After spending the weekend diving into the storylines and rosters of the NFC North and South, we now turn our attention to the NFC East, one of the NFL’s most storied divisions. Long known for its passionate fanbases, hate-filled rivalries, and high-profile matchups, the East rarely disappoints when it comes to drama or unpredictability. In Philadelphia, the defending Super Bowl champion Eagles return nearly their entire core and aim to prove last year’s dominant run was no anomaly. Head coach Nick Sirianni leads a roster loaded with experience and star power, while new offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo and veteran DC Vic Fangio look to maintain their schematic edge. Down in D.C., the Commanders are riding high after a trip to the NFC Championship Game, and second-year head coach Dan Quinn has established a hard-nosed identity that pairs well with Kliff Kingsbury’s uptempo offensive style. Meanwhile, Dallas finds itself in flux—new head coach Brian Schottenheimer is at the helm of a staff overhaul that includes a fresh offensive scheme and a return to defensive fundamentals under Matt Eberflus, but roster turnover and the looming Micah Parsons situation could derail stability. And in New York, the Giants are clinging to hope that a roster patchworked with vets and unproven youth can finally turn the page on a frustrating stretch under Brian Daboll. With championship aspirations, coaching pressure, and roster volatility all baked into the mix, the NFC East once again sets the stage for one of the most compelling divisional races in the league. With that in mind, let’s take a look at who I think comes out of the NFC East:

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Dallas Cowboys

9/4 – @ Eagles – Loss

9/14 – vs. Giants – Win

9/21 – @ Bears – Loss

9/28 – vs. Packers – Loss

10/5 – @ Jets – Loss

10/12 – @ Panthers – Loss

10/19 – vs. Commanders – Win

10/26 – @ Broncos – Loss

11/3 – vs. Cardinals – Loss

11/9 – BYE

11/17 – @ Raiders – Win

11/23 – vs. Eagles – Win

11/27 – vs. Chiefs – Loss

12/4 – @ Lions – Loss

12/14 – vs. Vikings – Win

12/21 – vs. Chargers – Win

12/25 – @ Commanders – Loss

1/4 – @ Giants – Loss

Final Record: 6-11

After a chaotic offseason that saw major changes across the coaching staff and key spots on the roster, the Dallas Cowboys enter 2025 with more questions than answers. First-year head coach Brian Schottenheimer takes the reins after years of bouncing between offensive coordinator jobs across the league, bringing a reputation for experience but not necessarily innovation. He’s paired with new offensive coordinator Klayton Adams, who will install a heavy 11 personnel scheme on 74% of plays and emphasize play-action and rhythm throws. On the defensive side, former Bears head coach Matt Eberflus returns to his roots as a defensive coordinator, bringing back his signature 4-3 Over base scheme that relies on speed, assignment soundness, and turnover creation. With so much transition, and the Micah Parsons trade request looming large over the locker room, the Cowboys are bracing for a transitional year rather than a Super Bowl push.

Offensively, the Cowboys are walking a tightrope between stability and long-term change. Dak Prescott remains the starter for now, but his contract uncertainty beyond 2025 casts a shadow over the future. Behind him, second-year quarterback Joe Milton III brings intriguing upside with his arm talent and mobility, and could be worked into certain packages if his development continues. The backfield looks entirely new with Javonte Williams arriving from Denver and Miles Sanders joining from Carolina to form a new thunder-and-lightning duo. Rookie Jaydon Blue adds juice as a possible change-of-pace option, while Hunter Luepke is back as a trusted short-yardage fullback. At receiver, CeeDee Lamb remains the go-to target, but George Pickens, acquired through a trade, gives Dallas a physical, vertical threat on the outside. Jalen Tolbert and Jonathan Mingo are the likely third-string rotation, with Parris Campbell and Jalen Brooks battling for depth roles. KaVontae Turpin continues to offer value as both a returner and deep threat. Tight end Jake Ferguson quietly became one of the most reliable pieces of the 2024 offense and earned a new deal, while Luke Schoonmaker provides some punch in multiple different sets. The offensive line is trending younger but has promise. Tyler Guyton enters Year Two and is healthy, starting opposite Terence Steele at tackle. Tyler Smith returns at left guard, rookie Tyler Booker slots in at right guard, and Cooper Beebe takes over at center. Brock Hoffman is the top backup, while Hakeem Adeniji and rookie Ajani Cornelius offer additional depth. Still, depth there is clearly thinner than in years past, and staying healthy up front will be key to keeping this offense moving.

