What is the NFL's best division in 2025?
The NFC East must be the best division, or, at the very least, one of the top two divisions in the NFL. Right? Not, according to Eric Edholm of NFL.com, who ranked all eight divisions, with the NFC East coming in at No. 4.
The Super Bowl champion Eagles will try to defend their title with the vast majority of last year's offense back in place and enough defensive reinforcements to match the unit's 2024 success. Their biggest threat could come from within the division, with the rising Commanders giving the East arguably the best 1-2 punch of any division.
Last year's Eagles were only truly outplayed one time all season -- a 33-16 defeat at Tampa Bay in Week 4 -- and they have enough talent to replace their free-agent losses on defenses. After a few early stumbles last September, the defense emerged as an elite unit -- and a repeat wouldn't be shocking.
Here's what Edholm said about the rest of the division.
The Commanders took the league by storm, with Jayden Daniels stealing the key to the city in a brilliant rookie season. Daniels is a special talent, and Washington added two big offensive pieces (LT Laremy Tunsil and WR Deebo Samuel), but concerns remain on defense.
The Cowboys are a tricky team to handicap with Brian Schottenheimer taking over. Dallas' new head man needs to revitalize the run game and get the best from Dak Prescott. But the defense also looms as an area of worry after last season's troubles stopping the run.
The Giants have added more talent to a solid defense and completely refreshed the QB room, offering hope for better results. But a daunting schedule and major pressure on head coach Brian Daboll won't make it the easiest turnaround this season without major improvement on both sides of the ball. New York remains a bottom-eight team until it proves otherwise.
Opinions are mixed about which team will finish second in the division. Some believe the Cowboys will give the Eagles a fight with quarterback Dak Prescott back and healthy. However, even more believe that Washington is here to stay. Jayden Daniels is already the best quarterback in the division, and that always gives you a chance.
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The 2025 season is now or never for New York GM Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll. The Giants brought in a pair of veteran quarterbacks, Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston, and drafted one in the first round, Jaxson Dart.
Here's Edholm's full rankings:
1. NFC North
2. AFC North
3. AFC West
4. NFC East
5. NFC West
6. AFC East
7. NFC South
8. AFC South
Is the NFC North really better than the AFC West? The Chiefs, Chargers, and Broncos are all playoff teams, and the Raiders should be much better immediately under Pete Carroll. While the NFC North also had three playoff teams, questions remain about the top two — the Lions and Vikings — and whether they can repeat their success. Detroit lost both coordinators and the Vikings are counting on quarterback J.J. McCaffrey to replace Sam Darnold.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Is the NFC East the NFL's top division for 2025?
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