Dallas Cowboys:
America’s team is really good at staying in the headlines but not so good at winning. The division was much more open this past year and the Cowboys did not capitalize. They traded away their most talented player, so let’s see if they can rebound this year with the draft picks gained from that trade.
Reasons for optimism:
With CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens, the Cowboys have arguably the best receiving duo in the NFC. Dak threw for 4,500 yards last year and the run game was also really good. There isn’t much I’d change about this offense.
Reasons for pessimism:
The defense was terrible. They gave up over 30 points per game. What was once a very talented defense is no more. Jerry Jones has got to hit on his draft picks this year.
Draft:
Package the 12th and 20th and trade with the Giants for the 5th pick and take Caleb Downs. The Cowboys need an elite playmaker in the secondary and Downs is just that.
Projected Record: 8-9
New York Giants:
The Giants were one of those bad but fun teams to watch. I mean watching Winston almost throw for 400 yards on the Lions and lose the game was pure poetry.
Reasons for optimism:
Jaxson Dart, while up and down, showed enough upside to be optimistic about this kid. With Nabers getting healthy, and CTE Skatt Attack, this offense will be fun to watch.
Reasons for pessimism:
With an already below average defense, potentially losing Dexter Lawrence II is not going to help this team. While I think this team will improve this year, I don’t see the hype that others are seeing.
Draft:
The 5th pick could be very very valuable. If Jeremiyah Love is still there, you trade down. People have been floating the Vikings to move up for Love and I LOVE it. Get the Vikings 18th, 2nd, and 3rd round picks. The Vikings have two 3rds so this wouldn’t kill their draft.
Projected Record: 7-10
Philadelphia Eagles:
Despite the constant drama, this team stayed locked in enough to win 11 games. If they want to get back to the Super Bowl, changes are needed.
Reasons for optimism:
You have a great defense, Saquon Barkley, and what I think is a criminally underrated WR in DeVonta Smith. Trade A.J. Brown and get back to being an elite team.
Reasons for pessimism:
The value of A.J. Bown has diminished. When everyone knows he wants out, it’s really hard to maximize his value. If they can pull off a late 1st for him, you do it.
Draft:
They have the 23rd pick and to help right the ship, this team should take an offensive tackle. Blake Miller would be a steal here.
Projected Record: 11-6
Washington Commanders:
The Commanders had a very down year. You can chalk it up to Jayden Daniels being hurt, but there were a lot of issues with this team beyond QB.
Reasons for optimism:
The rushing attack was really good. Jayden Daniels should be good to go by the start of the season, so the floor of this offense should be raised a lot.
Reasons for pessimism:
This team is old and doesn’t have a good defense. Scary Terry wasn’t very scary last year, and this team needs a legit replacement for Zach Ertz.
Draft:
Trade down into the middle of the 1st round and take TE Kenyon Sadiq. Gain some more draft capital to help build a younger team around Jayden Daniels.
Projected Record: 7-10