Sports
NFC East Breakdown: How will division shake out in 2024 NFL season?
With the 2024 NFL regular season around the corner, every team in the league is set to make some tough decisions, cutting down the roster to get 53 men who will start the year with Super Bowl aspirations.
But with only so many playoff spots to secure, every team will be fighting to come out of their division as winners, or at least earn a wild card spot.
Fox Sports’ Colin Cowherd gave his predictions for how each division will shake out before training camp began. Using those rankings, here’s a breakdown of each team in each division, starting with the NFC East.
Jalen Hurts of the Philadelphia Eagles plays during the NFC wild-card game against the Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on Jan. 15, 2024, in Tampa, Florida. (Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
1. Philadelphia Eagles
Colin Says: “They went 10-1 to start the season, then fell off a cliff. I think they rebound. Maybe not a Super Bowl team, but very good.”
The Eagles looked like they were headed back to the Super Bowl after losing to the Kansas City Chiefs in Glendale, Arizona, the prior season after starting the year 10-1 for the best record in the league.
Then, for many reasons, including stale offense, the Eagles fell off a cliff like Cowherd said and got into the postseason as a wild-card team instead of winning the division.
But the Eagles revamped their roster thanks to more savvy GM’ing by Howie Roseman, and they are expected to be NFC frontrunners yet again this season.
KEY ADDITION: RB SAQUON BARKLEY
Giants fans had to look away when Barkley ended up making his free agent decision to join the Eagles. But Philly fans were jumping for joy, as the dynamic running back adds even more elite talent to the likes of Jalen Hurts, DeVonta Smith, A.J. Brown, and Dallas Goedert.
Barkley has never had an offensive line like the Eagles possess, which is why there are some who believe his best seasons are yet to come.
Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley speaks during a press conference after signing with the team. (Kyle Ross-USA Today Sports)
BIGGEST QUESTION: LIFE WITHOUT KELCE
One could point out the young secondary the Eagles possess, as well as stability at linebacker, but everyone wants to know what life will be like with Jason Kelce in retirement.
The future Hall of Fame center leaves a big hole on the offensive line that Cam Jurgens is expected to fill. The Eagles also have a new offense with Kellen Moore in Philly, so Hurts and Jurgens getting on the same page, as well as blocking for the versatile quarterback, will be crucial for the Eagles’ success.
WEEK 1: VS. GREEN BAY PACKERS IN BRAZIL
RETIRED EAGLES STAR JASON KELCE’S TESLA CYBERTRUCK BUMPER STICKER TAKES JAB AT RIVAL COWBOYS
2. Washington Commanders
Colin Says: “I think they use that energy and juice to catapult. I think they’re the surprise team in the NFL.”
Cowherd predicts the Commanders will be making the biggest leap in the NFL this season, which the Houston Texans did last year with C.J. Stroud leading the way at quarterback.
Washington has a similar situation, as No. 2 overall pick Jayden Daniels was officially announced as the starter to open the season, with new head coach Dan Quinn being impressed with what he’s seen from the reigning Heisman winner.
The Commanders were dead last in this division last year at 4-13, so Cowherd is betting on the new “juice” like Daniels, Quinn and even owner Josh Harris to start a new, successful era in Washington.
Jayden Daniels of the Washington Commanders throws a pass against the Dolphins during the preseason game at Hard Rock Stadium on Aug. 17, 2024, in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
KEY ADDITION: QB JAYDEN DANIELS
This one goes without saying. Daniels is an impressive prospect, having the ability to hit all throws on the field and avoid tacklers with his shifty movements when he tucks and runs.
His receivers, including star Terry McLaurin, lauded his skills early in training camp and the Commanders rewarded him for his efforts, though being the team’s starter was always in the cards.
Simply put, this team will go as Daniels goes. He has good weapons around him, which also includes free agent running back Austin Ekeler in the backfield along with Brian Robinson Jr.
BIGGEST QUESTION: IS DEFENSE READY?