Defensively, Dallas still has talent, but uncertainty clouds the unit heading into 2025. The biggest storyline is the potential absence of Micah Parsons, who has requested a trade, so if he’s dealt or holds out, the pass rush could look completely different. DeMarcus Lawrence is already gone, putting pressure on Sam Williams and rookie Donovan Ezeiruaku, a pass-rushing machine at Boston College with 16.5 sacks in 2024, to step up fast, and Dante Fowler Jr. returns after a stint in Washington, and Payton Turner adds depth off the edge. Inside, Mazi Smith and Osa Odighizuwa return as the starting tackles, with Solomon Thomas offering rotational help. Linebacker saw a complete reshuffle as well Kenneth Murray Jr. being acquired through a trade from Tennessee, is expected to command the middle, with former Chicago Bear Jack Sanborn bringing experience and toughness. DeMarvion Overshown, back from a torn ACL, should start on the outside if healthy, while rookies Marist Liufau and Shemar James are both in the mix for a large amount of reps if Overshown can’t go early on. The secondary could quietly become a strength if everyone stays healthy, especially since Trevon Diggs is working his way back and will be paired with Kaiir Elam, a talented but inconsistent former Bill looking for a fresh start. DaRon Bland moves back into the slot, creating a strong trio on paper, and rookie Shavon Revel Jr. could be a surprise contributor anywhere in the secondary when he’s finally healthy. At safety, Malik Hooker and Donovan Wilson remain the reliable starters, while Israel Mukuamu adds valuable depth and versatility. It’s a defense full of questions, but if the pieces fall into place, it still has playmaking potential.

The Cowboys’ 2025 schedule does them no favors and could be a key reason they struggle to find consistent momentum. Things begin with a bang as they open the NFL season on Thursday Night Football against the defending Super Bowl Champion Eagles in Philadelphia, which is never an easy place to start. They then host the Giants, a team they usually handle, before back-to-back road trips against the Bears and Jets. From there, a tricky stretch includes a Sunday night home game against the Packers, then road games against Carolina and Denver, both of which are potential trap games. Their early November Monday night matchup against Arizona could be their last “easy” game before the bye. Coming out of their bye week and their Monday Night Football matchup in Las Vegas, they face a brutal gauntlet, starting at home against Philly and then Kansas City on Thanksgiving, at Detroit on another Thursday evening, and then three straight high-stakes games against the Vikings, Chargers, and Commanders before closing out on the road against the Giants.

Realistically, I think the Cowboys are heading toward a 6-11 finish. Between the uncertainty surrounding Parsons, a new coaching staff trying to establish its identity, and a challenging schedule packed with physical teams, this feels more like a transitional season than a contending one. The offense could take time to gel under Klayton Adams, and while there’s intriguing talent on defense, losing vocal leaders like Lawrence and Kendricks will hurt. If the Parsons situation doesn’t resolve itself early, it could hang over the team all year long. It’s not an extreme doom-and-gloom situation as there’s enough talent here to compete, but 2025 feels more like a setback season rather than one where they’ll be playing meaningful football in January, which could lead into a rebuild.

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New York Giants

9/7 – @ Commanders – Loss

9/14 – @ Cowboys – Loss

9/21 – vs. Chiefs – Loss

9/28 – vs. Chargers – Loss

10/5 – @ Saints – Loss

10/9 – vs. Eagles – Loss

10/19 – @ Broncos – Loss

10/26 – @ Eagles – Loss

11/2 – vs. 49ers – Win

11/9 – @ Bears – Loss

11/16 – vs. Packers – Loss

11/23 – @ Lions – Loss

12/1 – @ Patriots – Win

12/7 – BYE

12/14 – vs. Commanders – Loss

12/21 – vs. Vikings – Win

12/27-28 – @ Raiders – Loss

1/4 – vs. Cowboys – Win

Final Record: 4-13

After another season of disappointment in the Meadowlands, the New York Giants return in 2025 hoping that a blend of veteran stopgaps and youthful talent can begin laying the foundation for a new direction. Fourth-year head coach Brian Daboll enters what feels like a make-or-break campaign after back-to-back losing seasons, and while he’s brought a modern offensive vision to East Rutherford, results have been scarce. Offensive coordinator Mike Kafka, also in his fourth year, returns to guide a scheme built around heavy 11 personnel for 69% of snaps, while second-year defensive coordinator Shane Bowen is sticking to a base 3-4 Under front that emphasizes edge pressure and positional versatility. The front office was active this offseason, with a wide-ranging free agent haul including former Pro Bowlers, depth signings, and veteran quarterbacks, but none of it guarantees improvement in what still appears to be a transitional year. With a brutal schedule and lingering questions about development and leadership, the Giants are staring down another uphill climb in 2025.

