Updated: June 13, 2025
The NFL 2025 season is shaping up to be an exciting journey for teams in the NFC East. With the release of the schedule, the Cowboys, Giants, Eagles, and Commanders can now plan their path from fall to winter. Each team faces its unique set of challenges and opportunities in the 17-game lineup spread over 18 weeks. Let's delve into the key takeaways for each team in the division and analyze what the upcoming season holds for them.
Cowboys' Schedule
The Dallas Cowboys kick off their season with a bang as they face the defending champions, the Philadelphia Eagles. This game serves as an early litmus test for the Cowboys, who are under new leadership in the Brian Schottenheimer era. The opening game against the Eagles will showcase the Cowboys' potential, especially with the addition of George Pickens and a healthy Dak Prescott.
One of the toughest stretches for the Cowboys comes during the holiday season. They face a challenging lineup of games starting in Week 12 against division rivals, the Philadelphia Eagles, followed by a Thanksgiving showdown with the Kansas City Chiefs. The Cowboys then face a series of tough matchups against the Lions, Vikings, Chargers, and wrap up the season with a Christmas Day game against the Washington Commanders. This stretch of games will be crucial in defining the Cowboys' season.
However, the Cowboys have an opportunity to capitalize on some early wins. Following their season opener in Philadelphia, the Cowboys have a favorable opening schedule with games against teams like the Giants, Bears, Jets, and Panthers, who collectively had limited success last season. This early phase of the season will be important for Schottenheimer to establish his coaching style and set the tone for the Cowboys' season.
Giants' Schedule
The New York Giants face a daunting schedule, identified by the hardest strength of schedule in the NFL based on last season's results. With ten games against 2024 playoff teams, including matchups against division rivals Eagles and Commanders, the Giants have a tough road ahead. The NFC East's matchups against the AFC West and NFC North add to the challenge, with the Giants set to face all six playoff teams from these divisions.
The Giants' season kicks off with back-to-back away games against the Washington Commanders and Dallas Cowboys, followed by a primetime clash with the Kansas City Chiefs. The opening stretch doesn't provide much respite, with games against tough opponents like the Chargers, Saints, and Eagles lined up next. The Giants will need to rely on Russell Wilson and a revamped roster to navigate through this challenging start.
One potential turning point for the Giants could come during their bye week in Week 14. Traditionally a time for teams to make adjustments, the Giants might face decisions regarding their quarterback situation if their season doesn't go as planned. The schedule layout, especially with a post-Thursday night mini-bye following Week 6, could influence potential changes in the team's lineup.
Eagles' Schedule
As reigning champions, the Philadelphia Eagles have a champion's lineup of games in the 2025 season. The Eagles will begin their title defense against the Cowboys in a highly anticipated matchup. The schedule offers marquee slots for the Eagles, with not much routine. The reigning champs will face a mix of primetime games, including Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Monday night matchups.
The Eagles' journey to defend their title will not be easy, with tough stretches in their schedule. After opening against the Cowboys, the Eagles face a challenging run of games against playoff contenders like the reigning AFC champion Kansas City Chiefs, Rams, Buccaneers, and Broncos. This series of games will test the Eagles' mettle as they aim to maintain their championship form.
The Eagles' closing games offer a final sprint towards the playoffs. Facing the Commanders, Bills, and Commanders again in the finale will prepare the Eagles for postseason action. The schedule layout ensures that the Eagles will be playoff-ready, especially their defense, as they head into the final stretch of the regular season.
Commanders' Schedule
The Washington Commanders' 2025 schedule reflects a team on the rise and gaining attention. With an international showcase game scheduled, the Commanders have become a team to watch in the NFL. The team's rapid improvement in the last two years, coupled with off-field controversies being put to rest, has put the Commanders back in the spotlight.
However, the Commanders also face a challenging midseason stretch that will test their resolve. Games against playoff teams like the Chargers, Chiefs, and carrying the intensity through matchups with rivals Cowboys and Seahawks will be pivotal for the Commanders' season. The midseason run includes a unique trip to Madrid to face the Dolphins, adding an international flavor to their schedule.
The end of the Commanders' season promises plenty of suspense with back-to-back games against the Eagles. These crucial matchups are likely to shape the division standings and playoff seeding for both teams. The Commanders' schedule ensures that excitement and intrigue are present throughout the season.
