With three weeks until NFL teams report to training camp, prognosticators are looking ahead to the 2023 NFL season, making predictions on which teams will make the playoffs and which will struggle.
The top of the NFC East is fairly easy to predict. The Philadelphia Eagles came close to winning their second Super Bowl championship in February. While the Eagles lost some key defenders, they had an outstanding draft, replacing them throughout the lineup.
Additionally, the Eagles signed quarterback Jalen Hurts to a long-term deal and brought back both starting cornerbacks, Darius Slay and James Bradberry.
The Dallas Cowboys had a rather quiet offseason, outside of the change at offensive coordinator. Dallas did add veteran wide receiver Brandin Cooks to play opposite CeeDee Lamb.
The New York Giants went into the offseason needing to improve the offense. They added tight end Darren Waller and wide receiver Parris Campbell through the veteran market and drafted wide receiver Jalin Hyatt and center John Michael Schmitz. They also re-signed quarterback Daniel Jones.
What about the Washington Commanders?
Washington added two starting offensive linemen in free agency, two defensive backs high in the NFL draft, and filled other roster holes while extending defensive tackle Daron Payne.
The Commanders’ biggest move was hiring offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy. Washington hopes Bieniemy unlocks quarterback Sam Howell’s potential and leads the Commanders to the playoffs in Josh Harris’s first season as owner.
However, some in the media don’t have high hopes for Washington.
On a recent episode of “The Herd” with Colin Cowherd, he picks the Eagles and Cowboys to finish No. 1 and No. 2, respectively, with the Giants coming in at No. 3 and the Commanders dead last.
Check it out:
At this point, picking Washington last in the NFC East every summer seems like a smart bet. However, with Harris taking over as owner soon from Daniel Snyder, fans hope Washington’s days as an NFC East cellar dweller are over.
