NFC East, preview of the 2025 season: Philadelphia Eagles, the rival to beat

The NFC East in 2025 has a clear favorite to keep hold of the division. Even with rivals taking steps forward, the Philadelphia Eagles look set to stay on top and claim their postseason ticket, once again positioning themselves to lift the coveted Vince Lombardi Trophy.

The Eagles will also raise the curtain on the new season on September 4, when they host divisional rivals the Dallas Cowboys at Lincoln Financial Field.

Dallas Cowboys

For Cowboys fans, the new campaign begins with more doubts than answers. Just days ago, the franchise lost one of the league’s top defenders. In a shock move, Micah Parsons was traded to the Green Bay Packers after failing to reach a salary agreement. Parsons signed a four-year, $188m deal with $136m guaranteed, making him the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL at $47m a year.

Last season, Dallas finished third in the NFC East with a 7-10 record, missing the playoffs. Despite renewing key figures like quarterback Dak Prescott and wideout CeeDee Lamb, this looks like a year of uphill battles with slim postseason hopes.

Key player: CeeDee Lamb, wide receiver, 26.

New York Giants

The Giants enter the season searching for revival after hitting rock bottom in 2024 with a 3-14 record – tied for the worst mark in the NFL alongside the Titans and Browns. Among their major changes was parting ways with quarterback Daniel Jones. New York have turned to veteran Russell Wilson and rookie Jaxson Dart to guide the future.

With Wilson under center, the Giants expect more stability on offense, adding leadership to a group featuring wideouts Darius Slayton and Malik Nabers, plus running backs Devin Singletary and Tyrone Tracy Jr.

Key player: Malik Nabers, wide receiver, 22.

Philadelphia Eagles

Fresh off their Super Bowl LIX triumph over the Kansas City Chiefs, the Eagles want to prove their dynasty credentials. With continuity in place and stars hungry to dominate, Philadelphia can once again dream of another title run. Leading figures include Jalen Hurts, Saquon Barkley, A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith and Zach Baun.

Barkley, a finalist for 2024 league MVP, remains one of the NFL’s deadliest weapons. He racked up 2,005 total yards and 13 touchdowns last season, and his explosiveness on the ground makes him indispensable. Hurts, the reigning Super Bowl MVP, enters the season as one of the favorites to shine even brighter.

Key player: Saquon Barkley, running back, 28.

Washington Commanders

Washington have grown into a tough matchup but must now prove their project is ready for consistency. Last year, they failed to beat any divisional rival in six regular-season games (plus one in the playoffs), yet still reached the postseason as a Wild Card at 12-5. The Commanders upset the Buccaneers 23-20 and stunned the Lions 45-31 before falling to the Eagles 55-23 in the NFC Championship.

This season, the Northwest Stadium will need to be a fortress. Continuity and reinforcements give hope, with Jayden Daniels, Austin Ekeler, Terry McLaurin, Deebo Samuel and Kevin Winston Jr. all central to the plan.

Key player: Jayden Daniels, quarterback, 24.

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