Every week, the NFC East tells us that anyone can win it in 2026. So, despite a 1-3 start, including a 0-2 record in the division, the Washington Commanders are alive and well heading into a Week 5 matchup against the surprising division leader, the New York Giants.
That point was driven home even further Thursday night, as the previously winless Tampa Bay Buccaneers, starting an undrafted rookie at quarterback, shocked the Dallas Cowboys 24-16 on the road. The loss brings Dallas to 2-3.
Here’s where the NFC East stands ahead of the rest of Week 5 action on Sunday:
- New York Giants: 3-1
- Philadelphia Eagles: 2-2
- Dallas Cowboys: 2-3
- Washington Commanders: 1-3
The Giants are the early-season surprise, but they’ve also played a forgiving schedule, with wins over the Titans, Cardinals and Cowboys. New York, like Washington, has also dealt with an onslaught of injuries. On Sunday, Jameis Winston leads the Giants into Northwest Stadium to face the Commanders and a returning Jayden Daniels. While Daniels’ return is obviously great news for Washington, the Commanders could be without several key starters, including wide receivers Stefon Diggs and Terry McLaurin.
The Cowboys entered Thursday night as big favorites over the Buccaneers. Tampa Bay was 0-4 and without starting quarterback Baker Mayfield. Undrafted rookie Jalon Daniels completed 19 of 25 passes for 189 yards and a touchdown, while the Bucs dominated the Cowboys on the ground, rushing for 241 yards and two touchdowns.
Then there are the Eagles. Philadelphia still has a stout defense, but its offense is a mess. Without an elite offensive line and top-tier weapons around him, quarterback Jalen Hurts looks pedestrian. Just this week, the Eagles lost 6-time Pro Bowl right tackle Lane Johnson to retirement. On Sunday, the Eagles will face the red-hot Jacksonville Jaguars in London.
So, if the Commanders beat the Giants on Sunday, they’ll be one game out of first place, then head to San Francisco before a bye week. The Commanders could get healthier over the next few weeks. Washington just needs to beat New York. Sounds simple, right? Well, nothing is ever as simple as it seems for the Commanders.
Washington needs more than anything to stay healthy, especially Daniels. If that happens, the Commanders are a true threat to win the NFC East. If not, they could also be back in the NFC East’s basement.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Cowboys’ shocking loss makes one thing clear about the NFC East in 2026
