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NFC East Breakdown: How will division shake out in 2024 NFL season?

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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)

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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

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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. 

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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. 

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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. 

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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. 

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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)

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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

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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)

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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. 

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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. 

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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. 

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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)

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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

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Anthony Richardson free to seek trade after injury setbacks amid Colts’ shift to Daniel Jones

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Anthony Richardson free to seek trade after injury setbacks amid Colts’ shift to Daniel Jones

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Anthony Richardson Sr.’s future in Indianapolis faces more uncertainty than ever. 

The Indianapolis Colts granted Anthony Richardson, the team that used the fourth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft on the quarterback, permission to explore a trade. His agent, Deiric Jackson, confirmed the latest development in the 23-year-old’s tumultuous career to ESPN on Thursday.

Veteran quarterback Daniel Jones beat out Richardson in a preseason competition for the starting job. Jones made the most of another opportunity as an NFL starter, helping the Colts win eight of their first 10 games of the 2025 regular season. 

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Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson heads off the field after an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos on Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024 in Denver, Colorado. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

However, his season was ultimately derailed by an Achilles injury. The setback came two years after he tore an ACL with the New York Giants. The Colts appear ready to move forward with Jones, clouding Richardson’s future in Indianapolis.

Jones is set to become a free agent in March, meaning the Colts must either use the franchise tag or sign him to a new deal. Richardson has started just 15 games in three seasons with the Colts, his tenure largely shaped by injuries. 

A shoulder surgery limited Richardson to four games during his rookie campaign, while a series of setbacks cost him four games in 2024. 

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (5) looks for an open receiver during the game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. (Troy Taormina/Imagn Images)

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Richardson suffered what was described as a “freak pregame incident” during warmups last season, landing him on injured reserve after attempting just two passes in two games in 2025. He has thrown 11 touchdowns against 13 interceptions in his NFL career. 

Colts general manager Chris Ballard said Tuesday that the vision problems stemming from Richardson’s orbital fracture last October are “trending in the right direction.” He added that Richardson has been “cleared to play.”

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (5) celebrates his touchdown against the New York Jets during the fourth quarter at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Brad Penner/Imagn Images)

Riley Leonard, a sixth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, is expected to return to the Colts next season.

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When asked about Richardson’s standing with the Colts moving ahead, Ballard replied, “I still believe in Anthony.”

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Prep talk: Freshman golfer William Hudson of St. John Bosco wins Servite Invitational

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Prep talk: Freshman golfer William Hudson of St. John Bosco wins Servite Invitational

William Hudson, a 14-year-old freshman golfer, shot 71 on Monday at Western Hills Country Club in Chino Hills to win the Servite Invitational.

“It was very important to me and my school,” Hudson said.

Some think it’s the first time a St. John Bosco student won an invitational title.

Hudson is a straight-A student who picked up his first golf club when he was 3. He has a daily routine involving practicing at 6 a.m. before heading to school. He’s also enrolled in a school entrepreneur program that involves taking classes at a junior college that will qualify for college credits.

“They are long days, but I get through it,” Hudson said.

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He comes from a family that enjoys golf. His great-grandfather played until his death at 98 last year.

“I love how it can take me to interesting places and meet interesting people,” Hudson said. “I can play for the rest of my life. It’s a lifelong sport.”

It’s looking like another strong year for golfers in Southern California, with several individual champions returning, including Jaden Soong of St. Francis and Grant Leary of Crespi.

Now Hudson has thrust himself into the conversation.

This is a daily look at the positive happenings in high school sports. To submit any news, please email eric.sondheimer@latimes.com.

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Dashcam video shows former WWE executive Vince McMahon rear-ending vehicle on Connecticut highway

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Dashcam video shows former WWE executive Vince McMahon rear-ending vehicle on Connecticut highway

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Police have released new video showing former WWE Chairman Vince McMahon speeding before crashing his 2024 Bentley Continental GT into another luxury car on a Connecticut highway last summer.

McMahon appeared to be followed by a state trooper in Westport moments ahead of the eventual collision. McMahon’s vehicle reached speeds of more than 100 mph, state police said.

A trooper’s dashcam video showed McMahon accelerating and then braking too late to avoid rear-ending a BMW. The car McMahon was driving then swerved into a guardrail and careened back across the highway. A cloud of dirt, apparently mixed with vehicle debris, was visible in the immediate area of the crash.

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WWE owner Vince McMahon enters the arena during WrestleMania at AT&T Stadium on Apr 3, 2022 in Arlington, Texas. (Joe Camporeale/USA Today Sports)

“Why were you driving all over 100 mph?” a state trooper asked McMahon after catching up to the wrecked Bentley.

“I got my granddaughter’s birthday,” McMahon replied, explaining he was on his way to see her. The encounter was recorded on police bodycam video.

No serious injuries were reported in the July 24 crash, which happened the same day former professional wrestler Hulk Hogan died of a heart attack in Florida.

In an image taken from Connecticut State Police police bodycam video, Vince McMahon is questioned in his car after an accident on July 24, 2025, in Westport, Connecticut. (Connecticut State Police via The Associated Press)

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Aside from the damage to the rear of the BMW, another vehicle driving on the opposite side of the parkway was struck by flying debris. The driver of that third car happened to be wearing a WWE shirt, police video suggested.

McMahon was cited for reckless driving and following too closely. In October, a state judge allowed him to enter a pretrial probation program that could erase the charges if he completes it successfully.

He was also ordered to make a $1,000 charitable contribution. His attorney, Mark Sherman, called the crash simply an “accident.”

“Not every car accident is a crime,” Sherman said. “Vince’s primary concern during this case was for the other drivers and is appreciative that the court saw this more of an accident than a crime that needed to be prosecuted.”

Vince McMahon attends a press conference to announce that WWE Wrestlemania 29 will be held at MetLife Stadium in 2013 at MetLife Stadium on Feb. 16, 2012 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.  (Michael N. Todaro/Getty Images)

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State police said a trooper was trying to catch up to McMahon on the parkway and clock his speed before pulling him over. They said the incident was not a pursuit, which happens when police chase someone trying to flee officers. They also said it did not appear McMahon was trying to escape.

“I’m trying to catch up to you, and you keep taking off,” State Police Det. Maxwell Robins said in the video. 

“No, no no. I’m not trying to outrun you,” McMahon clarified.

An accident information summary provided to the media shortly after the crash did not mention that a trooper was following McMahon.

The trooper’s bodycam video also shows him asking McMahon whether he was looking at his phone when the crash happened. McMahon said he was not and added he hadn’t driven his car in a long time.

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After Robins tells McMahon that his car is fast, McMahon replies, “Yeah, too (expletive) fast.”

Fox News Digital submitted a public records request to obtain the police video, which was first acquired by The Sun.

McMahon stepped down as WWE’s CEO in 2022 amid a company investigation into sexual misconduct allegations. He also resigned as executive chairman of the board of directors of TKO Group Holdings, the parent company of WWE, in 2024, a day after a former WWE employee filed a sexual abuse lawsuit against him. McMahon has denied the allegations. The lawsuit remains pending.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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