Week 1 ended fairly well for the NFC East.
With the exception of the Dallas Cowboys, the Eagles, Commanders, and the Giants each won their game, going into Week 2, 1-0. As each team looks for another (their first) win, how will they fare this week?
Below is a look at the NFC East predictions for Week 2.
NFC EAST PREDICTIONS: WEEK 2
Dallas Cowboys
The only NFC East team to lose last week — the Dallas Cowboys will face the Cincinnati Bengals this week — who also lost their Week 1 game.
However, Dallas is going into Week 2 without Dak Prescott. The quarterback suffered a hand injury last week and will be out for four to six weeks.
The advantage for the Cowboys is that they have a home-field advantage. The disadvantage is that they will likely rely heavily on their rush game. Running back Ezekiel Elliott has fallen short in recent seasons, running for 55+ yards only five times in 2021. Tony Pollard, however, ran the ball 130 times, and had 10+ carries in eight games last season.
As for the Bengals, quarterback Joe Burrow will be looking for a win, and he’ll have wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase to help him. Last season, Chase finished with 81 receptions for 1,455 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns. He also came out of 2021 as a Pro Bowler.
Burrow’s accuracy should be enough to pull through. The Bengals will take the win, sending the Cowboys into Week 3, 0-2.
Prediction: Dallas Cowboys lose, 0-2
New York Giants
Shockingly, the New York Giants pulled out a win in Week 1, after opting to go for a two-point conversion late in the fourth quarter. Running back Saquon Barkley is ready for a huge comeback after suffering injuries in his previous seasons. And, knowing the Panthers’ defense will be on Barkely, the passing game should be open for quarterback Daniel Jones.
Baker Mayfield will be starting his second game for the Carolina Panthers, and his big advantage will be Christian McCaffrey, who will give the Giants a run for their money. I think the Panthers have another slow start, and it will take another week before Mayfield finds his footing with his new team.
Prediction: New York Giants win, 2-0
Philadelphia Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles will play primetime. In a two-part Monday Night Football showdown, the Eagles will have the latter game beginning at 8:30 PM.
The Eagles are coming off a win in Week 1, and although all four of their touchdowns were from running backs, Hurts was still able to pass the ball well down the field. Wide receiver A.J. Brown had an immense game, completing 155 yards — the most-ever by any Eagles’ player in their first game.
Philadelphia’s defense stuck out, and not in a positive way. They certainly have a lot to fix before Monday night, and it’ll be interesting to see how Jonathan Gannon plans to do that.
Their opponent, the Minnesota Vikings, are also coming off a win. Wide receiver Justin Jefferson had the most receiving yards in the league last week with 184, and he will need to be stopped early on.
I think this game is a close one, and I’ve been going back and forth all week with who I think will pull out the win. The Eagles’ active roster is fully healthy, and they play at home. Philadelphia fans are known to be some of the best fans in the league, which will cause some chaos for Minnesota.
Prediction: Philadelphia Eagles, 2-0
Washington Commanders
Quarterback Carson Wentz and the Washington Commander got their win in Week 1. Wentz threw four touchdowns against his former coach’s team, the Jacksonville Jaguars. However, two of his touchdowns came late to pull out the win. It’s true that a win is a win, but Washington’s offense is certainly still working out some kinks.
As for the Lions, they had the tougher test last week against the Eagles, and they almost won. The Lions have improved their roster compared to last season, and they are looking for a comeback after finishing 3-13-1.
I think Detroit has another early start, and they rely heavily on running backs DeAndre Swift and Jamaal Williams.
Prediction: Washington Commanders lose, 1-1
