2022 NFL PREDICTIONS - NFC EAST

NFL / Football

Written by Joel Lefevre

A different team has captured the NFC East division in each of the past three seasons, with the Giants being the only team who have not finished first over that time.

Last year the Dallas Cowboys reigned supreme with 12 wins, with the Eagles sneaking in to grab a wildcard spot, but as we begin the season, it could be a much tougher division to decide in 2022-23.

Source (Edited Photo, Background Photo): Getty Images, CBS Sports

Here is a breakdown of all four teams and where we see them finishing.

New York Giants

Key Additions

Kayvon Thibodeaux (linebacker), Evan Neal (offensive tackle).

Key Subtractions

Evan Engram (tight end), Logan Ryan (cornerback).

Biggest Strength

On paper, the Giants should have a great group of receivers for Daniel Jones to throw to, despite a disappointing season in 2021 for Kenny Golladay, who had only 37 receptions but has still caught 57.4% of all contested targets thrown his way over his career.

He should have more help as New York have some depth at that position with Sterling Shepard, Darius Slayton and Wan’Dale Robinson, all with good hands and tremendous potential to help shoulder the receiving load.

Biggest Weakness

Their passing game on offence might be a plus, but defensively they might have trouble containing opposing receivers as their secondary looks thin.

Losing James Bradbury for financial reasons could leave them very vulnerable, while on paper, Adoree’ Jackson looks like the only capable cover man, but he has an extensive history of being injured.

Projection- 3rd

Brian Daboll has a lot of raw talent offensively to work with, while Thibodeaux despite sustaining a pre-season injury, should help them hurry the quarterback more, something they will need as their cover game might struggle.

Dallas Cowboys

Key Additions

Jalen Tolbert (wide receiver), James Washington (wide receiver).

Key Subtractions

Amari Cooper (wide receiver), Randy Gregory (defensive end).

Biggest Strength

Even without the addition of Amari Cooper, Dak Prescott should have his share of top-class receivers to throw to as Jalen Tolbert could surprise people with his skillset, while Dalton Schultz had a breakout campaign last season, and Tony Pollard looks like he will be more involved on the offensive side.

Biggest Weakness

On the defensive side, Mike McCarthy still has some glaring holes that need plugging up the middle as the recent additions of Neville Gallimore and Osa Odighizuwa have not panned out.

They did not bring in anyone of note in that position, so that area will need drastic improvements if the Cowboys are to be a better team at forcing the opposition into three-and-outs.

Projection- 1st

We believe Dallas is still the team to beat in the division as Prescott made plenty of smart decisions with the football last season, while there are lots of playmakers on the offensive side who should make up for their issues defensively.

Washington Commanders

Key Additions

Carson Wentz (quarterback), Brian Robinson (running back).

Key Subtractions

Ereck Flowers (guard), Brandon Scherff (guard).

Biggest Strength

Washington’s defensive front remains one of the most vital attributes of this team, as the likes of Jonathan Allen, DaRon Payne and Chase Young should make like difficult for opposing offences.

Biggest Weakness

Their linebacking corps is not the greatest, so the front line will be counted upon heavily to stop opposing teams before they can get into the open field.

Jamin Davis struggled as a rookie when it came to reading coverage and wrapping up opposing backs, and he will need to take a big step forward to provide some stability for them at that position.

Projection- 4th

There are too many unknown question marks on offence to think this team can make a jump this season, and Wentz is a big gamble that we do not believe will pay off.

Philadelphia Eagles

Key Additions

A.J. Brown (wide receiver), Zach Pascal (wide receiver).

Key Subtractions

Rodney McLeod (safety), Alex Singleton (linebacker).

Biggest Strength

Not that Jalen Hurts needs help getting away from would-be tacklers, but it certainly helps that he has an offensive line who should be able to protect him well this season, led by former rugby player Jordan Mailata, arguably one of the best-left tackles in the game, allowing just 20 pressures in 14 games last season.

Biggest Weakness

The linebackers seem to be slowing them down defensively as there are question marks at that position, but also potential depending on how well Nakobe Dean can transition into the NFL.

He was one of the top-rated defensive players in college, but some medical concerns caused him to slip in the draft.

Projection- 2nd

Hurts will take comfort in knowing that he will not have to do it all with his legs this season, as the Eagles are vastly improved at the receiver position, while they did a great job of limiting damage done to them last year on defence.

When you assess this team as a whole, they should be able to compete with Dallas throughout the season for the division crown while also being in the hunt for a playoff berth.