Despite the hopeful improvement of the abysmal win-loss records of the division’s teams last season, the NFC East looks to be much of the same in 2021. However, Dak Prescott and Saquon Barkley return from injury, Ryan Fitzpatrick now heads the attack in the nation’s capital, and the Eagles’ addition of 2020 Heisman Trophy winner DeVonta Smith headlines their receiving corps. Each player could prove to be the cause of optimism in each facility.

With a 17th game now on the docket, the race to the top of the NFC East will, per usual, come down to the wire as Washington looks to become just the first team since the 03-04 Eagles to repeat as division victors.

Let’s dive into the 2021 schedules for each of the four teams in the NFC East.

Washington Football Team

Week 1: vs. Chargers (L)

Week 2: vs. Giants (W)

Week 3: @ Bills (L)

Week 4: @ Falcons (W)

Week 5: vs. Saints (W)

Week 6: vs. Chiefs (L)

Week 7: @ Packers (W)

Week 8: @ Broncos (W)

Week 9: BYE

Week 10: vs. Buccaneers (L)

Week 11: @ Panthers (W)

Week 12: vs. Seahawks (L)

Week 13: @ Raiders (W)

Week 14: vs. Dallas (W)

Week 15: @ Eagles (W)

Week 16: @ Cowboys (L)

Week 17: vs. Eagles (W)

Week 18: @ Giants (L)

Record prediction: 10-7

If Washington’s defense is able to carry them again this fall, their win total could climb up to the 11 or 12 stratosphere. But, I don’t think they’ll need to, even though their defense has that ability and is truly one of the elite groups in all of football. Despite the strength of schedule handed down by the league due to their division title in 2020, Washington will be in every game due to Ryan Fitzpatrick’s gun-slinger mindset paired with the talent of Terry McLaurin, Curtis Samuel, Dyami Brown, and Antonio Gibson to round out an impressive group of offensive weapons behind one of the more veteran front fives in the NFL. Washington will be an exciting group to follow.

New York Giants

Week 1: vs. Broncos (L)

Week 2: @ Washington (L)

Week 3: vs. Falcons (L)

Week 4: @ Saints (L)

Week 5: @ Cowboys (L)

Week 6: vs. Rams (L)

Week 7: vs. Panthers (W)

Week 8: @ Chiefs (L)

Week 9: vs. Raiders (W)

Week 10: BYE

Week 11: @ Buccaneers (L)

Week 12: vs. Eagles (W)

Week 13: @ Dolphins (L)

Week 14: @ Chargers (W)

Week 15: vs. Cowboys (W)

Week 16: @ Eagles (W)

Week 17: @ Bears (W)

Week 18: vs. Washington (W)

Record Prediction: 8-9

As Daniel Jones enters a do-or-die campaign, an overwhelming cloud of skepticism surrounds the Giants as they look to qualify for the postseason for just the second time since 2011. Everyone is back, including all-world talent Saquon Barkley, who will gladly take pressure off of Jones’ shoulders. If he stays healthy, watch out. On the heels of a 6-10 record, Patrick Graham’s defensive unit will again look to prove itself as one of the most underappreciated defensive groups in all of football. With Adoree’ Jackson now on the outside opposite James Bradberry, and Kenny Golladay serving as Jones’ top target on offense, the Giants have a chance to surprise some people come January.

Philadelphia Eagles

Week 1: @ Falcons (L)

Week 2: vs. 49ers (L)

Week 3: @ Cowboys (L)

Week 4: vs. Chiefs (L)

Week 5: @ Panthers (W)

Week 6: vs. Buccaneers (L)

Week 7: @ Raiders (W)

Week 8: @ Lions (L)

Week 9: vs. Chargers (W)

Week 10: @ Broncos (L)

Week 11: vs. Saints (W)

Week 12: @ Giants (L)

Week 13: @ Jets (W)

Week 14: BYE

Week 15: vs. Washington (L)

Week 16: vs. Giants (L)

Week 17: @ Washington (L)

Week 18: vs. Dallas (L)

Record Prediction: 5-12

The Eagles find themselves in quicksand as they enter the season with many of the league's top quarterbacks set to face off with arguably one of the worst defenses in all of football. DeVonta Smith is their shiny new toy, but he doesn’t play defense, and Howie Roseman failed to address the second and third levels of his defensive group in the draft. Philadelphia simply will be outscored for the majority of their matchups, leading to them selecting their signal-caller of the future next April if Jalen Hurts fails to show signs of his willingness to become the guy under center in Philadelphia.

Dallas Cowboys

Week 1: @ Buccaneers (L)

Week 2: @ Chargers (L)

Week 3: vs. Eagles (W)

Week 4: vs. Panthers (W)

Week 5: vs. Giants (W)

Week 6: @ Patriots (L)

Week 7: BYE

Week 8: @ Vikings (L)

Week 9: vs. Broncos (L)

Week 10: vs. Falcons (W)

Week 11: @ Chiefs (L)

Week 12: vs. Raiders (W)

Week 13: @Saints (W)

Week 14: @ Washington (L)

Week 15: @ Giants (L)

Week 16: vs. Washington (W)

Week 17: vs. Cardinals (L)

Week 18: @ Eagles (W)

Record Prediction: 8-9

I’m not on the Cowboys hype train, as so much surrounds the recovery of Prescott and how he will react post-injury. Every drop back, every throw; the nightmare of last year’s injury will remain in the forefront of his mind as bodies start to fly around his lower extremities. Because of that, and an abysmal defensive unit, I don’t envision Dallas competing for the NFC East crown.