Offensively, the Giants are clearly in transition, starting with a revamped quarterback room. Russell Wilson, the former Seahawks, Broncos, and Steelers veteran, is expected to open the season as the starter, and while he’s not the elite playmaker he once was, he’s a steady bridge nonetheless. Jameis Winston joins from Cleveland, and both veterans will mentor rookie Jaxson Dart, the quarterback of the future who won’t be rushed but stands to benefit from their experience. In the backfield, second-year back Tyrone Tracy Jr. will share duties with newcomer Devin Singletary, while rookie Cam Skattebo brings a bruising style and long-term upside, slipping Eric Gray down the depth chart. The receiving corps is headlined by Malik Nabers, a potential breakout star entering Year Two, and veteran Darius Slayton, who re-signed this offseason. Jalen Hyatt provides speed off the bench, with Zach Pascal and Lil’Jordan Humphrey offering depth from Arizona and Denver, while Wan’Dale Robinson’s crisp route-running makes him the go-to slot option. At tight end, Theo Johnson is the projected starter after a strong rookie season, supported by a deep group that includes Daniel Bellinger, Chris Manhertz, Greg Dulcich, and rookie Thomas Fidone II. Up front, Andrew Thomas returns at left tackle but needs to stay healthy, with James Hudson III and Stone Forsythe brought in as insurance. Jon Runyan starts at left guard, John Michael Schmitz Jr. is back at center, and Greg Van Roten and Jermaine Eluemunor round out the right side. Rookie Marcus Mbow is an intriguing developmental tackle, though the line overall remains a question mark until cohesion and durability improve.

The Giants’ defense, on the other hand, remains anchored by a disruptive front seven, though depth and experience are still areas of concern. Dexter Lawrence II continues to dominate as one of the league’s top interior linemen, flanked by Roy Robertson-Harris, who arrives from Seattle, and Rakeem Nuñez-Roches, with Jeremiah Ledbetter signing after a stint in Jacksonville, Elijah Chatman providing solid rotational support, and rookie Darius Alexander and DJ Davidson rotating in at nose. On the edge, New York is deeper than in recent years as Brian Burns, acquired last season, adds explosive pass-rushing ability opposite Kayvon Thibodeaux, while rookie Abdul Carter brings versatility and physicality as an immediate contributor, and Chauncey Gholston adds experience from Dallas. Inside, Bobby Okereke and Micah McFadden return as the starting linebackers in Shane Bowen’s 3-4 scheme, while depth behind them is mostly special teams-caliber with Ty Summers, rookie Darius Muasau, former Raven Chris Board, and former 49er Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles unlikely to see many snaps. The secondary underwent a notable overhaul after Adoree’ Jackson, Jason Pinnock, and Isaiah Simmons departed. Deonte Banks and Paulson Adebo, a new addition from New Orleans, project as the starting corners, with rookie Korie Black pushing for time and Dru Phillips penciled in at nickel, though Cor’Dale Flott’s versatility gives him a chance to carve out a rotational role. At safety, Jevón Holland was a major free-agent acquisition from Miami and immediately upgrades the back end, pairing with second-year safety Tyler Nubin, who’s expected to see an increased role, while Dane Belton and K’Von Wallace round out the depth. There’s talent and scheme flexibility here, and if Bowen can get this unit clicking, the defense could very well outpace the offense in 2025.

The Giants’ 2025 schedule doesn’t do them many favors. It begins with back-to-back road games at division rivals Washington and Dallas, followed by a primetime Sunday night showdown with the Chiefs. After that, things don’t ease up much with games against the Chargers, Saints, and a short-week Thursday night game versus the Eagles looming before midseason. Traveling to Denver and Philly before facing the 49ers and Bears only adds more layers of difficulty, and late-season road trips to Detroit and New England won’t help a young team trying to find its identity. Their late bye might come too late to fix anything, and they close with a relatively softer stretch against the Commanders, Vikings, Raiders, and Cowboys, though nothing can be taken for granted.

