Week 1 of the 2026 NFL Season is in the books, and fortunately for the Philadelphia Eagles, they were one of the 16 teams that earned a win. It gets the team off to a solid start in the NFC East, a division they hope to repeat as champions.
While all four NFC East teams do have at least one major concern, the Eagles might end up being the best overall team yet again, especially if the Dallas Cowboys' defense isn't as improved as some thought it was in the offseason.
Following Week 1, let's dive into the latest NFC East power rankings, as it shows a surprise team on the Eagles' tail.
Updated NFC East power rankings prove Philadelphia Eagles may have to fend-off the Giants
4. Washington Commanders (0-1)
Washington did make it interesting near the end, but the Commanders do have some concerning personnel issues, specifically along the offensive line. Offensive line play across the NFL is definitely not in a great spot, as there doesn't seem to be enough quality linemen to go around.
The Eagles have fortunately been solid in this regard for years, but with Washington not, it's going to paint an ugly picture for them this year. The Commanders do have an encouraging young quarterback in Jayden Daniels, but the Week 1 loss was not much of a shock, and this could end up being the worst team in the division as the 2026 season moves along.
3. Dallas Cowboys (0-1)
Dallas' defense got worked by the New York Giants on Sunday Night Football, and while the Cowboys could simply play better on this side of the ball in the coming weeks, there is also a chance that does not happen. A ton of attention was thrown the Cowboys' way this offseason after the aggressive defensive changes, and I guess it was not realistic to expect that unit to immediately play better in Week 1.
There is legitimate talent on this side of the ball, and with how efficient the offense can be, Dalllas bouncing back is likely. With that being said, their ugly Week 1 loss to the Giants does shockingly put them a game behind in tehe blink of an eye.
2. New York Giants (1-0)
The Giants could be for real. Jaxson Dart looked exceptional in Week 1, and if he breaks out this year, the Eagles may have to watch their backs, as Dart is a legitimate dual-threat QB and does have the ability to create with his arm and legs at a high level. He tallied nine rushing touchdowns as a rookie and 24 over his 14 games last year.
While the Giants' roster just isn't quite there yet, a lot of roster deficiencies can be covered up by a great quarterback, and there is a legitimate chance Dart can be that player. Given his youth and how well Week 1 went, it's imperative that the Giants are taken as a serious team until they prove otherwise.
1. Philadelphia Eagles (1-0)
For the time being, the Eagles are the top team in the NFC East, but without A.J. Brown, I do have legitimate concerns about the offense's ceiling. Fortunately, the defense is quite good, so there is still a rather high floor here with this team.
Jalen Hurts, though, is a limited passer, and with him not having Brown for the first time since the 2021 season, it may only be a matter of time before the passing game as a whole takes a sizeable step back.
Read more: Hot seat meter for 6 struggling Eagles starters after Week 1 win over Commanders
The Eagles may have to embrace more of an old-school mindset with prioritizing the run and playing good defense, but if that does lead to another division title, then so be it!
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