An inconsistent nine-win team will win the NFC East. The Giants and Cowboys will play in prime time with a playoff berth on the line Sunday.
It has been a wild year for the division as teams’ momentum-building victories often have been followed by disappointing setbacks.
But just because the Giants and Cowboys have struggled to play their best for an extended period of time doesn’t necessarily mean the NFC East champ will be an easy out come playoff time. The Giants and Cowboys are dangerous.
Both have a veteran quarterback with playoff experience who leads a dynamic offense that ranks in the top 10 in the league in total yards. And on defense, the teams are two of the best at rushing the passer, led by Dallas’ DeMarcus Ware (18.0 sacks) and New York’s Jason Pierre-Paul (15.5 sacks).
Both have a signature win over a 12-3 division winner — the Giants defeated the Patriots, and the Cowboys beat the 49ers.
And both have had flashes of greatness at some point this season.
The Giants still have the worst rushing attack in the NFL and a struggling secondary. And the Cowboys have issues closing out games at times. But when these teams are playing well, they can beat anyone.
Don’t let the record fool you. The NFC East winner, whoever it is, will make some noise in the playoffs.
– Jeffrey Tomik
