2026 NFC East NFL Divisional Preview: Will Eagles Fly High for Three-Peat?
Written by: Nate Hornung
Published: Thu Aug 06, 2026, 5:48 pm ET
Read Time: 7 minutes
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The NFC East has teams finishing in a clear order based on the betting odds. The Eagles are destined to repeat; the Cowboys will make the playoffs and choke. The Commanders will finish third (again) in the division, while the Giants should bring up the rear. But is that going to be how this all plays out? Explore our analysis on the NFC East below, looking at a preview of the division, along with picks and futures.
Check out our other NFL Divisional Previews
NFC East Divisional History
Nick Sirianni and the Eagles are looking to three peat as NFC East Champions
Past 10 NFC East Champions
- 2025: Philadelphia Eagles 11-6
- 2024: Philadelphia Eagles 14-3
- 2023: Dallas Cowboys 12-5
- 2022: Philadelphia Eagles 14-3
- 2021: Dallas Cowboys 12-5
- 2020: Washington Redskins 7-9
- 2019: Philadelphia Eagles 9-7
- 2018: Dallas Cowboys 10-6
- 2017: Philadelphia Eagles 13-3
- 2016: Dallas Cowboys 13-3
The Giants last won the division in 2011 when they went 9-7 and won the Super Bowl. But they've finished in last the past two seasons, totaling just seven wins. Which, ironically, is exactly where their win total sits this season.
As for who might take the division this year, although there is a clear hierarchy, it might not be so straightforward.
NFC East Betting Odds
Saquon Barkley ran for 1,140 yards last year with nine total touchdowns
Odds are courtesy of BetOnline.
Odds to Win NFC East
- Philadelphia Eagles +130
- Dallas Cowboys +210
- Washington Commanders +425
- New York Giants +550
NFC East Team Previews
Is this the Cowboys year? Just like it has been since 1996
Dallas Cowboys – 9.5 Wins (Over +100/Under -130)
Dallas retains most of an offense that was top eight in scoring last year, with Dak Prescott, Javonte Williams, CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens, and Jake Ferguson. The problem is their defense. It's abysmal. They were dead last in points allowed last season, giving up over 30 per game. That needs to change. Christian Parker takes over as a first time defensive coordinator for the Cowboys. He recently spent the last few years as the defensive backs coach for Philly and Denver.
Can he get the defense back to the level that can help this explosive offense?
Schedule wise, this division gets the AFC South and NFC West, so it about evens out. However, for Dallas, they get Seattle, Los Angeles (Rams), Indianapolis and Houston on the road. Plus they go to Green Bay and play Baltimore in Brazil in Week 3. There's a couple of "mini byes" after two Thursday Night Football games, but this team slugs it out until Week 14. Can they survive for that long?
While the Cowboys could sweep the Giants, I also see them starting out 1-6, and maybe only having 4 or 5 wins before the break. They could end with three wins in their last four after the bye, but I lean with the under on their win total.
After almost two decades in Baltimore, John Harbuagh is the new head coach of the New York Giants
New York Giants – 7.5 Wins (Over -110/Under -120)
Brian Daboll is out, and John Harbuagh is in. He is looking to turn the Giants around. Matt Nagy also joins him as the OC coming from Kansas City, and Dennard Wilson was hired from Tennessee to be the DC. They have a solid core, with Jaxson Dart, Malik Nabers, and Cam Skattebo. Plus the offensive addition of Isaiah Likely is huge, making the offense much more versatile with extra weapons. First round draft pick Arvell Reese pairs up with newly acquired Tremaine Edmunds, alongside Adbul Carter and Brian Burns is a VERY scary linebacking unit.
They have several of their easiest games at home, notably hosting the Titans, Cardinals, Saints, Jaguars and Browns. Can they handle business against the other bottom feeders? The division is tough enough, plus they have away games against the Rams, Texans, Seahawks and Lions.
Unless something drastic happens, I don't see any "guaranteed wins" on the Giants schedule, but I do see at least seven "more than probable" losses… @LAR, @HOU, @PHI, @SEA, @DET, @DAL, vs. PHI. Can they squeeze out eight wins in their other 10 contests? I certainly don't think so.
Jalen Hurts and the Eagles have won the NFC East two years in a row. Can they go for three?
Philadelphia Eagles – 9.5 Wins (Over -145/Under +115)
The betting favorite to top the NFC East, just like they've done the last couple of seasons, are the Eagles, reigning from Philadelphia. Nick Sirianni is still in charge, Vic Fangio runs the defense, but Sean Mannion will be the new offensive coordinator for Jalen Hurts. Philly lost AJ Brown but signed Dontayvion Wicks and drafted Makai Lemon to fill in the receiving corps. They also signed Hollywood Brown as well.
The defense, which ranked No. 5 in the league in points allowed last year, added Jonathan Greenard and Riq Woolen, but parted ways with Reed Blankenship. No doubt the Eagles have plenty of talent, but is it enough to get back into the Super Bowl mix? The offense was barely in the top 20 last year in scoring and they lost a 1,000 yard receiver and seven receiving touchdowns. Can the new offensive additions step up when it matters?
Jayden Daniels has new weapons in Washington after the Commanders signed Stefon Diggs
Washington Commanders – 7.5 Wins (Over -125/Under -105)
Things got interesting this week in Washington when the Commanders signed Stefon Diggs to play alongside Terry McLaurin. Jacory Croskey-Merritt will be the lead back, backed up by Rachaad White, standing with Jayden Daniels of course. However they will have a new offensive coordinator, as David Blough was promoted to OC from assistant QB coach. They also have a new defensive coordinator, as Daronte Jones comes over from being the DB coach for Minnesota. His only previous DC experience was with LSU in 2021.
Things won't be easy for this team, as they will NEED to put up plenty of points to help their struggling defense. I think they suffer from a very tough schedule as well, giving me a HEAVY lean on their win total under.
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Nate has been a recreational sports bettor for about 5 years. In that time, he has grown to love the pursuit of winners and sticking it to The Man. Nate loves data and uses his understanding of numbers to help him be a more profitable sports gambler, however he will be the first to tell you this game is about more than just stats.
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