Washington’s offense may take some leaps under new coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, but the defense was a huge problem for this squad last season.
The front office is certainly trying to make changes, bringing in veteran linebacker Bobby Wagner to provide stability in the second tier. The secondary also saw a boost with safety Jeremy Chinn, cornerbacks Michael Davis and Noah Igbinoghene, and second-round pick Mike Sainristil, figured to be the team’s nickel.
COMMANDERS ASK FREE AGENT PUNTER TO TAKE DOWN SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS FEATURING HIS TRYOUT WITH TEAM
On the line, a massive overhaul comes with Dorance Armstrong and Clelin Ferrell joining stud tackles Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne.
There are many new pieces, but can they all gel to the point where Daniels doesn’t have to play from behind all game?
WEEK 1: @ TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
Dak Prescott #4 of the Dallas Cowboys on the sideline against the Washington Commanders during the second half at AT&T Stadium on November 23, 2023 in Arlington, Texas. (Brandon Sloter/Image Of Sport/Getty Images)
3. DALLAS COWBOYS
Colin Says: “Dallas is a very viable third, but I think they’re top-heavy and overly dependent on Dak [Prescott] and CeeDee Lamb to carry the entire offense.”
The vibes in Dallas are not the usual ones heading into the season, as there are a lot of unanswered questions. Will CeeDee Lamb get paid by Jerry Jones, so he can return to the facility? Is Dak Prescott going to be the quarterback of the future with his contract up after this season? Head coach Mike McCarthy needs a contract, too.
Still, the Cowboys have proven time and time again to be a formidable team out of this NFC East, going 12-5 last season to beat out the Eagles for the title.
But things, once again, ended poorly for the Cowboys in the playoffs, as they were walloped by the Packers in their own building. Can they finally turn things around this year, a season where Prescott, McCarthy and even Micah Parsons are all playing to get paid?
KEY ADDITION: RB EZEKIEL ELLIOTT
The return of “Zeke” in Dallas just made sense, as they lost Tony Pollard in free agency to the Tennessee Titans. But why is this the biggest addition for this playoff-hungry squad?
For one, Jones and the rest of the front office had a mild offseason, focusing on the draft while all eyes were looking at what they did with their homegrown talent’s extensions.
But Elliott found a gear the Cowboys didn’t see toward the end of their first chapter together with the New England Patriots last season, despite the team’s woes. He only started five games out of 17, splitting time with Rhamondre Stevenson, but Elliott showcased a more versatile back with his ability to catch and run, which remains the bruising, head-down-for-first-downs mentality.
If Elliott can find that version of himself, or the version Cowboys fans loved him for in the past, it will go a long way for an offense, like Cowherd says, that relies heavily on Prescott and Lamb’s connection.
Dallas Cowboys’ Ezekiel Elliott runs against the Philadelphia Eagles on Dec. 24, 2022, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Ron Jenkins, File)
BIGGEST QUESTION: IS ROOKIE LT TYLER GUYTON READY?
Cowboys fans may have some qualms about new defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer, and how he looks to deploy the line Parsons dominates from.
But on offense, Prescott’s ability to have a clean pocket and make passes relies on stellar pass protection. The Cowboys are expected to have Guyton, the rookie out of Oklahoma who went 24th overall back in April, starting at left tackle.
While he does project as the prototypical left tackle in the NFL, some experts have worries about his footwork and fundamentals at the position, which could be exposed by the best edge rushers in the league. Of course, every rookie needs to adjust, but Guyton was drafted to cover Prescott’s blindside, at least for this season.
He’ll need to get right quick for Prescott to have trust that no one will be sneaking up to sack him off his left side.
WEEK 1: @ CLEVELAND BROWNS
4. New York Giants
Colin Says: “Giants, just not good enough. The quarterback… I pick them fourth.”
