The NFC East has long been one of the most unpredictable divisions in football. With fierce rivalries, passionate fan bases, and a history of surprise turnarounds, every season brings drama. In 2025, the division once again looks like a two-team race at the top, with the Washington Commanders and Philadelphia Eagles fighting for the crown. Meanwhile, the Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants face uphill battles as they look to steady their franchises. Let’s break down what to expect this season and why each team sits where they do in the standings.
Washington Commanders: 11–4
The Commanders are no longer a team simply “on the rise”—they’re here. Jayden Daniels proved as a rookie that he has all the tools to be one of the NFL’s next superstar quarterbacks. His dual-threat ability forces defenses to prepare for both his legs and his arm, and when he’s got a reliable weapon like Terry McLaurin on the outside, big plays follow.
Washington’s offense looks balanced, with young players developing quickly and a coaching staff that has leaned into Daniels’ strengths rather than forcing him into a rigid system. The defense, too, has shown progress, getting faster and more physical in the secondary and creating pressure up front.
The biggest question for Washington is whether they can handle the pressure of competing with a proven powerhouse like Philadelphia. But given their trajectory, it’s not hard to see why many believe the Commanders will share the top spot in the division this year.
Philadelphia Eagles: 11–4
If Washington is the rising power, the Eagles remain the standard. Philadelphia is still loaded with talent, and the addition of Saquon Barkley in the offseason only made their offense scarier. Pair him with Jalen Hurts, A.J. Brown, and Devonta Smith, and you’ve got a group capable of scoring on anyone. Barkley gives Philly a true workhorse in the backfield, and he adds an extra layer of versatility to an already dynamic attack.
Defensively, the Eagles continue to be a force. C.J. Gardner-Johnson brings playmaking ability to the secondary, and the team’s front seven remains one of the most physical in the NFL. They play with swagger, and they know how to win the big games.
The Eagles’ challenge is less about talent and more about endurance. They’ve been at or near the top of the NFC for several years now, and sustaining that dominance takes discipline. If they can stay healthy, Philadelphia could easily repeat as division champions, though Washington is closing the gap quickly.
Dallas Cowboys: 6–11
For Dallas, 2025 looks like a tough season. The Cowboys are always a team in the spotlight, but this year the roster feels less dangerous than in seasons past. Dak Prescott is still capable of leading a strong offense, but the supporting cast isn’t what it used to be. The offensive line isn’t as dominant, and the run game remains a question even with Miles Sanders joining the backfield.
Defensively, the Cowboys still have Micah Parsons, one of the most feared defenders in the league. He can change a game on his own with his speed and relentless pursuit of the quarterback. But one player, no matter how talented, can’t carry an entire defense. Dallas lacks the depth needed to compete with Washington and Philadelphia over the long haul.
The Cowboys will win some games, especially against weaker opponents, but their chances of keeping up with the top of the NFC East are slim. At 6–11, this looks like a reset season.
New York Giants: 4–13
The Giants are clearly in rebuilding mode. Rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart is the biggest storyline, and while he brings promise and energy, he’s also bound to go through growing pains. That’s simply the reality for a young quarterback starting in the NFL. The offense doesn’t have enough playmakers to make his job easier, and the defense, though it has some promising pieces, isn’t yet built to carry the load.
Fans in New York should be patient. Dart’s development this season is more important than the win-loss record. The Giants will struggle against division opponents, but if their young core gains valuable experience, the long-term outlook could brighten.
Final Outlook
The NFC East in 2025 boils down to two heavyweights. The Washington Commanders and Philadelphia Eagles are both built to win now, and they’re likely to battle until the very end for the top spot. The Cowboys are caught in the middle, trying to remain competitive but lacking the balance needed to succeed, while the Giants are firmly in rebuild mode with their eyes on the future.
At the end of the season, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Washington and Philadelphia both sitting at 11–4. Tiebreakers could ultimately decide the champion, and both teams look capable of making deep playoff runs. For fans of the division, it’s going to be another year of intensity, rivalry, and plenty of storylines to follow.