Every stretch of the schedule feels like a test, and it’s hard to imagine the Giants stringing together many wins in a conference that continues to get stronger. All in all, I don’t think there’ll be much improvement even with all the new pieces in New York, and I believe the Giants are looking at a 4-13 season. While there are exciting young pieces in place and some savvy veteran pickups, the mix doesn’t feel cohesive yet. This team has talent, but not enough chemistry or identity to compete consistently, and that’s where the concern lies. I don’t think Brian Daboll is a bad coach, but his seat is warming up fast, and if this season spirals early, a change might be inevitable. This isn’t to say the rebuild is doomed, but 2025 looks like another step back before they can hope to move forward.

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Philadelphia Eagles

9/4 – vs. Cowboys – Win

9/14 – @ Chiefs – Win

9/21 – vs. Rams – Win

9/28 – @ Buccaneers – Loss

10/5 – vs. Broncos – Win

10/9 – @ Giants – Win

10/19 – @ Vikings – Win

10/26 – vs. Giants – Win

11/2 – BYE

11/10 – @ Packers – Win

11/16 – vs. Lions – Loss

11/23 – @ Cowboys – Loss

11/28 – vs. Bears – Win

12/8 – @ Chargers – Win

12/14 – vs. Raiders – Win

12/20 – @ Commanders – Win

12/28 – @ Bills – Win

1/4 – vs. Commanders – Win

Final Record: 14-3

After a triumphant 2024 season that ended with a Super Bowl LIX victory, the Philadelphia Eagles entered 2025 with one mission, and that was to prove that their blowout victory over the Chiefs wasn’t just a fluke win. Fifth-year head coach Nick Sirianni has fully established his culture in Philadelphia, blending aggressive play-calling with a player-friendly environment that resonated across the locker room. Now, he’s tasked with keeping the championship momentum alive while incorporating a few new voices on the staff. One of the most important transitions will be on offense, where longtime assistant Kevin Patullo has been promoted to offensive coordinator, whose scheme puts a heavy emphasis on spacing, tempo, and leveraging mismatches with three wideouts on the field, and on defense, veteran coordinator Vic Fangio returns for a second season and brings back his familiar Base 3-4 Under look, which was the backbone of the Eagles’ postseason run. With both coordinators in place and a roster that still boasts much of its 2024 core, expectations couldn’t be higher in Philadelphia.

Offensively, the Eagles remain a juggernaut, with Jalen Hurts continuing to set the tone through his mobility, toughness, and leadership. The quarterback room is deeper this season, with Dorian Thompson-Robinson arriving via trade from Cleveland and rookie Kyle McCord joining as a developmental piece behind Tanner McKee. At running back, Saquon Barkley returns after a clutch 2024 campaign, while AJ Dillon replaces Kenneth Gainwell and second-year back Will Shipley brings versatility after flashing late last season. The wide receiver corps is among the league’s best, led by A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, with Jahan Dotson stepping into a larger role after a 2024 midseason trade. Terrace Marshall Jr. and Johnny Wilson add size and red zone presence, though backup Ainias Smith will likely see limited snaps. At tight end, Dallas Goedert remains a core target after re-signing, while Grant Calcaterra, Harrison Bryant, and Kylen Granson will compete for snaps in a system that demands strong run-blocking from the position. Up front, the Eagles still fielded one of the league’s best offensive lines, and the Tush Push could not be any more effective. Jordan Mailata returns at left tackle, with rookie Cameron Williams and veteran Kendall Lamm providing depth. Landon Dickerson remains at left guard, while Cam Jurgens, fresh off a breakout year replacing Jason Kelce, is backed by rookie Drew Kendall. Tyler Steen holds down right guard, though the loss of Mekhi Becton could hurt depth, with Matt Pryor stepping in. Lane Johnson returns at right tackle despite entering his twilight years, and rookie Myles Hinton will continue to develop behind him.

