From a divisional perspective, the NFL playoff race isn’t all that exciting in 2018. While there is certainly intrigue regarding the No. 6 seed in the AFC, and the NFC wild card race still needs to shake out, there is only one divisional race that is truly up for grabs. The NFC East is still wide open at the moment, with three clubs still realistically in the hunt to take the division crown.
Let’s take a closer look at each contending team in the NFC East, along with their odds of winning the division via the New York Times, FiveThirtyEight.com, and Football Outsiders:
Dallas Cowboys
- NYT: 52%
- 538: 60%
- FO: 49.4%
Two weeks ago, I asked PFR readers which team that wasn’t at first place at the time still had a shot of winning its division. The Cowboys had roughly a 10% chance of taking the NFC East, and only nine percent of PFR readers believed Dallas was the most likely non-first place club to end up as division champions. Oh, how things have changed. The Cowboys have won two consecutive games since (bringing their current win streak to three), first defeating the Falcons before winning a critical matchup over the Redskins on Thanksgiving. Dallas has topped 130 yards rushing in each of its last three contests, while Dak Prescott has remained interception-free during the same period.
Washington Redskins
- NYT: 31%
- 538: 39%
- FO: 29.9%
The Redskins looked to be in the NFC East driver’s seat as recently as two weeks ago, but they’ve since lost two straight games and their starting quarterback. Alex Smith was certainly limited as a passer, but Colt McCoy is perhaps even more restricted under center. Additionally, the interior of Washington’s offensive line has been absolutely decimated, which could present even more problems for the 6’2″ McCoy. The Redskins will face the easiest remaining schedule of the three NFC East contenders (indeed, the third-easiest remaining slate in the league, per FO), but they’ll go up against the Eagles in two tough matchups, the first of which comes this Monday night.
Philadelphia Eagles
- NYT: 16%
- 538: 24%
- FO: 20.5%
Back in August, PFR readers deemed the Eagles as the least likeliest 2017 division winner to miss the postseason in 2018. But if the season ended today, they’d be one of only two 2017 division champions (along with the Jaguars) to not make the playoffs this year. Philadelphia’s fate certainly isn’t sealed — they’ll get to play Washington twice more, and face a pivotal Week 14 game against Dallas. But the Eagles’ other two contests are against the Rams and Texans, two clubs who can certainly take advantage of Philadelphia’s secondary woes. The Eagles can likely only afford one more loss over the remainder of the season.
So what do you think? Which one of these teams is going to win the NFC East crown? Vote below, and leave your additional thoughts in the comments section.
Where is the option for… nobody??
Cowboys by default. Redskins would have with Smith
I’m not sure that Alex Smith actually makes them that much different of a team.
Agreed. I like Alex Smith, but if Colt McCoy can replicate a similar conservative play, the Redskins should be in business.
McCoy is an above average backup but he is no Alex Smith. Ultimately their injuries will be too much to overcome.
Alex Smith plays like a coward and would not have made one bit of difference.
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There is a scenario where all 3 teams end the season at 8-8 resulting in the Eagles winning the division…providing they beat the Skins twice and the Cowboys once.
Going with the Washington Redskins. They have the easiest schedule with all their opponents being under .500
Two of those opponents are the Eagles though.
The Eagles are done.
The Redskins also have a better turnover ratio than the Cowboys. The negative against them besides the Smith injury is that they recently worked out 5 kickers.
Even if the Cowboys win their fans lose because Jerry will given Jason Garrett an extension.
Redskins because even though Smith is out McCoy is the best backup in the league
Plus he is a mobile quarterback and that will help. Also, look at the Eagles this happened to them last year, losing their starting QB late and having a backup come in for the rest of the year, and look at what happened to them. They won the super bowl.