The Giants continue to rebuild their roster despite making a solid playoff run in 2022. It was a letdown 2023 campaign from the jump, when the Cowboys crushed the Giants on “Sunday Night Football” at home. Later on, Daniel Jones tore his ACL against the Las Vegas Raiders, and while the Tommy DeVito era was fun, it wasn’t the future for Big Blue.
GM Joe Schoen’s offseason was on full display for HBO’s “Hard Knocks,” where he selected his guy in the first round, traded for and extended Brian Burns, and made other moves to secure a solid roster, all to see if they can repeat their 2022 magic.
It will be a tough road with a wicked schedule that includes the entire AFC North.
Malik Nabers during offseason workouts at NY Giants Quest Diagnostics Training Center on May 30, 2024, in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Luke Hales/Getty Images)
KEY ADDITION: WR MALIK NABERS
Hype is an understatement for what’s come out of training camp in East Rutherford this summer.
The LSU receiver was the man Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll were looking to draft sixth overall, giving Jones the No. 1 wide receiver option he’s needed for quite some time.
And Nabers is already wowing everyone with his route running, speed and contested catching abilities. He showcased that against the Texans in Week 2 of the preseason, and the Giants will hope there’s more to come in the regular season.
With comparison to Ja’Marr Chase and a certain former Giant named Odell Beckham Jr., Nabers already has lofty expectations, but he has all the tools to be the next great receiving threat in New York.
BIGGEST QUESTION: CAN JONES RETURN TO ’22 SELF?
It was a massive disappointment to see Jones, who was extended on a $40 million-per-year contract last offseason, flop before his season-ending injury. All question marks that Giants fans thought were put aside in 2022 were brought back up, and this time, a lucrative contract was involved.
However, Schoen structured that deal to allow the Giants an opt-out after this season. So, in short, Jones needs to show the Giants he can still lead the franchise on offense, or he’s gone.
Daniel Jones throws during workouts at NY Giants Quest Diagnostics Training Center on June 6, 2024, in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Luke Hales/Getty Images)
Schoen has put everything he needs around him, including Devin Singletary, a versatile running back to replace Barkley, and rookie tight end Theo Johnson, who projects well as a pass-catcher in the NFL.
The defense is young and hungry under new coordinator Shane Bowen, but all arrows point to Jones for the success of the Giants in 2024.
Week 1: VS. MINNESOTA VIKINGS
Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
Sports
Falcons fire Raheem Morris after choosing him over multiple successful coaches
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
The Atlanta Falcons did not have to do much thinking about their future when their season ended Sunday.
The team did not even wait for Black Monday, as it fired head coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot on Sunday night.
The Falcons hired Morris ahead of the 2024 season, selecting him over candidates such as Bill Belichick, Mike Vrabel, Jim Harbaugh, Mike Macdonald and Ben Johnson.
Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris on the sideline against the New Orleans Saints in the second quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. (Brett Davis/Imagn Images)
But Morris’ results were not what the Falcons wanted, going 8-9 in back-to-back seasons.
“I have great personal affinity for both Raheem and Terry and appreciate their hard work and dedication to the Falcons, but I believe we need new leadership in these roles moving forward,” owner Arthur Blank said in a statement. “The decision to move away from people who represent the organization so well and have a shared commitment to the values that are important to the organization is not an easy one, but the results on the field have not met our expectations or those of our fans and leadership. I wish Raheem and Terry the absolute best in their future pursuits.”
Wildly enough, the team’s record is the same as the division champion Carolina Panthers’, so the Falcons were just one win away from making the playoffs for the first time since the 2017 season. One of those losses was to the New York Jets, who would have had the first pick in 2026 instead of the second if that game’s result had been reversed.
Atlanta wound up winning their final four games, but it was not enough for them, or Morris and Fontenot.
Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris on the sideline against the Miami Dolphins in the first quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Oct. 26, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Brett Davis/Imagn Images)
LOOKING BACK AT THE SPORTS GAMBLING CONTROVERSIES THROUGHOUT 2025, WITH NBA AND MLB INVESTIGATIONS LEADING WAY
Morris previously served as the Los Angeles Rams’ defensive coordinator, winning a Super Bowl with them. He held numerous roles with the Falcons before going to Los Angeles, including serving as their interim head coach in 2020.
Morris initially replaced Arthur Smith, who served as the team’s head coach for three seasons. Smith is now the offensive coordinator for the Pittsburgh Steelers, who would make the playoffs with a win Sunday night against the Baltimore Ravens.
Perhaps the Falcons are kicking themselves for choosing Morris over several others. Vrabel won the AFC East in his first season with the New England Patriots, Johnson won the NFC North in his first year with the Chicago Bears, and Harbaugh is back in the playoffs with the Los Angeles Chargers.
Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris, center, stands with his team while wearing an Apalachee High School T-shirt after a recent school shooting there before an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
There should be several names available to the Falcons, who are desperate to make the most of Michael Penix Jr., who will enter his third NFL season in September.
Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
Sports
With 14 starters resting, Chargers fall to Broncos ahead of showdown with Patriots
DENVER — The game was the understudies versus the underwhelmings.
The second-string Chargers against the … wait a second, the top-seeded Denver Broncos only generated 240 yards and failed to score an offensive touchdown?
Such is the AFC this season, filled with teams who flash one week and fizzle the next.
Sunday’s regular-season finale — which the Broncos won, 19-3 — was far more competitive than it should have been, especially considering the lopsided incentives.
Whereas the Chargers were playing for pride and only modestly consequential postseason seeding, Denver’s stakes were two miles high: a free pass to the second round, and home-field advantage until the Super Bowl.
How unsettling that the Chargers could even make the game interesting, having rested 14 starters, including Pro Bowl quarterback Justin Herbert.
The Chargers now turn their attention to a first-round game at the 14-win New England Patriots, who have averaged 34.4 points in the five games since the beginning of December, on Sunday at 5 p.m. PST.
It’s another opportunity for Herbert to notch his first playoff victory. In his six seasons, the Chargers have had two one-and-done appearances — an epic collapse at Jacksonville in the 2022 season and a four-interception loss at Houston last season.
“With the way he’s played this season, this could be a breakthrough,” receiver Keenan Allen said. “Everything we want is still right in front of us.”
Chargers tight end Oronde Gadsden II catches a pass against Denver Broncos safety P.J. Locke during the first half Sunday.
(David Zalubowski / Associated Press)
That’s not exactly true. Allen reeled in two hefty items on his wish list. He needed nine more receiving yards for a $250,000 contract bonus, and six more receptions for a $750,000 payout. He finished with seven catches for 36 yards — jackpot!
“It’s nice to get that out of the way,” he said, smiling broadly.
Allen was one of the few seasoned Chargers veterans to set foot on the field. Watching from the sidelines were offensive starters Herbert, Ladd McConkey, Quentin Johnston and the entire starting offensive line.
So backup quarterback Trey Lance, making a rare start, had a collection of blockers that was even more hodgepodge than usual — and going up against the NFL’s sack leaders, no less. The Broncos came into the game with a club-record 64 sacks.
They got to Lance four times, and although that might be impressive, the Chargers collected four sacks of their own, two by backup defensive lineman Otito Ogbonnia.
“That was dope,” star edge rusher Khalil Mack said of the performance by second-stringers.
Mack sat out, as did All-Pro safety Derwin James Jr., linebacker Daiyan Henley and safety Elijah Molden. All will be back for the Patriots game.
The Chargers have beaten the Patriots in their last two meetings, including a 6-0 win two years ago in Foxborough. This is the first time the teams have played with these head coaches, Jim Harbaugh and Mike Vrabel.
“That’s the kind of game that defines your season,” Harbaugh said. “Our focus and attention is on that.”
Sunday’s game was a foregone conclusion before kickoff. Yes, the Chargers were 5-0 against AFC West opponents, but their primary aim was to stay fresh for the playoffs.
