Why the Eagles Aren't a Real Threat to Win the NFC East in 2024

Once again it is the Dallas Cowboys and the Philadelphia Eagles vying for the top spot in the NFC East as we approach the 2024 NFL season. In seven of the last eight seasons, either the Eagles or the Cowboys have won the division. FanDuel Sportsbook is expecting a similar result this year, with Philadelphia leading the pack at +115 odds, and Dallas following closely at +130.

However, these odds put too much weight on the offseasons these two teams had. There is a perception that the Cowboys got worse while the Eagles improved. Even if that was the case, Dallas still has more talent and depth on both sides of the ball than Philadelphia.

Now that enough time has passed, the epic collapse the Eagles suffered in the second half of the season seems to be forgotten. They had arguably the worst defense in the league for a long stretch of the season, getting carved up on a weekly basis.

Yes, they hired Vic Fangio as the defensive coordinator but the players who were a big part of the problem last season are still there. The Eagles were the worst pass defense in the league last season and the biggest additions they made there were two rookies, Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean. They might be great defenders but it's hard to argue that they will be the panacea for that football team.

Plus, they lost Fletcher Cox to retirement, Brandon Graham is one year older, Darius Slay is not the same force he once was, and Haason Reddick is no longer there. Who is still there and will likely play a large role? One of the worst cornerbacks in the league, James Bradberry.

The Eagles have too much uncertainty on the defensive end. They have to rely on young unknowns to take a significant step forward. If they don't, it's hard to see this team defending at a high enough level to be a serious threat to win the division.

They should continue to have a strong offense. They have an exciting and dynamic group of playmakers, now bolstered by the addition of Saquon Barkley. Yet, that is likely not enough to compete with the two-way upside the Dallas Cowboys have as things stand now.

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Odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.