcus Lawrence. Dak finally won his first playoff game last season. The Cowboys also added some depth to their receiving core by adding Randall Cobb. They’re giving Dak the weapons, now can he do something with it?
2. Philadelphia Eagles– They weren’t as strong as they were the year, they won the Super Bowl, but they got hot when it mattered down the stretch last season. The Eagles win football games based on their running game. They were active this offseason. They acquired Jordan Howard from the Chicago Bears which I felt was a good pick up for them. They needed a back to get his carries, now they have him. The Eagles also shocked us during free agency when they decided to bring back a familiar face to the organization, DeSean Jackson is back! Carson Wentz still has something to prove to me. Can he stay healthy first? We got a preview of how good he can be back in 2017, I need to see that again. The Eagles defense will be strong again in 2019. These guys play hard for Jim Schwartz and it shows on each play. It could be a fun year in South Philadelphia.
3. Washington Redskins– Things were looking up for them early on last season. Then, Alex Smith’s gruesome injury happened, and they could never regroup from that. Alex is expected to miss all of 2019 as well. The Redskins needed a quarterback and they got him. Dwayne Haskins pretty much fell into the laps of Washington on draft night at 15. They also drafted Montez Sweat, a pass rusher they very much so needed. The biggest move they made was the free agency signing of safety Landon Collins. He’s staying in the division, just playing for a different team. This is one team I’m looking forward to watch play in 2019. They had a great draft; they filled some glaring needs and I can see them being competitive in the division if all comes together.
4. New York Giants– This franchise is a mess. A few years back, then head coach Ben McAdoo decides to bench Eli Manning (why, I’ll never know), he gets fired, they hire Pat Shurmur and I saw more effort from the team, I can’t deny that, but they just aren’t in the position to win right now. One shocker was deciding not to resign Landon Collins who was their best defensive player. Another move they made was trading away Odell Beckham Jr and I can explain why they did it. The Giants are beginning to rebuild. Odell is in the prime of his career and while he still has value, trade him now! To replace Odell, the Giants signed Golden Tate to be their number one receiver. Saquon Barkley is back after a phenomenal rookie year.
2019 Predictions
1. Eagles (11-5)
2. Cowboys (9-7)
3. Redskins (8-8)
4. Giants (4-12)
If Carson Wentz can stay healthy and that’s a big if, I like the Philadelphia Eagles to win the NFC East. On paper, the group of Wentz, Howard, Ertz, Jeffery and Jackson looks to be one of the best offensive units in the league. Defensively, Jim Schwartz will have his guys ready to play. His guys give 110 percent on each play. If the Eagles can get back to their consistent running game, they will win games.
