Analysis
8/8/23
5 min read
NFL Record Predictions for Every NFC East Team Entering 2023 Preseason
With a full slate of preseason games just days away, it’s time to take an updated look at each team’s season-long prospects. In the coming days, we’ll provide record predictions for each NFL team, starting with the NFC East.
Listen to NFL insider Ari Meirov discuss fantasy-relevant news for each NFC team with Josh Larky and Ryan Reynolds.
Other Division Betting Predictions
AFC: East | South | North | West
NFC East Record Predictions
Dallas Cowboys
2022 Record: 12-5
2023 Win Total: 10.5
Division Odds: +190
Super Bowl Odds: +1400
The Dallas Cowboys finished 12-5 the last two years, making them one of the NFC’s most stable teams. The Cowboys have a well-rounded roster that can win through the air, on the ground or with their defense. Offseason additions WR Brandin Cooks and CB Stephon Gilmore bolster their already high-end roster. The Cowboys are a title contender in a weak NFC.
How Dallas Exceeds Expectations
Dak Prescott led the league in interceptions despite missing five games in 2022. The year before, Prescott was an MVP contender for much of the season. If Prescott returns to form while the Cowboys’ defense continues to be a high-performing unit, Dallas can be the best team in the NFC.
How Dallas Fails to Meet Expectations
Mike McCarthy will take over calling the offense in Dallas this season despite the Cowboys finishing fourth in scoring (PPG) last year. If Dallas underwhelms, McCarthy and Prescott’s offense is the likely culprit.
Record Prediction: 12-5
>> READ: Dallas Cowboys Fantasy Team Preview
New York Giants
2022 Record: 9-7-1
2023 Win Total: 7.5
Division Odds: +850
Super Bowl Odds: +6500
The New York Giants took a significant step forward last season behind strong coaching, an overachieving roster and a weak schedule. Coach Brian Daboll has brought stability, and general manager Joe Schoen has improved the roster this offseason.
Despite those improvements, the Giants are still mediocre from a talent perspective and have a more difficult schedule this season.
How New York Exceeds Expectations
Daniel Jones had his best season as a pro last year, but he was primarily a game manager. If Jones takes a step forward with an improved supporting cast, New York could be a fringe top-10 offense.
The Giants’ talented front four needs to reach their potential for this defense to level up. If Jones and New York’s defensive front improve, the Giants can return to the playoffs despite their difficult schedule.
How New York Fails to Meet Expectations
Daboll’s coaching staff won’t take anyone by surprise this season. Similarly, Jones will have to be more than a game manager if the Giants are going to continue to improve.
Defensively, the Giants’ secondary has a few vulnerabilities that could be exploited if their pass rush has already peaked. If New York doesn’t improve in these areas, a 2-6 type of start is possible, given the team’s difficult first-half schedule.
Record Prediction: 8-9
>> READ: New York Giants Fantasy Team Preview
Philadelphia Eagles
2022 Record: 14-3
2023 Win Total: 11.5
Division Odds: -135
Super Bowl Odds: +650
The Philadelphia Eagles did an excellent job keeping most of their supremely talented roster intact while adding new difference-makers this offseason. Outside of one dropped snap, Jalen Hurts had one of the best quarterback performances in Super Bowl history last year.
He was also the MVP favorite late in the year before missing time with a shoulder injury. Philadelphia has a far more difficult schedule this year, but it has the raw materials to beat anyone.
How Philadelphia Exceeds Expectations
Hurts and his elite supporting cast continue to drive one of the league’s best offenses. On the other side of the ball, Philadelphia kept most of its secondary intact, but its front will rely on several young players’ performances. In a best-case scenario, the Eagles still have enough talent to field a top-five offense and defense.
How Philadelphia Fails to Meet Expectations
Philadelphia lost both of its coordinators this offseason. Additionally, several of its linemen on both sides of the ball are nearing the end of their careers. On top of that, Hurts is a running quarterback who takes a lot of contact.
If Philadelphia underwhelms this season, strategic turnover, age concerns and injuries will be the collective cause.
Record Prediction: 11-6
>> READ: Philadelphia Eagles Fantasy Team Preview
Washington Commanders
2022 Record: 8-8-1
2023 Win Total: 6.5
Division Odds: +1600
Super Bowl Odds: +6500
The Washington Commanders have been stuck in quarterback purgatory for many years. Their roster is just strong enough to keep them competitive despite that limitation. A new ownership group has taken over, which could mark the end of the Ron Rivera era if the Commanders struggle this season.
How Washington Exceeds Expectations
If Sam Howell is who Washington believes he is, the Commanders have a talented enough roster to make the playoffs. Washington’s front four is among the best in the league and is the team’s strength.
But it’s the Commanders improving secondary that could push Washington’s defense into a true difference-making unit.
How Washington Fails to Meet Expectations
If the Howell experiment fails, Rivera likely turns to veteran Jacoby Brissett. While Brissett is a good backup, he went 4-7 last year with a talented Browns roster.
In essence, we’ve already seen what Brissett can do with a roster similar to Washington’s. If Brissett takes over, we can reasonably expect Washington will be a sub-.500 team.
Record Prediction: 5-12
>> READ: Washington Commanders Fantasy Team Preview
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