The NFC East race took a turn a few weeks ago with the Cowboys dropping a game to the Jaguars in stunning fashion. The loss dropped them three games back of the Eagles with three games left, knocking some of the luster off the crown jewel of the Week 16 schedule: Cowboys vs. Eagles.
In spite of that, Jalen Hurts’ absence Saturday and a questionable designation for Week 17 against the Saints has left the door open for the Cowboys to make a run. It’s a long shot, but Thursday the Cowboys drew to 1.5 games behind the Eagles with a win over the Titans.
Below the Eagles and Cowboys is another interesting race: Giants vs. Commanders. The Commanders took a huge hit in Week 15 with their loss to the Giants, but both teams have tough schedules down the stretch.
As of this week, all four teams are in the postseason. But the Seahawks and Lions are looming in the NFC, so nothing is guaranteed unless the Commanders and Giants win out.
MORE: How Jets’ Week 16 game against Jaguars impacts AFC wild-card picture
Here’s a look at the NFC East standings one game into a pivotal Week 17:
NFC East standings
1. Philadelphia Eagles
Record: 13-2
Games remaining: vs. Saints, vs. Giants
The Eagles could be spending more time without Jalen Hurts, but the Cowboys’ loss to the Jaguars in Week 15 gave them breathing room and allowed them to not force the issue against Dallas in Week 16.
Philadelphia is still just one win away from clinching the East. It would have preferred to do so against Dallas, but with the Saints up next, it still feels good about its chances.
2. Dallas Cowboys
Record: 12-4
Games remaining: at Commanders
The Cowboys also had winnable games down the stretch, and beating the Eagles cleared a huge hurdle.
They’ve won two straight after the loss to the Jaguars, and catching the Eagles is suddenly more than a pipe dream. The Eagles play the Saints on Sunday; if they lose that game, the Cowboys could be playing for the division in Week 18.
3. New York Giants
Record: 8-6-1
Games remaining: vs. Colts, at Eagles
The Giants weren’t supposed to be here.
That isn’t meant to be disrespectful, despite how it sounds. But the Giants have a first-year coach in Brian Daboll, a player largely perceived to be a bridge quarterback in Daniel Jones, and a oft-injured running back in Saquon Barkley.
MORE: How Bills, Eagles, Giants & more can clinch playoff berths in Week 16
But the Giants continue to chug along and are still in the playoff hunt. The Eagles might have the No. 1 seed locked up by Week 18, in which case we may see players rest. The path for the Giants is clear, and they’re entering Week 17 with a small cushion.
4. Washington Commanders
Record: 7-7-1
Games remaining: vs. Browns, vs. Cowboys
It’s fair to say the Commanders have the toughest route to the postseason.
Taylor Heinicke has made the improbable probable several times this year, but now he’s back on the bench and Carson Wentz is back in the lineup at quarterback. The Seahawks and Lions are breathing down their necks, and a Week 18 game against the Cowboys looms.
A postseason with four NFC East teams would be a fascinating outcome, given how these teams graded out in the preseason. All four have been fighting for respect all season; it took them 16 weeks, but they’re finally getting it.
