NFC East outlook: Cowboys backed for double-digit wins as Commanders face steep hurdles
A CBS Sports assessment of DraftKings Sportsbook odds highlights a shifting power dynamic in the division, with Dallas projected to improve on defence while Washington and New York face significant structural concerns.
The 2026 NFL season promises a turbulent return to form for the NFC East, following a historic period where the Philadelphia Eagles secured back-to-back division titles. Despite reaching the playoffs with an 11-6 record in 2025, Philadelphia’s offensive output stagnated, averaging the lowest points and total yards of the Nick Sirianni era before suffering a first-round exit. This performance ended a 20-season streak without a repeat champion in the division, a record noted as the longest in major North American sports history.
Dallas Cowboys are viewed as the most stable proposition in the division, with analysts backing them to reach double-digit wins, specifically projecting a 10-7 record. The shift in sentiment is driven by significant defensive reinforcements, including the acquisitions of Caleb Downs, Malachi Lawrence, Dee Winters, Cobie Durant, and Rashan Gary. Downs, a former Heisman top-10 finisher, is seen as a critical addition to a unit that ranked last in points allowed last season, potentially offsetting the team’s previous reliance on an offence that ranked second in the league.
Conversely, the Washington Commanders are predicted to struggle, with projections suggesting they may start 0-4. The outlook is dampened by a historically poor defensive performance last season, where they surrendered 384.0 yards per game, and ongoing injury concerns surrounding quarterback Jayden Daniels, who missed 10 games in 2025. While new additions such as Odafe Oweh, K'Lavon Chaisson, and Sonny Styles aim to bolster the pass rush, the secondary remains a point of vulnerability ahead of a challenging early schedule featuring Philadelphia, Dallas, Seattle, and Indianapolis.
The New York Giants present a complex scenario under new head coach John Harbaugh, who replaced Brian Daboll. Despite defensive upgrades involving Abdul Carter, Brian Burns, and Tremaine Edmunds, the team is projected to finish 7-10. The primary concerns lie in offensive stability and health; quarterback Jaxson Dart has faced concussion evaluations, running back Cam Skattebo is recovering from an ankle injury, and wide receiver Malik Nabers requires a second procedure for a torn ACL. Historically, the Giants have struggled to exceed eight wins in a season, with only one instance since 2016.
Philadelphia remains the most unpredictable element of the division. The Eagles have lost key offensive figures A.J. Brown and Jeff Stoutland, while installing Sean Mannion as the new offensive coach. Although new additions like Dontayvion Wicks and Makai Lemon offer potential, analysts remain hesitant to project the team back to 11 wins due to schematic uncertainties and questions regarding Jalen Hurts’ adaptability. Defensive additions such as Jonathan Greenard and Tariq Woolen provide hope for a top-10 unit, but the offensive ceiling remains unclear heading into the 2026 campaign.
