Where NFC East Stacks Up Among League's Divisions After Free Agency

The New York Giants finished last in the NFC East last season, a division that saw all four teams–the Dallas Cowboys, Washington Commanders, and Philadelphia Eagles–finish with a 27-40-1 regular-season record.

This year, the Giants and their division mates are hoping to become the Beasts of the East in toppling the NFC West, whose four teams (Rams, Cardinals, Seahawks, and 49ers) combined for a 41-27 record.

Because of their poor record, the NFC East landed seven out of eight in Sports Illustrated contributor Nicholas Selbe's divisional power rankings.

But things might in fact be looking up for the division, according to Selbe, who wrote, "The Commanders and Giants are two of the most improved teams this offseason. However, this division still appears to be a one-team race with the Eagles well ahead of the pack.

"... With the Giants, there are too many ‘ifs’ because they will have no shot of competing if wide receiver Malik Nabers, running back Cam Skattebo, and left tackle Andrew Thomas can’t stay healthy,” he continued.

“That doesn’t even include Jaxson Dart’s knack for putting his body in harm’s way. But good coaching usually leads to depth and players stepping up, and that’s what New York could get with new coach John Harbaugh."

The NFC East had the worst division record last season

New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart scrambles during the fourth quarter against the Dallas Cowboys. | Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

The only division to rank in the NFC East was the NFC South, where all four teams finished under .500 this past season, posting a combined 30-38 record. Still that record reflected three more wins than the NFC East's combined record.

The NFC East, however, is expected to be more competitive, with the Giants possibly the team that helps the division emerge from the cellar.

The Giants arguably have the greatest potential to turn things around, given their new scheme. Adding head coach Harbaugh to the mix changes the entire trajectory of the franchise, especially if he can replicate the success he had with the Baltimore Ravens for 18 years.

Harbaugh, whose Ravens last year were part of the AFC North division that went 29-39, made the playoffs in 12 of his 18 seasons in Baltimore, which made him one of the more successful coaches in the NFL.

He sets the tone for how much the team improves, and his hire should send shockwaves throughout the division.

Another thing that should have the Giants poised for a comeback is that, since the league adopted its eight-division format in 2002, 27 teams have gone from finishing last place in one year to first place the following year.

This past season, two teams accomplished the feat: the Chicago Bears for the NFC North and the New England Patriots in the AFC East.

One thing both teams had in common was the addition of a new head coach. Ben Johnson led the Bears from worst to first, while Mike Vrabel had the Patriots going all the way to the Super Bowl before they lost to the Seattle Seahawks.

There's a lot of room for growth for the Giants in the NFC East, and this season should give them a chance to truly make their mark and return to prominence in the league.

Sign up for our free newsletter and follow us on Facebook and X for the latest news, and send your mailbag questions to us.