When the Cowboys dropped to 1-2 last Sunday in Brazil, it felt like things were about to get out of hand in the NFC East. The Eagles had a seemingly simple task on Monday night, facing the Bears without QB Caleb Williams. But Philly did not stay undefeated, flopping on both sides of the ball in an improbable 27-7 upset.
Dallas' chances at still winning the division were given a huge boost from the Eagles' letdown. Things would feel much different today if they sat at 3-0, but now they're still just one game out of reach. The Cowboys obviously can't afford many more blown chances like they had against the Ravens, and that one still stings a lot, but the big picture looks much brighter than it could have.
NFC East Week 3 Roundup
The Giants can't be ignored just yet
Harbaugh's held out the possibility of Dart getting back for the playoffs. If the Giants can stay solvent, either with Winston's help or by going to newly acquired J.J. McCarthy, could they be a factor at the end of the year?
I guess we should also acknowledge the Commanders, who pulled of a huge upset against the Seahawks. Marcus Mariota just might be the best backup QB in the game, and Dan Quinn's defense made some big plays to help take down the defending champs.
Still, this one felt like the Seahawks didn't take their opponent seriously enough, more than Washington being better than advertised.
NFC East standings after Week 3
Note: Division record in parentheses
1. Philadelphia Eagles 2-1 (1-0)
2. New York Giants 2-1 (1-0)
3. Dallas Cowboys 1-2 (1-1)
4. Washington Commanders 1-2 (0-2)
This week, the Cowboys get a Trojan horse opponent in the 0-3 Texans. They may seem like a gift, especially with a stagnant offense against our injury-riddled defense. But Houston will be turned up for this in-state rivalry game, and C.J. Stroud could still pick apart a Dallas secondary that is starting to feel more like its practice squad.
Thankfully, our division rivals don't have easy games themselves. Philadelphia's hosting the Rams this week, who are struggling early this year but could find their mojo at any time. If Case Keenum can light up the Eagles' defense, imagine what Matt Stafford might do this Sunday?
Dallas needs every Philly misstep it can get to have a chance at reclaiming division supremacy. And that's part of why the Eagles' loss to the Bears was so meaningful, offering more hope as to what's possible over the duration of the season.
The Giants host the Cardinals this week, who are another up-and-down team. They dropped to 1-2 last week, but it was a close 36-30 division game against the undefeated 49ers. Arizona certainly feel a cut above the likes of Tennessee, who New York only barely slipped past. The Cardinals are certainly capable of winning this one.
Washington has a chance to keep the good vibes vibing this week, hosting the Colts. But unlike Seattle, which came in 2-0 and perhaps not focused enough, Indianapolis is 1-2 and taking nothing for granted. This will be a hard-fought game between two teams trying to get to .500 and avoid going in the tank for 2026.
And there's even a chance that Jayden Daniels may be sending Mariota back to the bench.
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