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
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Sports
Pro wrestling star learns what ‘land of opportunity’ means in US as he details journey from Italy to America
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Cristiano Argento has been tearing up opponents in the ring for the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) as he worked his way up the ladder to get a few shots at some gold.
But the path to get to one of the most prestigious pro wrestling companies in the U.S. was long and a path that not many wrestlers have taken.
Argento was born and raised in Osimo, Italy – a town of about 35,000 people located on the east side of the country closer to the Adriatic Sea. He told Fox News Digital he started training in a ring at a boxing gym before he got started on the independent scene in Italy. He wrestled in Germany, Sweden, France and Denmark before he came to the realization that, to become a professional wrestler, he needed to make his way to the United States.
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Cristiano Argento performs in the National Wrestling Alliance (Instagram)
He first worked his way to Canada to get trained by pro wrestling legend Lance Storm. He moved to Canada, leaving most of his friends and family behind and without a firm grasp on the English language.
“At the time, my English was horrible. I didn’t speak any English at all,” he said. “But I was with my friend, Stefano, he came with me and he translated everything for me. I probably missed 50% of the knowledge that Lance Storm was giving to us because I was unable to understand. I was only given a recap and everything I was able to see. I’m sure if I was doing it now with a proper knowledge of English, it would have been a different scenario.
“Eventually, I moved back to Italy after the training and I said, OK, now, I want to go to the U.S. So, I studied English more properly, and eventually I got my first work visa that was in Texas. I was in Houston for a short period of time. I trained with Booker T at Reality of Wrestling. I got on his show, which was my debut in the U.S. That was awesome. I eventually got a new work visa in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where I currently live since 2017. Since then, my wrestling career, thankfully, kept growing, growing, growing and growing until now wrestling for the NWA. One of the bigger promotions in the U.S.”
Argento said that his family thought he was “nuts” for chasing his pro wrestling dream.
He said they were more concerned about his well-being given that he was half-way around the world without anyone he knew by his side in case something went sideways.
“My family, friends, everybody was like why do you want to move to the opposite side of the world not knowing the language, not knowing anybody, by yourself, to try to become a professional wrestler? And I was like, well, we have one life, I love, and that’s what I’m gonna do,” he told Fox News Digital. “Eventually, my family was really supportive. But when I first said, ‘Hey, mom and dad, I want to do that.’ They looked at me like, ‘Are you nuts? Are you drunk or something? What are you talking about?’ And I said, no that’s what I want to do. And they knew I loved this sport because in Italy I was traveling around Europe, spending time in Canada training, so they started to understand slowly that’s what I want to do with my life. They were proud of me.
Cristiano Argento works out in the gym. (Instagram)
“They’re still proud of me. I think more like the fact that you’re gonna try that, that it’s hard than more like you’re gonna leave us. The fact like, oh, my son is gonna go on the opposite side of the world for a six-hour time difference and we’re gonna see him maybe, when, like, I don’t know. Not often. I think it was more that. And for me too, it was really hard. It was heartbreaking not being able to see my family every day or every month. Like once a year if I’m lucky. I think that was the biggest part for them because of concern or that I was here by myself and if I have any issue or any problem, I didn’t have nobody. So they were scared. Like, you get sick, if you have a problem, anything, and they’re not being able to be here next to me. But they were really supportive since day one.”
Argento is living out his dream in the U.S. He suggested that the moniker of the U.S. being the “land of opportunity” wasn’t far from what is preached in movies and literature – it was the real thing.
“I was inspired by people who came to the U.S. and made it big,” Argento told Fox News Digital. “The U.S. was always like the land of opportunity. That’s how they sell it to us and this is what it is. I feel like, in myself, that was true because anything I tried to do so far I was able to reach a lot more than if I wasn’t here. I’m not yet where I’d like to be but I see like there’s so many opportunities in this country. Not just in wrestling but like in any business to reach the goal. I’m really happy of the choices I did here.
National Wrestling Alliance star Cristiano Argento poses in Times Square in New York. (Instagram)
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“But my big inspirations were big-time actors who moved to the country, who didn’t know English, with no money, no support system. I had one dream, I have to go right there to make it happen and I’m gonna go and do it and I’m gonna make it happen. So those people were always the biggest inspiration even if it wasn’t in wrestling, just how they handled their passion, how they pursued their dream without being scared of anything, how far you are, how alone by yourself … You don’t know the language, you’re like, let’s go, let’s do it.”
