1. Dallas Cowboys
Last year wasn’t a fluke and if they can stay somewhat consistent on defense, they’ll repeat as division champs.
2. New York Giants
Their defense is the best in the division. Now they just need Eli Manning to throw less than 16 INTs.
3. Philadelphia Eagles
Carson Wentz had some bumps in the road last year, but with a better supporting cast things should be easier this year.
4. Washington Redskins
If there’s no balance on offense, eventually opponents will figure out how to stop Kirk Cousins.
Head Coach: Jason Garrett
Key Position: Secondary
While the rest of the defense is doing its part, this is still a problem area for the Cowboys. Some new faces are in place while they look to improve on the 26th ranked pass defense from last season.
Key Acquisitions: CB Bene Benwikere (Cincinnati Bengals), CB Nolan Carroll (Philadelphia Eagles), G Jonathan Cooper (Cleveland Browns)
Key Rookies: DE Taco Charlton, CB Chidobe Awuzie, WR Ryan Switzer
Head Coach: Ben McAdoo
Key Position: Quarterback
This isn’t to say that Eli is on the ropes or anything, but he can’t have anymore 15+ interception seasons for the Giants. Having Brandon Marshall opposite Odell Beckham and Sterling Shepard will do wonders. Eli just needs to play to his strengths of the offense and let everything else play out.
Key Acquisitions: CB Ross Cockrell (Pittsburgh Steelers), G D.J. Fluker (Los Angeles Chargers), QB Geno Smith (New York Jets), TE Rhett Ellison (Minnesota Vikings), WR Brandon Marshall (New York Jets)
Key Rookies: TE Evan Engram, DT Dalvin Tomlinson, RB Wayne Gallman
Head Coach: Doug Pederson
Key Position: Wide Receiver
Carson Wentz had a solid season for the Eagles, but the lack of targets for him, especially in the redzone was noticeable. Enter Alshon Jeffery and Torrey Smith. Jeffery should instantly help the Eagles 24th ranked redzone touchdown percentage.
Key Acquisitions: CB Ronald Darby (Buffalo Bills), CB Patrick Robinson (Indianapolis Colts), DE Chris Long (New England Patriots), DT Tim Jernigan (Baltimore Ravens), G Chance Warmack (Tennessee Titans), QB Nick Foles (Kansas City Chiefs), RB LeGarrette Blount (New England Patriots), WR Alshon Jeffery (Chicago Bears), WR Torrey Smith (San Francisco 49ers)
Key Rookies: DE Derek Barnett, CB Rasul Douglas, RB Donnel Pumphrey
Head Coach: Jay Gruden
Key Position: Defensive Line
Having a talented lineman like Jonathan Allen fall to you in the draft was exactly what the Redskins needed. He is an excellent run stopper and a deceptively good pass rusher. He will be everywhere they need him to be and that bodes well for everyone else on the defense.
Key Acquisitions: DL Terrell McClain (Dallas Cowboys), DL Stacy McGee (Oakland Raiders), LB Zach Brown (Buffalo Bills), S D.J. Swearinger (Arizona Cardinals), WR Terrelle Pryor (Cleveland Browns), WR Brian Quick (Los Angeles Rams)
Key Rookies: DL Jonathan Allen, LB Ryan Anderson, CB Fabian Moreau, RB Samaje Perine