The NFC East has a reputation for being one of the NFL’s most unpredictable divisions, and the 2026 season should be no different.
The Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas Cowboys, Washington Commanders and New York Giants all enter the season with something to prove. Philadelphia is looking to stay back on top, Dallas wants to establish itself as a legitimate contender, Washington hopes to bounce back, and New York begins a new chapter under John Harbaugh.
Training camps are underway, and the preseason is about to provide our first real look at these teams.
Here are my NFC East predictions heading into the 2026 NFL season.
1. Philadelphia Eagles — Prediction: 12-5
I’m picking the Philadelphia Eagles to win the NFC East.
Philadelphia still has the kind of roster capable of competing with the best teams in the NFC. The biggest reason for confidence starts with Jalen Hurts and an offense that should have enough firepower to consistently put points on the board.
The Eagles also have the advantage of a roster that has been built with winning now in mind. Their combination of talent in the trenches, playmakers and young defensive pieces gives Philadelphia one of the highest ceilings in the division.
There are changes to adjust to, including Sean Mannion taking over as offensive coordinator. Mannion is already working through those adjustments during training camp as Philadelphia prepares for its preseason schedule. Mannion is looking to get Saquon Barkley back to his 2024 season form.
The Eagles won’t have an easy road. Their 2026 schedule features five prime-time games, important divisional matchups and three home games in December.
If Philadelphia stays healthy and Hurts plays at a high level, I think the Eagles reclaim the NFC East. Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis continue to anchor this elite defense. Jordan Davis signed an extension earlier in the offseason, and Carter just inked a massive contract also.
Biggest Strength: Overall roster talent and depth
Biggest Question: How quickly does the offense adjust to its changes?
Predicted Record: 12-5
2. Dallas Cowboys — Prediction: 10-7
Dallas should be Philadelphia’s biggest competition for the division.
The Cowboys enter another season facing enormous expectations, which isn’t anything new in Dallas. What matters is whether they can translate their talent into consistent winning football.
The NFC East schedule gives Dallas plenty of opportunities to control its own destiny, beginning with a prime-time divisional matchup against the New York Giants in Week 1.
The Cowboys have enough talent to challenge Philadelphia throughout the season. However, I’m not completely sold on them being consistent enough to finish ahead of the Eagles over 17 games. The offense is already one of the best in the league, but the defense should be much improved this season. They drafted Caleb Downs to anchor the defense and just gave Quinnen Williams a three year extension.
Ten victories should put Dallas firmly in the NFC playoff conversation and potentially earn the Cowboys a wild-card spot.
Biggest Strength: High-end talent on both sides of the ball
Biggest Question: Can Dallas consistently beat the NFC’s top teams?
Predicted Record: 10-7
3. New York Giants — Prediction: 8-9
The Giants might be the most intriguing team in the NFC East.
New York enters the season with John Harbaugh as head coach, immediately bringing credibility and experience to a franchise searching for stability.
Young quarterback Jaxson Dart will be one of the biggest factors determining how quickly the Giants can become contenders. If Dart takes a significant step forward, New York could be much more competitive than people expect.
There has already been optimism surrounding the Giants’ improvement during Harbaugh’s first training camp.
That doesn’t necessarily mean they’re ready to win the division.
Philadelphia and Dallas are still ahead of New York on my board, but I expect the Giants to be a tougher opponent in 2026. An 8-9 finish would represent meaningful progress and could set up New York for bigger expectations in 2027.
Biggest Strength: New direction under John Harbaugh
Biggest Question: How big of a jump does Jaxson Dart make?
Predicted Record: 8-9
4. Washington Commanders — Prediction: 7-10
The big question regarding the Commanders has to be: can they return to their 2024 form? Jayden Daniels had one of the best rookie seasons as a quarterback ever. They advanced to the NFC Championship game, where they fell to Philadelphia. I’m putting Washington fourth, but this is where the NFC East could become interesting.
The Commanders have enough talent to outperform this prediction, and expectations among portions of the Washington fan base remain high heading into the season.
Washington’s divisional games will be especially important. The Commanders get the Giants at home in October and will have their usual opportunities against Philadelphia and Dallas to shake up the standings.
I think Washington will be competitive, but I’m expecting the Eagles, Cowboys and improved Giants to make this a difficult division.
Seven wins might put Washington at the bottom of the NFC East, but I don’t expect them to be an easy team to beat.
Biggest Strength: Potential to surprise teams offensively
Biggest Question: Can Washington keep pace in a competitive division?
Predicted Record: 7-10
Final 2026 NFC East Predictions
- Philadelphia Eagles — 12-5 🏆
2. Dallas Cowboys — 10-7
3. New York Giants — 8-9
4. Washington Commanders — 7-10
Who Wins the NFC East?
My pick is the Philadelphia Eagles.
The NFC East could be much closer than the final standings suggest. Dallas should remain in the playoff hunt, while the Giants could become one of the NFL’s most improved teams if John Harbaugh gets the most out of Jaxson Dart and the rest of the roster.
Washington shouldn’t be counted out either.
But when comparing all four teams, Philadelphia has the combination of quarterback play, roster talent and experience that gives the Eagles the advantage.
I’m predicting a 12-5 season and an NFC East championship for Philadelphia, with Dallas earning serious wild-card consideration.
The Eagles aren’t just my pick to win the division. If everything comes together, they should once again have an opportunity to make a deep playoff run and compete for another trip to the Super Bowl.
2026 NFC East Champion Prediction: Philadelphia Eagles 🦅
