Way too early 2024 NFC East Power Rankings
The New York Giants would like to return to the forefront of the NFC East in 2024, but they have a mountain to climb if they’re to do so. Going into Week 1 this past season against the Dallas Cowboys, the Giants believed they were ready to take the leap towards becoming a major contender in the NFC. To do so, the franchise needed to start defeating their most hated rivals, the aforementioned Cowboys, plus the Philadelphia Eagles.
Alas, it wasn’t meant to be. The Giants were shell shocked by an absolute domination in all facets of the game from Dallas, not just in Week 1, but when the two teams met later in the season inside AT&T Stadium. It wasn’t all bad against Philadelphia, though, as the Giants played the Eagles tough on Christmas Day, and capped 2023 off victorious, defeating Jalen Hurts and company at MetLife Stadium.
While the playoffs didn’t go as planned for Philadelphia and Dallas, the Giants, and the Washington Commanders for that matter, look much different already this offseason. The future is murky for each of the four teams in the NFC East, but it’s still possible to predict where they’ll end up in 2024.
With major milestones like the 2024 NFL Draft and free agency to figure out, these could change no doubt, but here’s a way-too-early power rankings for the NFC East at the moment:
4. Washington Commanders
Admittedly, the Commanders could rise up these rankings relatively quickly, but they’re still bringing up the caboose in the NFC East at the moment. Last season, Sam Howell entered the season as the leader of the Commanders, and some inside and outside of Washington believed he could be their quarterback of the future. Well, that notion was dispelled over the course of the season, as Washignton faltered throughout the year after starting off 2-0.
Howell flashed at times, but an immense amount of turnovers, coupled with a putrid defense, led to a cleaning of house for the Commanders. Ron Rivera was let go, and Washington is moving in a different direction with former Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn leading the charge.
Additionally, the Commanders possess the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, and some believe they’re thinking of trading up for Caleb Williams. Still, with so many unknowns and a major rebuild on their hands, I can’t rank Washington above fourth in good faith, but their future is brighter than it’s been in a long, long time.