It seems like things can’t get any crazier in the NFC East. Two of the teams couldn’t beat each other this week, the leader kept up a winning streak, and one of the teams set franchise records while demolishing a down-and-out opponent.
Things have gotten so tight in the race that the NFL ranks two of the division rivals as the top two teams in the NFL.
With only five weeks of football remaining in the 2022 season, each of the four NFC East teams has a legitimate shot at a playoff appearance. There are still several critical division games ahead for each of the division rivals, while it is also time for the teams to begin looking over their shoulders at the other NFC teams that will be in contention in the playoffs.
1. Philadelphia Eagles (11-1, 2-1 division)
NFL Rank per NFL.com: 1 (no change from Wk. 13)
Week 13 Result: 35-10 win vs. Tennessee Titans
The Eagles’ AJ Brown got revenge on the team that drafted him and then discarded him when he wanted to get paid with an eight-reception, 119-yard day with two touchdowns. Receiver DeVonta Smith also had 109 yards receiving and caught the third passing touchdown from Jalen Hurts as the Eagles shut down the AFC South-leading Titans. Hurts continues to demonstrate that he belongs among the elite in the NFL and had a monster 380-yard day before handing over the keys to Gardner Minshew to wrap it up in the fourth.
The Eagles are on the road for the first of two division matches against the New York Giants. The Eagles also have a looming rivalry game with the Dallas Cowboys in three weeks.
2. Dallas Cowboys (9-3, 3-1 division)
NFL Rank per NFL.com: 2 (+2 from Wk. 13)
Week 13 Result: 54-19 win vs. Indianapolis Colts
The Cowboys had a slim two-point lead over the Colts after Dallas corner DaRon Bland broke up a two-point try as the fourth quarter loomed. The rookie’s play jumpstarted a stunning sequence of events that saw the Cowboys post 33 unanswered points by forcing two interceptions — one by Bland, his second of the night — and forcing a fumble on a sack of Colts QB Matt Ryan. The fumble was returned for a defensive score. The scoring frenzy became the largest single quarter of scoring in Cowboys history.
Dallas hosts the Houston Texans this week before hitting the road the following week to play Jacksonville, both winnable games that the Cowboys will need when the team faces the Philadelphia Eagles, likely with the NFC East title hanging in the balance.
3. Washington Commanders (7-5-1, 1-2-1 division)
NFL Rank per NFL.com: 13 (no change from Wk. 13)
Week 13 Result: 20-20 tie at New York Giants
Well, this one got awkward. After climbing back to tie, neither Washington nor New York was able to put it away in overtime. The tie between division rivals will only serve to further complicate the NFC East. The Commanders continue to roll with Taylor Heinicke at QB, who continues to get the job done. He completed nearly 66 percent of his passes and did not throw an interception. Brian Robinson Jr. continues to improve every week after being shot twice in the leg back in August. He had the bulk of the Commanders’ carries and totaled 96 yards with 21 touches.
The Commanders are on a long-awaited bye this week, giving the team plenty of opportunity to plot a path to defeat the New York Giants when they rematch in Week 15, this time at home in the nation’s capital.
4. New York Giants (7-4-1, 0-2-1 division)
NFL Rank per NFL.com: 14 (+2 from Wk. 13)
Week 13 Results: 20-20 tie vs. Washington Commanders
The Giants’ defense forced a fumble on the opening drive of the third quarter, setting up a short 20-yard touchdown opportunity that opened up a 20-13 lead. The Giants’ offense then went to sleep for the rest of the game, turning in three three-and-outs and a four-and-out in regular time, then missed a 58-yard field goal attempt by Graham Gano as time expired in the overtime period. The early success of this team seems to have been temporary, as the Giants are in danger of being the first team to be eliminated from the NFC East playoff bracket.
The Giants host the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, then have a rematch against the Commanders the following week. The Giants have yet to win a division game and are on the ropes for any hope of making the playoffs.
