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NFL: Predicting each division winner for 2018

By Chris Wilson

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - FEBRUARY 04: Injured quarterback Carson Wentz #11 of the Philadelphia Eagles holds the Lombardi Trophy after defeating the New England Patriots 41-33 in Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium on February 4, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - FEBRUARY 04: Injured quarterback Carson Wentz #11 of the Philadelphia Eagles holds the Lombardi Trophy after defeating the New England Patriots 41-33 in Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium on February 4, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /
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NFL 2018 NFC East
ARLINGTON, TX – NOVEMBER 19: Carson Wentz #11 of the Philadelphia Eagles throws against the Dallas Cowboys in the first half at AT&T Stadium on November 19, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

NFC East: Philadelphia Eagles

The NFC East crown has changed hands in each of the past 13 seasons, but the Super Bowl Champion Philadelphia Eagles look to change that trend in 2018. The Eagles did lose some key pieces — particularly on the defensive side of the ball — but they also added some established veterans such as defensive end Michael Bennett and defensive tackle Haloti Ngata. Add in the return of quarterback Carson Wentz, and the Eagles are still the team to beat in the division.

After a 13-win 2016 season, the Dallas Cowboys experienced a disappointing 2017 season filled with injuries, suspensions and regression by second-year quarterback Dak Prescott. With the loss of Prescott’s two top targets — wide receiver Dez Bryant and tight end Jason Witten — and other key starters, Dallas appears to be heading the wrong direction; but if Prescott returns to his 2016 form and the Cowboys stay healthy, they could give the Eagles a run for the division title.

The New York Giants will improve in 2018, which isn’t saying much after a dismal 2017 season. Apparently, the Giants’ front office believes they can win now with aging quarterback Eli Manning, as they passed on a number of potential franchise quarterbacks in order to draft running back Saquon Barkley with the No. 2 pick. New York also spent big money in an attempt to bolster their offensive line, but overall, the Giants’ roster hasn’t significantly improved over the offseason.

The Washington Redskins finally allowed quarterback Kirk Cousins to test free agency, and replaced him with Alex Smith, who the Chiefs were looking to sell high after his explosive 2017 season. Unfortunately for the Skins, they lost cornerback Kendall Fuller in the deal, and without the talent surrounding him in Kansas City, Smith is likely to return to his previous check-down form. The Redskins will have a different look in 2018 after making a number of additional changes on both sides of the ball, but few in Washington are predicting a playoff run.