Week 3 NFC East predictions: Dallas dominates, Eagles struggle

The NFC East went undefeated in Week 2, but more than one team will drop the ball in Week 3.

New York Giants (1-1) at San Francisco 49ers (2-0): The Giants kick off Week 3 with a trip to Levi's Stadium for “Thursday Night Football.” New York, 17-17 all time against San Francisco, must at least score in the first half to have any hope of beating the Niners. Against the Cowboys and Cardinals, the Giants were outscored in the first half by a combined 46-0.

The 49ers, meanwhile, have put up 60 points in two games, the league's third-highest total. New York might have a bona fide weapon in rookie wide receiver Jalin Hyatt, who leads Giants wideouts with 89 yards receiving on only two catches. Running back Saquon Barkley, however, may miss the game with an ankle injury — although on Tuesday, Giants head coach Brian Daboll played coy with the media.

"He's a quick healer," he said of Barkley.

The Giants stayed on the West Coast rather than travel after the Arizona game, but the Niners don’t figure to be gracious hosts on a short week.

PREDICTION: 49ers, 30-14

Buffalo Bills (1-1) at Washington Commanders (2-0): After a demoralizing loss to Zach Wilson and the New York Jets in Week 1, the Bills responded by beating the Raiders, 38-10, at home in Week 2. Meanwhile, the Commanders find themselves in a three-way tie atop the NFC East with victories against Arizona and Denver.

Washington quarterback Sam Howell has been better than expected. His 501 passing yards lead the division after two games, but Buffalo could give him fits. Its defense ranks fifth in yards allowed (264.5) and points allowed (16 PPG). Buffalo is favored by 6.5 points, per OddsChecker, but don’t expect this game to be that close.

PREDICTION: Bills, 33-21

Dallas Cowboys (2-0) at Arizona Cardinals (0-2): After convincing wins over both New York teams, Dallas is officially the best team in the division — and probably best in the NFL, too. The Cowboys have outscored the opposition 70-10 so far.

The Aaron Rodgers-less Jets barely put up a fight in Week 2, but the Cardinals could offer even less opposition with journeyman Joshua Dobbs at quarterback. Through two games, Arizona has the sixth-worst passing numbers in the league, while Dallas leads the NFL with just 214 passing yards allowed.

Expect the Cowboys defense, which has a league-leading seven takeaways, to prey on the Cardinals. Dallas won’t cover a 12.5-point spread, but it should have no trouble winning.

PREDICTION: Cowboys, 30-21

Philadelphia Eagles (2-0) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-0): Philadelphia wraps up Week 3 with a trip to Tampa Bay to face Baker Mayfield on “Monday Night Football.” Mayfield has been better than expected with 490 yards passing, three touchdown passes and no interceptions. He has developed an on-field rapport with Mike Evans, who has the fourth-most yards (237) of any wide receiver.

Aside from the running game, the Eagles offense hasn’t looked good. D’Andre Swift ran for 175 yards against the Vikings last Thursday but could struggle against the Buccaneers' second-ranked rush defense.

Tampa’s pass defense isn’t great, so expect Philadelphia to air it out. Also expect temperamental WR A.J. Brown to get plenty of targets in another ugly win for Philadelphia.

PREDICTION: Eagles, 28-24