NFC East 2009 Preview and Predictions

New York Giants: The first 4 games for the Giants should allow them to get off to a good start and get 3 road games off their schedule. After opening at home against the Redskins, the Giants’ next 3 are on the road (DAL, TB, KC). All should be won by the Giants. A home game against the Raiders should have the Giants at 5-0 before traveling to New Orleans. Not having to play the Eagles until Week 8 should allow the Giants to have the kinks worked out of their offense in preparation for the team that benefited the most last year when Plaxico Burress was suspended.
Predicted Finish: 12-4



Philadelphia Eagles: I made the comment that Michael Vick makes the Eagles the #1 team in the NFC. While I still do believe that Vick makes the Eagles better offensively, it is going to seem contradictory to then predict the Eagles will finish second in their division. The reason for this can be seen in the Eagles schedule which I had not looked at prior to making my previous claim about the Eagles. With Vick not eligible until Week 3 he is removed from the conversation for the first two weeks. The Eagles open at Carolina and are then home for the Saints. Both are tough games and it would not be surprising if the Eagles start 0-2. Even if they do that, it will not kill their season. The reason the Giants get the nod over the Eagles is that the Giants schedule is more favorable. The Giants two road games against the AFC West are Denver and Kansas City while the Eagles are at San Diego and Oakland. The Giants have a better shot at going 4-0 against the AFC West than the Eagles do, simply because of that.
Predicted Finish: 11-5



Washington Redskins: The addition of Albert Haynesworth makes an already good Redskin defense better. However, if the Skins expect to compete for a playoff spot averaging 16 points a game is not going to cut it. There are so many questions about Jason Campbell and the relationship between Clinton Portis and Head Coach Jim Zorn became tumultuous last season to the point that you wonder if Portis is fully committed. It is hard to imagine this team as anything better than .500.
Predicted Finish: 8-8



Dallas Cowboys: Say what you will about TO, but the Cowboys offense this year will not be anywhere near as explosive as last season. Combine the continued disappointment that the Cowboys have been with losing a weapon like TO and you can expect a long year in Dallas. Remember, this team lost to the Rams last year, badly (34-14) and had only two wins against teams with a .500 or better record and they didn’t do anything in the offseason to get better.
Predicted Finish: 7-9

See The Dean’s AFC West Preview and Predictions.

See The Dean’s NFC North Preview and Predictions.

See The Dean’s NFC West Preview and Predictions.

See The Dean’s AFC South Preview and Predictions.

See The Dean’s NFC South Preview and Predictions.

See The Dean’s AFC East Preview and Predictions.

See The Dean’s AFC North Preview and Predictions.