Rest of the NFC East is handing Cowboys a golden opportunity they can't afford to waste

The Dallas Cowboys just had back-to-back losing seasons for the first time since 2002. They went 7-10 in Mike McCarthy’s final year, followed by a 7-9-1 finish under Brian Schottenheimer. The front office and the locker room know the pressure. If they do not improve in 2026, the window to win with Dak Prescott will close quickly.

However, the rest of the NFC East is dealing with its own issues. CBS Sports analyst Jordan Dajani noted that the division is vulnerable, which gives Dallas a clear path to a winning record. 

He wrote, "With the NFC East seemingly in flux, the Cowboys getting to double-digit wins looks enticing. Jalen Hurts is at a crossroads, having lost A.J. Brown; the Commanders are back to being a bottom-feeder without Jayden Daniels; and the Giants are a major question mark. I like the Cowboys getting to 10-7."

The Philadelphia Eagles finished 11-6 in 2025 before a Wild Card round exit. Their offense recorded the lowest points, total yards, and rushing yards under Nick Sirianni and they must now replace A.J. Brown. 

Meanwhile, the Washington Commanders finished last season with the NFL's worst defense, allowing 384 yards per game. They also face uncertainty at quarterback as Jayden Daniels recovers from a dislocated shoulder. 

The New York Giants face offensive instability as well, with Malik Nabers' Week 1 status uncertain, another receiver out for the year and a reliance on veteran Odell Beckham Jr. to fill the depth chart.

Dallas holds the strongest offensive foundation in the division. In 2025, Dak Prescott threw for 4,552 yards, 30 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions, leading the NFL's second-ranked offense at 391.9 yards per game. With CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens forming one of the league's top receiver duos, the Cowboys return 10 offensive starters from last year's squad.

The front office addressed ther poor defense, which finished last in the league by allowing 30.1 points per game. New defensive coordinator Christian Parker, hired from Philadelphia, is installing elements of Vic Fangio's system. To support this change, Dallas added Caleb Downs, Malachi Lawrence, Dee Winters, Cobie Durant, and Rashan Gary. 

They do not need to be elite to succeed. If the unit can improve to league-average, the offense is strong enough to carry the team past its division rivals.

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