1. Philadelphia Eagles

This somewhat tumultuous era has had a lot of uncertainty, but they have made the playoffs every year with head coach Nick Sirianni and made two Super Bowl appearances with one victory. Chances are high that they will make a sixth consecutive playoff appearance this season.

2. Dallas Cowboys

Their defense has got to be better than it was last year if they are to get back into the playoffs. Owner Jerry Jones expects constant success, but even he seems to have tampered expectations this time around.

3. New York Giants

In the last 10 seasons they have had 9 different head coaches, counting interim ones. Hiring John Harbaugh to be the head coach brings some much needed experience and what they hope is some stability to this franchise.

4. Washington Commanders

A surprising NFC Championship game appearance two seasons ago and a horrendous crash last season has them in a state of flux currently. A lot has to go right, but if QB Jayden Daniels stays healthy that will help immensely.

Head Coach: Nick Sirianni

Key Position: Quarterback

There were issues along the offensive line and not having T Lane Johnson for a chunk of the season hurt them. However, there were noticeable problems with QB Jalen Hurts. He was indecisive, inaccurate and didn’t have the same fire as in previous seasons as the starter. It’s almost as if once he got the contract after winning the Super Bowl the drive was out of him to accomplish more. It could have also had to do with WR A.J. Brown and the dysfunction that followed with him. Now that he has moved on elsewhere that could help Hurts in the long run. He has a good receiver in DeVonta Smith whom played with Hurts at Alabama and they should rekindle that with Brown’s departure. They drafted Makai Lemon in the first round and added more depth in free agency. There aren’t any excuses for the inconsistencies that Hurts has had the last few seasons.

Key Acquisitions: WR Marquise Brown (Kansas City Chiefs), DL A.J. Epenesa (Buffalo Bills), DE/LB Jonathan Greenard (Minnesota Vikings), CB Jonathan Jones (Washington Commanders), WR Elijah Moore (Buffalo Bills), WR Dontayvion Wicks (Green Bay Packers), CB Riq Woolen (Seattle Seahawks)

Key Rookies: WR Makai Lemon, TE Eli Stowers

Head Coach: Brian Schottenheimer

Key Position: Defense

If they hadn’t traded Micah Parsons before the start of last season I don’t think the results would have been any different. That’s how bad Dallas’ defense was last year. Their draft was primarily focused on the defensive side and Caleb Downs was a solid choice with their first pick. Malachi Lawrence was their second first round pick and he will factor in the rotation for pass rushing duties. Bringing in Rashan Gary and Von Miller will also add more prowess to the pass rush. Getting Dee Winters was a sneaky good move as he was becoming a solid linebacker in San Francisco. This new defensive staff should have plenty to work with and having DL Quinnen Williams for a full season after getting him at the trade deadline last year should do wonders.

Key Acquisitions: DT Jonathan Bullard (New Orleans Saints), CB Cobie Durant (LA Rams), DE/LB Rashan Gary (Green Bay Packers), T Broderick Jones (Pittsburgh Steelers), DB P.J. Locke (Denver Broncos), DE/LB Von Miller (Washington Commanders), DB Jalen Thompson (Arizona Cardinals), LB Dee Winters (San Francisco 49ers)

Key Rookies: DB Caleb Downs, DE/LB Malachi Lawrence, LB Jaishawn Barham

Head Coach: John Harbaugh (Baltimore Ravens)

Key Position: Offense

QB Jaxson Dart quickly became a star in the making for the Giants. His athleticism was on full display, but he’ll need to reel it in to avoid unnecessary injuries. RB Cam Skattebo and WR Malik Nabers both suffered season ending injuries, but if they have full seasons they will be primed for 1,000 yard seasons. Isaiah Likely will get a chance to be the primary tight end and new head coach John Harbaugh knows he has the potential to be a top target for Dart. There is plenty to like about this group and if they remain healthy, especially on the offensive line, there could be some instant success this season.

Key Acquisitions: WR Odell Beckham Jr. (Miami Dolphins-2024), LB Tremaine Edmunds (Chicago Bears), RB Najee Harris (LA Chargers), DL Shelby Harris (Cleveland Browns), TE Isaiah Likely (Baltimore Ravens), WR Darnell Mooney (Atlanta Falcons), CB Greg Newsome II (Jacksonville Jaguars), DL DJ Reader (Detroit Lions), FB Patrick Ricard (Baltimore Ravens)

Key Rookies: LB Arvell Reese, OL Francis Mauigoa, CB Colton Hood, WR Malachi Fields

Head Coach: Dan Quinn

Key Position: Quarterback

QB Jayden Daniels had a fantastic rookie season that saw the Commanders make it to the NFC Championship game. Then it all came crashing down last year with two separate injuries that kept him out for the majority of the season. The offensive line is solid not elite, but losing Daniels’ blindside protector in T Laremy Tunsil for an extended period will dampen expectations. The running back room will now have Rachaad White as a safety net for Daniels. There isn’t a mainstay to run the ball consistently, but RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt did a solid job late in the year. Chig Okonkwo was signed to give Daniels a reliable tight end with the retirement of TE Zach Ertz. WR Terry McLaurin has had injury issues recently, but is a key piece to getting Daniels back on track in the offense.

Key Acquisitions: DE/LB K’Lavon Chaisson (New England Patriots), LB Leo Chenal (Kansas City Chiefs), WR Stefon Diggs (New England Patriots), CB Rasul Douglas (Miami Dolphins), TE Chig Okonkwo (Tennessee Titans), DL Charles Omenihu (Kansas City Chiefs), DE/LB Odafe Oweh (LA Chargers), CB Amik Robertson (Detroit Lions), DT Tim Settle (Houston Texans), RB Rachaad White (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

Key Rookies: LB Sonny Styles, WR Antonio Williams