All I know about this division is what I've suspected all along -- it is patently mediocre and I don't see the team (singular) that makes the playoffs from the NFC East doing much of anything in the postseason.
I just can't muster up much confidence in any of these teams from week to week. New York can't run the ball -- Ahmad Bradshaw should be back soon, however -- and the offensive line is an issue. Dallas has the ability to implode at any moment and Philadelphia has been unable to do anything consistently well.
I can't see the Eagles running the table and one would suspect that the Giants or Cowboys could get to at least nine wins. However, I certainly wouldn't guarantee it.
So, I guess I will stick with New York because, Sunday night's poor game aside, I'll take Eli Manning over the other options and figure this edition of the Giants barely holds off the late-season collapses that have doomed them in the recent past.
The Cowboys will win the NFC East. They have improved steadily over the course of the season and their soft schedule helps their cause. Although the Eagles will certainly make a late run, their midseason slump put them in too deep a hole. In looking at the Giants, their difficult schedule and inconsistent offensive efforts will keep them from getting over the hump.
Well, things got very interesting in the NFC East with the Cowboys catching the Giants for the top spot. Don't count out the Eagles, who now have a win over all three division opponents. While the Giants still look like the team to beat, their schedule is tough. The Cowboys are hot but can be inconsistent.
Maybe I am going on blind faith but I'm still rolling with the Giants. Their schedule is rough and I think they lose at New Orleans on Sunday -- catching Sean Payton and Drew Brees off a bye at home is scary -- and fall behind Dallas. However, New York could fare better in December, with two games against Dallas being the key. The Eagles are also in the mix. There is a good chance that 9-7 wins the NFC East and if the Eagles get on a Packers-like roll, which I don't think they will, they have a shot. While Dallas' schedule breaks more favorably than New York or Philadelphia, I think the Giants close the deal with a home win in the season finale.
The Giants, behind Eli Manning, win the division despite losing at home to Philly without Michael Vick and Vince Young throwing three picks. Dallas has played well of late, embracing what appears to be an easier schedule, but its fate will be decided in the two meetings left with the Giants. Despite me declaring them out of the playoff hunt, the Eagles are hanging around for now. Just not sure it's going to last.
