Week 4 NFC East predictions: Cowboys recover, but Commanders won't

Washington Commanders (1-2) at Philadelphia Eagles (3-0): Some say the Denver Broncos’ 50-point loss to Miami was the worst beating of the weekend. Sam Howell would disagree. In a 37-3 loss to Buffalo, Howell became the first quarterback to have at least four interceptions with nine sacks in a game since Warren Moon in 1995.

"It starts with me," Howell said, per the Associated Press. "But the good thing is: The sun'll come up tomorrow."

The Eagles had only two sacks against the Buccaneers on Monday night, but their defense was dominant, forcing two turnovers and allowing just 174 yards. The reigning NFC champions have allowed a league-low 145 yards rushing, which puts even more pressure on Howell.

Of course, Washington overcame long odds when it faced undefeated Philadelphia in 2022.  The Commanders, however, beat the Eagles, 32-21 — QB Jalen Hurts’ last regular-season loss. 

PREDICTION: Eagles, 21-17

New England Patriots (1-2) at Dallas Cowboys (2-1): Down 12 points and facing third-and-goal in Cardinals territory last week, Dallas quarterback Dak Prescott returned to form with an ill-timed interception to seal a loss. Let the “Mike McCarthy is on the hot seat” rumors begin.

Arizona showed no fear by running right at linebacker Micah Parsons and the vaunted Dallas defense. New England would love to do the same, but the Patriots’ ground game has struggled. Rhamondre Stevenson (134 yards) and Ezekiel Elliott (122) rank 31st and 32nd in rushing yards in the NFL, respectively. 

Look for New England to get Elliott involved. The former Cowboy had 16 carries for a team-high 80 yards against the Jets in Week 3 and should be in a vengeful mood against his old team.

Of course, the Patriots could look to throw the ball against a secondary missing Pro Bowl cornerback Trevon Diggs. His replacement, DaRon Bland, gave up 61 yards and a touchdown to Arizona’s Marquise Brown in Week 3.

PREDICTION: Cowboys, 24-20

Seattle Seahawks (2-1) at New York Giants (1-2): New York had no chance of beating San Francisco Thursday night without its best player, but could Saquon Barkley be available in Week 4? According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the running back has “at least a shot” to return after missing Week 3 with a high ankle sprain.

Against the 49ers, New York rushed for only 29 yards and passed for 121. The Giants should have an easier time moving the ball against a Seattle team giving up the second-most passing yards in the league -- even with Seahawks safety Jamal Adams making his 2023 debut. Adams missed the first three games with a torn quadriceps but should be good to go.

Offensively, the Seahawks’ 87 points rank fourth in the NFL. Meanwhile, the Giants’ 98 points allowed are the third most in the league. The Seahawks and Giants have played 20 times, with each winning 10. Expect Seattle to take the series lead at MetLife Stadium on “Monday Night Football.”

PREDICTION: Seahawks, 30-17