NFC East Predictions for 2022
By Tim Lazenby
In 2020, we saw for only the third time in NFL history where a team with a losing record won the division. The Washington Football Team represented the NFC then, sporting a 7-9 record. Moving into 2022, spoiler alert, I see the NFC struggling compared to the rest of the league and promoting a losing team to the playoffs. Without further ado, here we go.
Dallas Cowboys
Record in 2021: 12-5-0
Predicted Record in 2022: 8-9-0
Strengths and Weaknesses
It seems like forever since the Dallas Cowboys haven’t had the best offensive line in football. Zack Martin and crew give Dak Prescott his best shot each and every game. The defense is also among the best in the league. The biggest problem I see is Mike McCarthy’s late gate decision making. Boasting the best of both worlds, he has to be wiser when the game matters the most.
Situation to Watch
Personally I’m watching to see the continued growth of CeeDee Lamb. With Amari Cooper now calling Cleveland home, I can only imagine what CeeDee is truly capable of. There are only seven receivers in the great history of the Cowboys who bested Lamb’s 79 receptions last season. It’s not out of the question to think he can top the century mark for receptions; which only one Dallas wide receiver has accomplished.
Conclusion
A big part of the Cowboys not doing as well in 2022 as they did last season is the improvement of another team in this division. I also see the Cowboys losing two key games to bottom feeders will sink their chances at a winning record. Although they will be under 500, it doesn’t mean they’re done after 17 games though.
New York Giants
Record in 2021: 4-13-0
Predicted Record in 2022: 6-11-0
Strengths and Weaknesses
I’m sure everyone is aware of how well the Giants did in this year’s draft. It helps, mind you, when you have two picks in the top ten. And it’s even more helpful when, at one point, both Kayvon Thibodeaux and Evan Neal were in contention to be drafted first overall. That being said, so many question marks surround the team’s future. The biggest two are Daniel Jones and Saquon Barkley.
Situation to Watch
Daniel Jones and Saquon Barkley may be the two biggest question marks moving forward, but there are many more. All in all, the Giants had 16 players miss half the games or more last season and many were starters. It’s hard to evaluate what kind of team you have if so many are missing in action. If the Giants are to make some noise this season, they’ve got to stay on the field.
Conclusion
I see positive strides coming the way of new coach Brian Daboll as he should instill a work ethic that has been missing for quite some time. I also think that Daniel Jones proves management right with his play this year. Though they won’t make the playoffs, it won’t be a laughing stock situation like it has been for so long.
Philadelphia Eagles
Record in 2021: 9-8-0
Predicted Record in 2022: 8-9-0
Strengths and Weaknesses
The Philadelphia Eagles shocked the world during the draft when they traded for superstar wide receiver, AJ Brown. In Brown the Eagles finally have an alpha, but we can’t forget the makeup of this team. They roster a quarterback who loves to run and the best ground game in the league. A new identity has to be coming, but I wonder how long that will take to arrive fully.
Situation to Watch
With the addition of AJ Brown, changes are coming. I worry for the long term security of Miles Sanders. Last year he scored zero touchdowns and players like Kenneth Gainwell cannot be held off forever. I don’t think the Eagles can justify another poor season of play from Miles Sanders now that they’re all in with their receiving game.
Conclusion
It’s easy to get excited about AJ Brown, but AJ Brown will not instantly make this team a contender. If I were looking at the keys to success, I remember that they drafted living bulldozer Jordan Davis and Nakobe Dean; maybe the best value in the draft. The defense was good before, but now they can contend with the big boys. That being said, I can’t see the offense magically changing overnight. I’m certain it’s a year of growing pains before the Eagles really fly.
Washington Commanders
Record in 2021: 7-10-0
Predicted Record in 2022: 4-12-1
Strengths and Weaknesses
The biggest strength of this team is their schedule. Ranking at sixth best, the cards are in their favor, but I’ll be real with you when I say that this team worries me. Since they improbably limped into their division win two years ago, not much has gone right for this team. A once rock solid defense has become a sieve and Carson Wentz is not the solution at quarterback.
Situation to Watch
For me, I’m watching to see how first round pick Jahan Dotson does out of the gate. In my humble opinion, there were other areas they should have addressed in the draft instead of taking a receiver. In fact, from my estimations, there was a better option even at the position available. I’m hoping Jahan Dotson proves me wrong though.
Conclusion
There aren’t many teams that I think will finish lower than the Commanders in 2022. While on paper, the defense should be way better and they are more improved than last year, it won’t be enough. I predict a six game losing streak out of the gate and it’s a hurdle that wouldn’t likely be overcome by a favorite, let alone the lowly Commanders.
Follow me on Twitter @NFLazenby
Tim Lazenby joined Dynasty Pros, after writing for a few years elsewhere, and is passionate about all things fantasy football. Tim has been playing fantasy sports for over twenty years now and takes his love of the game to every article he writes. Although he’s played a variety of fantasy football, he is especially in love with dynasty football. If you ask him for advice, whether you’re just joining or you’ve been playing for years, he wants nothing more than to help you succeed, than to keep that fantasy gold to himself. A lover of the game and ultimate competitor, Tim is just trying to spread the good news of fantasy football to all.