NFC East update: Commanders might be for real
So, who had Washington leading the NFC East going into October? Even most Commanders fans would’ve bet against it, but that’s where we are after the first four weeks of the 2024 season. With the Cowboys and Eagles having issues, the first quarter has gone to the red-helmeted stepkids of the division.
Can Washington keep this going? As long as QB Jayden Daniels continues to be an efficient dual threat, they can certainly keep their record above .500 and find a place in the playoff picture. Their four games against Dallas and Philadelphia should go a long way to determining just where they’ll stand.
For now, here are the NFC East standings ahead of Week 5:
Washington Commanders 3-1 (1-0 in division, 2-1 vs NFC)
Dallas Cowboys 2-2 (1-0, 1-1)
Philadelphia Eagles 2-2 (0-0, 2-2)
New York Giants 1-3 (0-2, 0-3)
Dallas has the second spot over Philly thanks to their division win over the Giants. The Eagles haven’t had the privilege yet of facing New York, or any other NFC East team, so that will balance out in Week 7 with the first Eagles-Giants meeting.
The Commanders’ top spot in the division probably won’t change this week as they’ll be hosting the Cleveland Browns. Even if Washington was to get upset, the Eagles are on a bye and the Cowboys have a tough road game in Pittsburgh. Given the circumstances, it’s far more likely that the Commanders will extend their lead this week than lose it.
As for the Giants, things should go from bad to worse with their road game in Seattle. They face a Seahawks team coming off their first loss of the season, and a tough one in a shootout with the Lions. They’ll be looking to take their frustration out on the next opponent and New York is a perfect punching bag.
While it’s still early in the 2024 season, things are starting to take shape. With every win, the Washington Commanders are looking less like a fluke and more like a problem. The Cowboys and Eagles will need to right their ships quickly if either expects to overtake them.