Outside of the NWA, Argento has performed for the International Wrestling Cartel, Enjoy Wrestling and Exodus Pro Wrestling this year.
Sports
Loyola wins Southern Section Division 1 lacrosse championship
There’s no denying that Loyola’s lacrosse program is best in Southern California and could be that way for years to come with the number of elite young players participating.
On Saturday night, the Cubs (16-3) won their latest Southern Section Division 1 championship with a 14-6 win over Santa Margarita. The Cubs have won three title since the sport was adopted as a championship event in the Southern Section. Defense has been Loyola’s strength all season.
Senior defenders Chase Hellie and Everett Rolph and junior goalkeeper William Russo led one of the best defenses in program history under coach Jimmy Borell.
Senior Cash Ginsberg finished with five goals and junior North Carolina commit Tripp King finished with two goals.
In girls Division 1, Mira Costa upset top-seeded Santa Margarita 12-6.
Sports
Napoleon Solo wins 151st Preakness Stakes
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Napoleon Solo took home the 2026 Preakness Stakes on Saturday, the 151st running of the race.
The favorite in Taj Mahal, the 1 horse, was in the lead from the start until the final turn until Napoleon Solo made his move on the outside and took the lead at the top of the stretch. As Taj Mahal fell off, Iron Honor, the 9 horse, snuck up, but the effort ultimately was not enough.
Napoleon Solo opened at 8-1 and closed at 7-1. Iron Honor, at 8-1, finished second, with Chip Honcho fishing third after closing at 11-1. Ocelli, one of just three horses to run both the Kentucky Derby two weeks ago and Saturday’s Preakness, finished fourth at 8-1.
A Preakness branded starting gate is seen on track prior to the 151st Preakness Stakes at Laurel Park on May 16, 2026 in Laurel, Maryland. For the first and only time, Laurel Park is hosting the Preakness Stakes which is the second race of the Triple Crown jewel due to the traditional home of the race of the Pimlico Race Course undergoing complete renovations. (Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
A $1 exacta paid out $53.60, while a $1 trifecta brought in $597.10. But someone out there is very lucky, as a $1 superhighfive – picking the top-five finishers in order – paid out $12,015.70.
Even moreso, a 20-cent Pick 6 – picking the winners of the six consecutive races, with the final being the Preakness, paid out $33,842.34.
The race was run without the Kentucky Derby winner for the second year in a row. After Sovereignty did not run the Preakness last year – and wound up winning the Belmont Stakes – the training team of Golden Tempo opted to skip the Maryland race.
From 1960 to 2018, only three Derby winners did not run in the Preakness. Three Derby winners have skipped the Preakness in the last five years, and for the sixth time in eight years, for various reasons, the Triple Crown had already been impossible to accomplish by the time the Preakness even rolled around.
“I understand that fans of the sport or fans of the Triple Crown are disappointed, but the horse is not a machine,” Golden Tempo’s trainer, Cherie DeVaux, told Fox News Digital earlier this week.
Paco Lopez, right, atop Napoleon Solo, edges out Iron Honor, ridden by Flavien Prat, to win the 151st running of the Preakness Stakes horse race, Friday, May 15, 2026, at Laurel Park in Laurel, Maryland. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)
CHERIE DEVAUX REFLECTS ON MAKING KENTUCKY DERBY HISTORY AS FIRST FEMALE TRAINER TO WIN THE RACE
Only three horses from two weeks ago – Ocelli, Robusta, and Incredibolt, were back at the Preakness. Corona de Oro, the 11 horse on Saturday, was scratched well ahead of the Derby, and Great White, who reared up and fell on his back after becoming startled shortly before entering the Derby gate, took the 13 post on Saturday.
The Preakness went off roughly 24 hours after a horse died following the completion of his very first race.
Hit Zero, trained by Brittany Russell, came into the race as the favorite. However, he finished last in the race, which was won by another one of Russell’s horses, Bold Fact — and upon crossing the finish line, Hit Zero reportedly began coughing, dropped to his knees, then put his head down and died.
The Preakness took place at Laurel Park as Pimlico undergoes renovations. It was the first time ever that Pimlico did not host the race, moving roughly 20 miles south.
Paco Lopez, atop Napoleon Solo, wins the 151st running of the Preakness Stakes horse race, Friday, May 15, 2026, at Laurel Park in Laurel, Maryland. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)
The Belmont Stakes, the final Triple Crown race, will take place on June 6. The race will return to Saratoga for a third year in a row as Belmont Park continues to be renovated.
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