The Eagles also didn’t make any sweeping changes on the defense either, but they focused on targeted upgrades, especially with their pass rush and linebacker depth. Second-year end Moro Ojomo moves into a starting role, while rookie Ty Robinson joins the rotation up front, and on the interior, Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis form one of the NFL’s most dominant interior duos, opening lanes for edge rushers like Nolan Smith Jr., who’s primed for a breakout, and second-year player Jalyx Hunt. To bolster the edges, Philly added Azeez Ojulari from New York, Joshua Uche from Kansas City, and Ogbonnia Okoronkwo from Cleveland, while drafting rookie Antwaun Powell-Ryland, a prolific collegiate pass rusher. At linebacker, Zach Baun returns after a big breakout season alongside Nakobe Dean, who’s expected to take another leap, and first-round rookie Jihaad Campbell could soon anchor the unit. Jeremiah Trotter Jr. and Smael Mondon Jr. provide upside and depth, giving the Eagles one of the league’s most promising young linebacker groups. The secondary blends youth and experience, with Quinyon Mitchell and Kelee Ringo projected to start outside and veteran Adoree’ Jackson rotating in. Cooper DeJean brings instincts and versatility to the slot, while Eli Ricks remains a developmental piece with long-term upside. At safety, Reed Blankenship and Sydney Brown return as starters, but rookie Andrew Mukuba may push for reps thanks to his range and zone awareness, which align perfectly with Vic Fangio’s system. While the team will miss Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, Josh Sweat, and Bryce Huff, the defense’s speed, flexibility, and youth-infused depth suggest it could remain aggressive and disruptive in 2025.

The Eagles’ 2025 schedule features a few bumps, but nothing beyond what a contender of their caliber can handle. They kick things off on Thursday Night Football with a heated rematch against the Cowboys, followed by tough back-to-back tests against the Chiefs and Rams. A trip to Tampa Bay precedes a more manageable stretch, with home games against Denver and a Thursday night visit to the Giants. The midseason run is crucial, highlighted by consecutive division clashes with New York and a Monday night trip to Green Bay before their midseason bye. Things ramp up afterward with a primetime gauntlet as they host the Lions on Sunday night, visit Dallas, then return home for a Black Friday matchup with Chicago before they head west for Monday Night Football against the Chargers. The season wraps with three road games in four weeks with games at Washington, and Buffalo, all before a home finale against the Commanders.

Overall, I think this team is poised for another dominant season. With the vast majority of their championship core returning, an offensive staff that should continue building on what worked, and a defense that’s younger, faster, and more versatile than it was even a year ago, there’s no reason not to expect another deep playoff run. There will be tests along the way, but the continuity and competitive edge that Sirianni has instilled into this locker room isn’t going anywhere. I believe they’ll go 14-3 in 2025 and enter the postseason once again as one of the NFL’s most dangerous teams. The Eagles have a target on their backs now, but with the way this roster is constructed and the hunger they’ve shown, they’re not going anywhere anytime soon.

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Washington Commanders

9/7 – vs. Giants – Win

9/11 – @ Packers – Win

9/21 – vs. Raiders – Win

9/28 – @ Falcons – Win

10/5 – @ Chargers – Loss

10/13 – vs. Bears – Win

10/19 – @ Cowboys – Loss

10/27 – @ Chiefs – Loss

11/2 – vs. Seahawks – Win

11/9 – vs. Lions – Loss

11/16 – vs. Dolphins (in Madrid, Spain) – Win

11/23 – BYE

11/30 – vs. Broncos – Win

12/7 – @ Vikings – Win

12/14 – @ Giants – Win

12/20 – vs. Eagles – Loss

12/25 – vs. Cowboys – Win

1/4 – @ Eagles – Loss

Final Record: 11-6

After an impressive run to the NFC Championship Game in 2024, the Washington Commanders return in 2025 looking to build on that momentum. The front office was aggressive this offseason, reinforcing an already talented roster with a mix of savvy veterans, high-upside rookies, and key re-signings. Second-year head coach Dan Quinn has clearly established a culture built around discipline, physicality, and toughness, which helped them shine through in last year’s playoff push. His defensive background has helped shape an identity for this team, while second-year offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury continues to push the tempo with his fast-paced, 11-personnel-heavy attack, allowing his offense to stretch defenses horizontally and create mismatches, and defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. also returns with his aggressive 4-2 base scheme that thrives on getting pressure on the quarterback and centering their scheme around the pass coverage from their defensive backs. With a strong run in the postseason and a big offseason, expectations are finally high in Washington heading into 2025 and beyond.

