Early 2020 Wins and Losses Projections: NFC East

Brady Podloski, Steve Seufert, Brandon Braasch, Sam Schneider | May 10th, 2020

The NFC East arguably has some of the most passionate fans in the NFL. It also has some of the weirdest divisional games, which are always unpredictable. The four teams each have a young quarterback of which makes every game exciting. While the Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles have each won the division twice in the past four years, the Giants and Redskins are starting to accumulate talent. With the 2020 schedule set, there are some significant games each NFC East team will play. With that said, this is an eight-part series where our Scorecrow NFL analysts do an early prediction of the wins and losses of each team. We projected all 256 games and have the winners and losers of each division!

Make sure to check out the rest of our record projections here.

Dallas Cowboys

New York Giants

Philadelphia Eagles

Washington Redskins

Winner of the NFC East 

Brady: Dallas Cowboys (12-4) | Team MVP: Dak Prescott

The Cowboys (on paper) have one of the most difficult offenses to stop. With the addition of wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, Prescott has three legitimate options in the rookie, Michael Gallup, and Amari Cooper, all of whom are capable of making plays. The passing offense should be one of the best in the league and lead the Cowboys to the playoffs. Moreover, the defense can keep games close, despite its secondary which has a number of young cornerbacks. Top to bottom this is one of the better rosters in the NFL and should make a deep run in the playoffs. 

Steve: Philadelphia Eagles (10-6) | Team MVP: Carson Wentz

The Eagles have a good general manager and a really good head coach. In the offseason, they added more talent to an already solid defense by trading for Darius Slay. In addition to Slay, they also added interior help by signing defensive tackle Javon Hargrave. On the offense, they finally added weapons for Wentz. Jalen Reagor is the most notable weapon, their first-round draft pick. With a full offseason of good health, I expect Wentz to really heat up.

Brandon: Philadelphia Eagles (11-5) | MVP: Carson Wentz

There’s no question that the Eagles got better. They won the NFC East division in 2019 with Wentz throwing to receivers who struggled to get open. Their leading receiver was Alshon Jeffery who had only 490 yards in ten games. Wentz still managed to throw for more than 4,000 yards. The Eagles added weapons and speed to the offense. DeSean Jackson is back from an injury and they drafted Reagor, John Hightower, and Quez Watkins. Miles Sanders will look to take the next step at running back. They also got some much cornerback help by trading for Slay. The Eagles will come out firing on all cylinders and be one of the top teams in the NFC this season and into the playoffs. 

Sam: Philadelphia Eagles (11-5) | MVP: Carson Wentz

The Eagles play the road warrior role in the division and will have to make up for some ugly losses at home by winning some games versus their NFC brethren away from Lincoln Financial Field. Wentz shows his MVP potential again while staying on the field for a full season, and Philadelphia goes 3-1 against the AFC North en route to stealing the division crown from the Cowboys. Sanders is as advertised while undrafted free agent rookie Michael Warren II emerges from a crowded backfield as a hard-nosed touchdown machine.

Loser of the NFC East

Brady: Washington Redskins (4-12) | Team MVP: Terry McLaurin

The Redskins have multiple holes all over the roster. The biggest concern for me is that the wide receivers and tight ends are unproven (except for McLaurin), and may not assist Dwayne Haskins enough. Moreover, the offensive line has a huge question mark at left tackle with Trent Williams being traded. The defensive front seven may be one of the best in the league with talented players including rookie Chase Young, Ryan Kerrigan, and Montez Sweat. However, the team does have huge question marks all over the secondary with the departure of Quinton Dunbar. The season must be dedicated to determining if Haskins is the future of the franchise, or else they may be restarting again next year. 

Steve: New York Giants (4-12) | Team MVP: Saquon Barkley

I’m actually surprised my predictions went this way. I like some of the moves the Giants have made and I have faith in Daniel Jones. However, I’m not sure there’s a football culture in that building. They didn’t get any of their primary coaching targets, and a lot of that has to do with Dave Gettleman being on the hot seat. I’m predicting a total debacle against a tough schedule. The wheels come off and Joe Judge is out after year one. 

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Brandon: Washington Redskins (4-12) | Team MVP: Jonathan Allen

The Redskins could surprise some people this year, including me. However, I still have them at only four wins. They could win some more, but that’s all going to depend on Haskins. Their defensive line is now stout with the addition of Young. They added some offensive weapons in the draft. They drafted a versatile running back in Antonio Gibson and a good receiver in Antonio Gandy-Golden. Ron Rivera will likely get them back to playing competitive football even if it doesn’t result in a lot of wins. This will be a good developmental year for them. The Redskins should look to start turning the corner in terms of winning more football games in the next couple of years.

Sam: Washington Redskins (4-12) | Team MVP: Chase Young

Young threatens a rookie sack record that has stood for twenty years but Riverboat Rivera’s offense never really gets off the ground. Washington switches quarterbacks midseason, replacing Haskins with Kyle Allen to no avail. The Redskins will have to decide how to improve the offense in the draft of 2021 and the most logical starting point is whoever will be under center.

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