Week 2 was a bloody affair in the NFC East, particularly at the quarterback position. While Dak Prescott broke a record and Jalen Hurts broke the Titans' spirits, Jaxson Dart and Jayden Daniels may have played their final games of 2026.
Dart and Daniels both exited last week's games with knee and elbow injuries, respectively, that could be season-enders. At the very least, both are going to miss substantive times that will dramatically alter their course of the Giants and Commanders' seasons, and perhaps the entire NFC East.
Even though the Eagles and Cowboys were the consensus division favorites going into 2026, the Cowboys' Week 1 loss to New York and ongoing defensive issues have left room for worry. And while Philly is undefeated, they have been fighting to the very end both weeks against the Commanders and Titans, who are a combined 0-4.
The Eagles are working out a new offense, though, and have yet to lose a game while doing so. If they find more rhythm later this year and haven't felt the growing pains in the standings, it's going to make them very hard to catch in the division.
NFC East standings after Week 2
Note: Division record in parentheses
1. Philadelphia Eagles 2-0 (1-0)
2. New York Giants 1-1 (1-0)
3. Dallas Cowboys 1-1 (1-1)
4. Washington Commanders 0-2 (0-2)
Unfortunately, Philadelphia gets another friendly opponent this week in Chicago. While Bears QB Caleb Williams has avoided a major injury and isn't even ruled out yet for Monday night, asking him to face the Eagles' defensive front probably wouldn't be smart. As we're still in September, Ben Johnson will likely play the long game and give Williams a little more time.
That means Philly is probably getting Case Keenum, the Bears' third stringer, this week. Primary backup Tyson Bagent has yet to clear concussion protocol, so Chicago could be playing the 14-year veteran Keenum. That reduced firepower is going to make it very hard for them, even at home, to keep up with the Eagles.
For Jameis Winston's first start this year, the Giants couldn't have asked for much better than hosting the 0-2 Titans. It's a great opportunity for them to stay on the right side of .500 and infuse some confidence back into their season, and their QB1 for at the least the next few months.
Marcus Mariota and the Commanders aren't so lucky, having to face the 2-0 Seahawks. Seattle could be getting Sam Darnold back this week, but they haven't had any issues with backup Drew Lock so far. Either should be able to shine against Washington's struggling defense, and the Seahawks' defense is going to make life very hard for Mariota and fledgling OC David Blough.
Speaking of young coordinators, Christian Parker is facing his toughest test yet as the Cowboys and Ravens fly into Brazil. Now missing several starters and key role players, Parker is going to have to scheme up something special to slow Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry down.
In what's become a likely two-horse race again between Dallas and Philadelphia, the Cowboys' face much harsher conditions this week. The Eagles are likely headed to 3-0, putting even more pressure on Brian Schottenheimer's squad to get the job done in South America.
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