2010-2011 NFL Predictions: Macho Rhino's NFC East Preview

Once again the NFC East is a stacked division. These teams will once again beat up on each other and not leave any in good shape for the playoffs.

You don’t often see one team trade its starting QB to a division foe, but Philly sent Donovan McNabb to the Redskins. I questioned that move a great deal—not their getting rid of him, but that they must know something we don’t.

1. Dallas Cowboys (10-6)

The Cowboys are again under the gun to perform this year. Winning a playoff game last year kept a lot of these guys around for another run. However, this preseason the offense has looked inept. The Cowboys just have too much talent to not win games. I think they’ll eventually get it all together and win this division, but will they be able to win in the playoffs?

2. Philadelphia Eagles (8-8)

Andy Reid pulled the trigger on bumping Kevin Kolb to starting QB in Philly and sent Donovan McNabb to division rival Washington. Kolb looks ready and has the young talent around him to put up a lot of points this season.

Questions are on the defense. Can they get back to the intense pressure they used to put on teams a couple years ago? The Eagles have a tough schedule and will need the defense to make plays to pull some games out to have any chance at the playoffs.

3. New York Giants (8-8)

Brandon Jacobs is the key to their season. If he comes out and lowers his head to start running people over again, the Giants could be a playoff team. Their defense looked much improved in the preseason. I don’t like the loss of Antonio Pierce, but adding Keith Bullock should help. The Giants will be competitive each week but lack the big play ability to make it back to the playoffs.

4. Washington Redskins (4-12)

Big changes in D.C. as Mike Shanahan was brought in as head coach, while Donovan McNabb is the new signal caller. Shanahan has been repeatedly bumping heads with his best defensive player, Albert Haynesworth, which has to be wearing thin in the locker room. I think Haynesworth will end up being traded in the next few days since Shanahan has said he won’t start against the Cowboys on Sunday.

On offense, they just don’t have the big play threat that will open the field for McNabb. Even though things have changed in Washington, the results will stay the same.

BEST OFFENSIVE PLAYER: Tony Romo (QB, Cowboys)

BEST DEFENSIVE PLAYER: DeMarcus Ware (LB, Cowboys)

BEST HEAD COACH: Andy Reid (Eagles)

BEST OFFENSIVE ROOKIE: Trent Williams (OT, Redskins)

BEST DEFENSIVE ROOKIE: Brandon Graham (DE, Eagles)

See more in our 2010 NFL Preview here.