We’re about a third of the way through the fantasy regular season, here’s what I’ve learned so far in the NFC East.
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NFC East
Philadelphia Eagles
Just when you thought things couldn’t get any worse for the Eagles, Jalen Hurts goes down with a blood clot. Unfortunately, the latest update is that he’s out for the season. Hopefully, Jalen is okay. Blood clots are serious business. If one lodges in the wrong place, it can be life threatening. With Andy Dalton’s demotion and subsequent release, the Eagles turn the keys of the offense over to Tanner McKee. And while McKee didn’t turn the ball over, he was unable to unlock the offense. McKee was only able to guide the Eagles to 14 points against a Panthers’ defense which has mostly struggled this season. While the loss of Hurts is the major story, it’s not the only reason for the Eagles’ woes. The departure of A.J. Brown in the offseason might have helped the locker room, but his talent on the field is sorely missed. Injuries to Saquon Barkley, DeVonta Smith, Dallas Goedert, and OL Landon Dickerson have also contributed to the Eagles’ offensive struggles. Throw in the fact that they’ve had to learn a new offense and it’s been a disaster for drafters who invested high picks on Eagles’ players. It sounds like Barkley won’t be out for too long, but will it even matter? Smith is back, but I’m worried his hamstring could hamper him all season. Goedert is also back, but it’s hard to feel good about any Eagle without Hurts leading the attack. If you can trade Barkley, Smith, or Goedert, even if it’s at a loss, it might be worth considering. It’s hard to envision Philadelphia’s offense improving anytime soon.
Dallas Cowboys
Dak Prescott was off to a nice start until he played Green Bay. One of my concerns about Dallas was if the Cowboys’ offensive line could protect him? They struggled against a Packers’ pass rush who was without its star pass rusher, Micah Parsons. Another concern I had was if Javonte Williams could hold up? He had his first healthy season last year, and the draft cost for him was much higher than last year, a late 3rd or early 4th Round pick. Also, the reports that I read indicated that the Cowboys wanted to keep him fresh by reducing his workload. However, so far those concerns have been put to rest and drafters who took the plunge have been rewarded. Williams is currently a Top 10 RB in Half-Point PPR. On another note, it’s been a tale of two WRs. CeeDee Lamb owners are basking in the fantasy sun, while George Pickens has mostly been a non-factor so far, the exception being the game against Tampa when Lamb was injured. I was skeptical of Pickens as a 2nd Round pick only because he had his best games last season when Lamb was out. When both played, Pickens’ stats weren’t anything to write home about. That said, he’s talented enough to make some fantasy noise, especially considering the Cowboys still figure to struggle defensively. Their lack of pass rush figures to force them to win some shootouts, which bodes well for Dak, Lamb, and Pickens if Dak can have time to throw and stay healthy. At TE, Jake Ferguson was off to a sizzling start, but has cooled down the last few weeks. He has 3 TDs in the first five weeks. Kicker Brandon Aubrey is still good, but he’s been a disappointment for drafters who reached to grab him. He’s currently the 20th ranked kicker.
Washington Commanders
Sometimes no matter what I do with certain players I get snakebit. Jayden Daniels is one of those guys. I faded him his rookie year because I was afraid his slight frame would make him more susceptible to injuries. Naturally, he did well. So, then the past two years I ranked him high and he’s been hurt… unreal! Daniels played Week 5 in the remnants from Hurricane Isaias and I ranked him low. Naturally, like clockwork Daniels had a great game… ugh! I’m not confident his balky elbow can hold up, especially without LT Laremy Tunsil and RG Sam Cosmi. Cosmi went down in the 49ers game. If something happens to Daniels, the Commanders’ offense takes a massive hit, at least in theory. Although, third string QB Athien Kaliakmanis came off the bench and impressed versus the Colts. (Side note – Ringo rant – do you have any idea how hard it is for me to type Kaliakmanis? I’m bad enough at typing. Why can’t his name be Smith or Jones?) Anyway, I digress, Daniels was under heavy pressure versus the 49ers and I don’t see that changing anytime soon. Jacory Croskey-Merritt hasn’t been much of a factor at RB and now he’s been put on injured reserve which means more chances for Rachaad White, Jeremy McNichols, and Austin Ekeler. Unfortunately, RG Cosmi wasn’t the only Commander who went down in San Francisco. Washington also lost WR Terry McLaurin to a non-contact injury. He’s out for the season. Stefon Diggs and Chig Okonkwo have also missed time with injuries, but are back now. Okonkwo was heavily targeted by Daniels on Monday night. If Daniels can stay healthy, Chig could be a value, but that’s a big if. Unfortunately, 2026 seems like lost year in D.C. It feels like it’s just a matter of time before the Commanders’ offense completely breaks down.
N.Y. Giants
Jaxson Dart’s season ending knee surgery was a dagger to the heart of the Giants. They wanted to see their young QB develop under John Harbaugh and Matt Nagy’s new offense. Jameis Winston took over and the results weren’t good. He was benched this week in favor of newly acquired J.J. McCarthy. The trade for QB McCarthy was odd given that they have a young QB in Dart. However, maybe his injuries have given them some pause. McCarthy’s confidence was shaken after struggling in Minnesota. It’s hard to see that improving in the pressure cooker of the New York media. Speaking of getting benched, I need to mention RB Cam Skattebo. Cam’s fumbles were enough to see him get vanquished to the sideline. He’s been a bust for fantasy owners who burned a 4th Round pick on him. Note that it won’t be Najee Harris who replaces him. Najee was promptly released after he complained about his lack of playing time. WR Malik Nabers has been fighting injuries, just not the ones I expected. He’s battled through an injured shoulder. I thought he’d have knee issues since he’s recovering from major reconstructive knee surgery. However, the last two weeks, he reminded folks of what he’s capable of with huge games. Most athletes struggle the year after reconstructive knee surgery, but Malik is proving to be one of the exceptions to the rule. The other bright spot has been TE Isaiah Likely. Likely was one of my sleepers this summer. He’s currently the top ranked TE in Half-Point PPR. The Giants’ best pass rusher, OLB Brian Burns, is out for the year with a torn ACL and meniscus in his right knee. That’s a huge blow to the Giants’ defense whose secondary is, let’s just say… less than stellar. The domino effect could set up Nabers and Likely for some garbage time points throughout the season as the Giants figure to be trailing most weeks.
-Mark Ringo
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