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NFC East Showdown: Less of a showdown and more of a foregone conclusion at this point

The NFC East:  Often a highly competitive division, is shaping up as we approach the home stretch of the 2024 NFL season. From thrilling wins to devastating defeats, each team has forged a unique path this year. Let's take a look at where each team stands as they eye the playoffs—or the future.

Philadelphia Eagles: Juggernaut

Riding an 8-game winning streak, the eagles are fresh off a statement win against the Ravens.  With the Panthers up next, it's difficult for me to picture anything but another "W" in the books after week 14.

Offensive Outlook:

Saquon Barkley has been everything Eagles fans hoped for and more. Barkley currently leads the NFL with 1,499 rushing yards at a 6.2 YPC clip and is on pace to break Eric Dickerson's all-time rushing mark. The Eagles could be described as one of the most run-oriented offenses of the last 20 years and that didn't change against the ravens as Barkley piled up 109 yards on 23 carries. After early-season struggles holding onto the ball, Jalen Hurts has only two turnovers since the 8-game win streak began after the bye week. Detractors might question whether the Eagles could be handicapped by a pass game that hasn’t needed to carry the load, but thus far, the offense executes its game plan efficiently. 

Defensive Outlook:

Defensively, the Eagles benefit from impactful performances by rookies in the secondary, like Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper Dejean (see rookie demolishes King Henry). Their emergence has transformed a previously weak unit, and alongside Jalen Carter’s disruptive presence and an unexpectedly dominant linebacker group, they've vaulted to the top of the standings in most defensive categories. A unit that earlier struggled with takeaways has forced ten in the last three games.

Regular Season Prediction: 14-3 - NFC Second Seed

The Eagles should be battling for a first-round bye and the No. 1 seed in the NFC. If they win out—entirely possible—they could have a first-round bye locked up. More likely, there could still be losses to either the Ravens or Steelers. The Birds do not have to get on an airplane before the end of the regular season.

Washington Commanders: Next Year's Trendiest Super Bowl Pick

At 9-5 after a commanding 42-19 victory over the Titans, the Commanders remain firmly in the playoff chase but still face challenges. The midseason skid seems behind them, as they're managing to stay 2 1/2 games behind the Eagles for the best record in the NFC East.

Offensive Outlook:

Led by rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, Washington’s offense remains impressive, ranking 6th in total offense and 5th in scoring. Daniels has shown composure beyond his years, despite some recent challenges against formidable defenses like Philadelphia.

Defensive Outlook:

Washington's defense, albeit with a vulnerable secondary, hasn’t consistently clicked yet but showed firepower against the Titans. It's critical for them to find consistency to strengthen their playoff aspirations.

Prediction: Commanders secure a playoff spot as the 7-seed

Dallas Cowboys: Bellichek?

After a narrow 23-20 victory over the Giants, the Cowboys stand at 6-7. Despite the win, it's hard to imagine sustained success given their current struggles and coaching situation.

Offensive Outlook:

Without Dak Prescott, the offense continues to suffer, averaging just 20.7 points per game. Their recent success against a struggling Giants team is a small respite, but substantial issues remain.

Defensive Outlook:

Plagued by defensive turmoil, especially against the run, Dallas struggles to stop offenses consistently. Micah Parsons is great but appears increasingly frustrated by the team's spirals.

Prediction: Struggling toward an 8-9 finish, just short of playoffs

New York Giants: Dumpster Fire Turned Tankarrific Disaster

The Giants fell to 2-11, succumbing to the Cowboys last week in a narrow defeat. Currently amidst an eight-game losing streak, they're clearly prioritizing future prospects with visible tanking efforts.

Offensive Outlook:  Their offense ranks dead last in scoring, primarily due to a constantly changing quarterback situation. In brighter news, Malik Nabers provides occasional highlights amidst a rather inefficient season.

Defensive Outlook:

Meanwhile, their defense works hard but has little chance to impact games positively due to offensive inefficiency, often finding itself in unwinnable situations.

Overall Division Outlook: Eagles in a Landslide:

It would take a herculean effort from Washington coupled with a catastrophic collapse by the Eagles for this division race to change direction. The Eagles intend to glide toward an NFC East crown if they maintain current form.