The Broncos, meanwhile, were so laser-focused on securing that No. 1 seed that coach Sean Payton instructed the videoboard operators to scrap the goofy games during breaks in the action. He wanted the crowd thinking about decibels, not distractions.
Denver running back RJ Harvey is tackled by Chargers defenders during the second half Sunday.
(C. Morgan Engel / Getty Images)
From the start, Denver looked on track. On their first possession, the Broncos drove from their 13 to the Chargers’ six, setting up the first of four field goals by Wil Lutz.
Who would have suspected that, after those 81 yards, Denver’s offense would generate only 31 more the rest of the half?
Put simply, Denver is a weird team. The Broncos have trailed in 12 of their 14 wins, and this was the second time this season they won without scoring an offensive touchdown. Naturally, there were incentives Sunday to staying as vanilla as possible on offense as not to reveal more to future opponents, although this is a team that already has put 17 games on video.
This game was either an offensive stinker or a defensive masterpiece, depending on your perspective.
Both quarterbacks led their team in rushing. Lance completed 20 of 44 passes for 136 yards with an interception. Denver’s Bo Nix was 14 of 23 for 141 yards.
Sports
Teenage MLB prospect Frank Cairone hospitalized after car crash
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
Top Milwaukee Brewers prospect Frank Cairone was hospitalized after being involved in a serious car accident near his New Jersey home on Friday, the team announced.
“Frank is currently being cared for at a hospital in New Jersey with the support of his family,” read a statement from the team, via MLB.com. “The Brewers’ thoughts and prayers are with Frank and his family during his difficult time.”
Pitcher Frank Cairone (left) with Green Valley High School (NV) infielder Caden Kirby during the MLB Draft Combine high school baseball game at Chase Field. (Mark J. Rebilas/Imagn Images)
The left-handed pitcher turned 18 this past September. He was drafted out of Delsea Regional High School in Franklinville, N.J. at No. 68 overall in the 2025 Draft.
News of the Brewers’ young prospect’s accident came shortly after the team announced it was not in contact with several players in Venezuela after U.S. military strikes in the country and the capture of its President Nicolás Maduro.
MLB TEAM UNAWARE OF STATUS OF PLAYERS IN VENEZUELA AFTER US MILITARY STRIKES
Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Jackson Chourio (11) is seen before the fifth inning of an MLB game between the Milwaukee Brewers and the Toronto Blue Jays on August 31, 2025, at Rogers Centre in Toronto, ON. (Mathew Tsang/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Brewers president of baseball operations Matt Arnold revealed the team is unaware of the status of the players in a statement Saturday.
“We don’t have much info at the moment but are trying to follow up,” Arnold said, via the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. “We know the airports have been shut down but not much beyond that.”
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
Pitcher Frank Cairone during the MLB Draft Combine high school baseball game at Chase Field. (Mark J. Rebilas/Imagn Images)
The team’s players in Venezuela include star outfielder Jackson Chourio, infielder Andruw Monasterio and catcher Jeferson Quero, according to the outlet.
Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
-
World1 week agoHamas builds new terror regime in Gaza, recruiting teens amid problematic election
-
Indianapolis, IN1 week agoIndianapolis Colts playoffs: Updated elimination scenario, AFC standings, playoff picture for Week 17
-
Business1 week agoGoogle is at last letting users swap out embarrassing Gmail addresses without losing their data
-
Southeast1 week agoTwo attorneys vanish during Florida fishing trip as ‘heartbroken’ wife pleads for help finding them
-
Politics1 week agoMost shocking examples of Chinese espionage uncovered by the US this year: ‘Just the tip of the iceberg’
-
News1 week agoRoads could remain slick, icy Saturday morning in Philadelphia area, tracking another storm on the way
-
World1 week agoPodcast: The 2025 EU-US relationship explained simply
-
News1 week agoMarijuana rescheduling would bring some immediate changes, but others will take time