Cowherd Sees Cowboys Missing Postseason in NFC Division Predictions
Colin Cowherd shared his NFC division winners and playoff projections on The Herd. He picked the Eagles to win the NFC East, with the Giants ahead of the Cowboys. He also forecast the Lions, Saints, and Giants as three new playoff teams in the conference.
Cowherd's NFC projections hinge heavily on regression and continuity arguments. He notes the Giants lost five games with fourth-quarter leads in 2025, a statistical anomaly he expects to correct. The Cowboys, meanwhile, led the NFL in penalties last season, a self-inflicted issue Cowherd sees as a persistent problem. Philadelphia returns all five starting offensive linemen and added receiver depth after A.J. Brown's departure. Detroit, despite a perceived down year, still finished top-five in scoring offense for the fourth consecutive season, and the Lions hold the league's easiest schedule. Washington's roster ranks second-oldest in the NFL and lost left tackle Laremy Tunsil.
Cowherd's predictions could influence fan expectations and betting markets ahead of the season, particularly regarding the Cowboys, who command a massive national following. If Dallas misses the postseason as projected, it may intensify scrutiny on coaching and roster decisions. Conversely, his playoff picks for the Giants, Lions, and Saints could raise optimism in those markets. These projections also shape media narratives that can affect team morale and public discourse, though they remain speculative until games are played.