The Commanders’ offense revolves around second-year quarterback Jayden Daniels, who burst onto the scene in 2024 and earned NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year honors. Daniels blends poise, athleticism, and accuracy in Kliff Kingsbury’s up-tempo system and has quickly become the face of the franchise. Veteran Marcus Mariota remains a steady backup and situational threat, particularly in short-yardage and deep-ball scenarios thanks to his strength and experience. The backfield is both deep and dynamic, with Brian Robinson Jr. as the bruising lead back and Austin Ekeler providing versatility as a pass-catching weapon. Behind them, Jeremy McNichols, a healthy Chris Rodriguez Jr., and rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt add solid depth. The receiving corps is loaded, though Terry McLaurin’s trade request adds intrigue; if he’s moved, the team is still well-equipped with veterans Deebo Samuel (acquired from San Francisco), Noah Brown, Michael Gallup, and KJ Osborn. Second-year wideout Luke McCaffrey is developing well, while rookie Jaylin Lane brings slot explosiveness and return value, and undrafted rookie Ja’Corey Brooks adds size and contested catch ability. At tight end, Zach Ertz remains a reliable target, John Bates handles in-line blocking duties, and Ben Sinnott is emerging as a vertical weapon. Up front, the line has improved with the addition of Laremy Tunsil via trade to anchor the left side next to second-year guard Brandon Coleman. Tyler Biadasz returns at center with Michael Deiter as backup, while the right side features Sam Cosmi and Andrew Wylie, with rookie Josh Conerly Jr. expected to rotate in. With strong depth and firepower at every level, Washington’s offense is built to take another big step forward in 2025.

Defensively, the Commanders might be even more dangerous than on offense, which has plenty of enough talent, experience, and coaching to rank among the NFL’s elite in 2025, especially up front. Von Miller, signed from Buffalo, brings championship experience and leadership off the edge, joining breakout performer Dorance Armstrong in a deep rotation that also includes Deatrich Wise from New England and the high-upside Clelin Ferrell. Inside, the loss of longtime anchor Jonathan Allen was offset by the addition of former Jet Javon Kinlaw, who pairs with Daron Payne to form one of the NFC’s most physical interior duos. Second-year tackle Jer’Zhan Newton should carve out a rotational role with his explosiveness, while veteran Eddie Goldman adds depth and leadership. At linebacker, Frankie Luvu and Bobby Wagner form a savvy, high-motor duo, with Wagner looking revitalized since returning to the NFC. Rookie Kain Medrano and Nick Bellore likely won’t see major defensive snaps but will contribute on special teams. The secondary, once a liability, now looks like a team strength. Benjamin St-Juste might be gone, but Jonathan Jones joins from New England to start opposite Marshon Lattimore, who looks back to Pro Bowl form, while rookie Trey Amos has promising traits and will develop behind them. Mike Sainristil returns as a smart, agile slot corner, and Noah Igbinoghene offers valuable depth. At safety, Quan Martin and free-agent pickup Will Harris are expected to start with Jeremy Chinn now in Las Vegas, and Jeremy Reaves remains a key special teamer while Percy Butler continues to develop.

The Commanders’ 2025 schedule will test them early and often, but it’s a manageable gauntlet for a battle-tested, playoff-caliber roster. They open at home against the Giants before heading to Lambeau for a Thursday night clash with the Packers, then return to face the Raiders and go back on the road for consecutive games against the Falcons and Chargers. A high-profile Monday Night Football showdown with the Bears follows, kicking off a brutal midseason stretch that includes road trips to Dallas and Kansas City, as well as primetime home games against the Seahawks and Broncos. One of their most intriguing matchups comes in Week 11 when they face the Dolphins in Madrid, Spain, ahead of a much-needed bye. The closing stretch is just as demanding, with road games at Minnesota and the Giants, followed by three straight division showdowns, hosting the Eagles and Cowboys before wrapping up in Philadelphia. It’s a rugged path, but Washington’s experience, depth, and improved roster give them a real chance to navigate it and make another postseason push.

Realistically, I see this Commanders team finishing 11-6 in 2025. It’s a group that feels built for the long haul, with a franchise quarterback in Daniels, proven leadership from Quinn and Kingsbury, and a defense loaded with both talent and experience. The continuity across the staff and roster will serve them well in tight games, especially when facing playoff-caliber opponents. Even if the McLaurin situation leads to a trade, the depth at wide receiver is strong enough to withstand the blow. This is a roster built to contend and far from the same rebuilding team and one-hit wonder from last year. With all the firepower and resilience they’ve accumulated, I wouldn’t be surprised if they’re right back in the mix come January, looking to take that next step to the Super Bowl.

Tune in later this weekend as I’ll round out my team previews and record predictions with the NFC West!