The NFC East was widely regarded as the best division in the NFL for much of the first decade of the 21st century. The division is composed of epic rivalries among between each team, and there is always a share of close games, blowouts, and unexpected results in these division games. What's better is it appears that all four teams are bound to be successful, because they have done nothing but load their rosters with talent that gives each team the potential to win some games. I have three of the four teams finishing 2012 with winning records, and am actually surprised at myself with the record I gave to the one team with the losing record.
Dallas Cowboys (5-11)
The Cowboys, America's Team, has struggled to find success in times that they really should have. Dallas has let a lot of people down in predictions, although injuries have halted them in recent years. Tony Romo appears to finally have gained a little bit of respect, as the biggest QB critics have turned to guys like Mark Sanchez or Matt Ryan. The Cowboys have made some changes that should propel them to the top of the division, but they will realize it takes a little more than that. Give me an excellent 2013 Draft, and I say the Cowboys can be contenders. 2012 will be a year for them to put things together.
Wins - vs. Giants, vs. Browns, vs. Redskins, @ Bengals, @ Redskins
Losses - @ Giants, @ Seahawks, vs. Buccaneers, vs. Bears, @ Ravens, @ Panthers, @ Falcons, @ Eagles, vs. Eagles, vs. Steelers, vs. Saints
New York Giants (11-5)
The reigning Super Bowl champions will again continue to be above average, surprising critics every year, and winning games in the end with a super clutch quarterback. The Giants have a ton of talent, especially on defense. We will see them get to quarterbacks a lot this year, as long as they stay healthy. I think we see a slow start as usual with the Giants, but a strong finish, winning their last five games, all against potentially strong teams. While the Giants won't repeat an appearance to the Super Bowl, they at least win a tough NFC East and make the playoffs.
Wins - vs. Cowboys, vs. Buccaneers, vs. Browns, @ 49ers, vs. Redskins, @ Bengals, @ Redskins, vs. Saints, @ Falcons, @ Ravens, vs. Eagles
Losses - @ Panthers, @ Eagles, @ Cowboys, vs. Steelers, vs. Packers
Philadelphia Eagles (9-7)
The Dream Team Eagles thankfully did not tear up their roster this offseason, because they have the potential to do big things in the NFL given the right coaching. The addition of DeMeco Ryans hopefully completes a linebacker corps that has held the defense back in recent years. Why didn't the secondary thrive with Nnamdi, Asante, and Dominique in 2011? The linebackers played terrible all year. The secondary constantly had to worry about the middle of the field and it reduced the number of defensive plays by a large amount. The addition of Ryans can potentially transform this defense into a top 5 in defending the pass. However, it does hurt that the NFC East is not necessarily built around the passing game. Look for the Eagles to drop an embarrassing game or two, but take care of all of the other teams they should take care of.
Wins - vs. Ravens, @ Cardinals, vs. Giants, @ Saints, vs. Cowboys, @ Cowboys, @ Buccaneers, vs. Bengals, vs. Redskins
Losses - @ Browns, @ Steelers, vs. Lions, vs. Falcons, @ Redskins, vs. Panthers
Washington Redskins (9-7)
Here it is, finally. The Redskins have a franchise quarterback in Robert Griffin III. I have always been high on this guy (Not as much as Andrew Luck). RG3 can completely change a team and bring a presence sort of like the one Michael Vick brings to the Eagles. However, RG3 is smarter which brings a whole new aspect to his game. The only fault in RG3's gameplan is he plays for the Redskins. This fact worries me. It will be interesting to see how RG3 is used in the offense. Look for RG3 to singlehandedly win some big games against some big teams, and have a spectacular rookie season.
Wins - @ Rams, vs. Bengals, @ Buccaneers, vs. Vikings, vs. Panthers, vs. Eagles, vs. Ravens, @ Browns, vs. Cowboys
Losses - @ Saints, vs. Falcons, @ Giants, @ Steelers, @ Cowboys, vs. Giants, @ Eagles
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