The division-leading Philadelphia Eagles got blown out in Week 6 by the New York Giants. Yet, neither the Washington Commanders nor the Dallas Cowboys were able to take advantage as they suffered their own losses, both coming on game ending field goals. Could the Giants make a run though, or is it too little too late? 

1. Philadelphia Eagles (4-2)

After blowing a large lead to the Denver Broncos in Week 5 and looking underwhelming all year leading up to that game, the sky might just be falling in Philly after a 34-17 loss to New York. And while that saying is meant to emphasize hyperbole, I’m not sure that it’s too far off from reality. 

It’s one thing to blow a lead, but it's a different thing entirely to trail the whole game aside from an early three-point lead after an opening drive field goal. The defense forced zero turnovers after the Giants committed one on five straight drives in Week 5, leading pass rusher Za’Darius Smith retired suddenly, and Saquon Barkley was held under 60 rushing yards for the fourth straight game. 

So yes, the sky might actually be falling, and changes could be on the horizon. To put it succinctly, things are not sunny in Philadelphia. 

2. Washington Commanders (3-3)

This game could haunt the Commanders come December. While they struggled to get going for most of the game against the Chicago Bears, falling behind 13-0 early in the second quarter, they were able to claw back and take a 24-16 lead with 11:27 left in the fourth. 

As has been the issue all year though, the defense couldn’t quite get the job done, losing 25-24 on a Jake Moody field goal with second left. If you’ve followed the league-wide kicking discourse, you’d know how inconceivable that would’ve been a month ago. 

Washington will always have a shot as long as Jayden Daniels is under center, and even with Marcus Mariota in short stretches. But as long as this defense remains porous, they’ll struggle to have stretches of sustained success.

3. Dallas Cowboys (2-3-1)

This 30-27 loss was the gut punch, Bane breaking Batman’s back in The Dark Knight Rises. Unlike Chrisitan Bale’s Caped Crusader in that film though, I don’t see the Cowboys returning in triumphant fashion. 

The Panthers aren't a bad team by any means. Heck, they might even be above average. But for a team with an elite offense like Dallas, it’s maddening that their defense forces them to be perfect.

At this point, it wouldn’t be a bad idea for the team to start turning their attention towards player development and evaluation while eyeing next year as the start of a contention window. But with how well Dak Prescott has been playing, and him closer to the end of his career than the start, it’s incredibly disappointing to be wasting yet another year of his prime.

4. New York Giants (2-4)

I should preface this by saying that it’s likely too little too late for the Giants in regards to making the playoffs this year. Even after beating the Eagles 34-17, it’s almost impossible to dig out of the 2-4 hole they found themselves in. 

But, if they’re going to try, they couldn’t have started any better. After following up an exciting Week 4 debut with a disastrous Week 5 outing to the New Orleans Saints, Jaxson Dart took the reins of the offense and showed why New York players and coaches are so excited about him. 

Throw in Cam Skattebo running for 98 yards and three (THREE!) touchdowns with a defense that looks rejuvenated, and it’s easy to see the vision here. If Malik Nabers were healthy, you could convince me they’d have a shot at a run this season. 

But even if they don’t squeak into the postseason, the Giants have already given their fans something they’ve yearned for since arguably before Eli retired: hope.

Big Picture

The division is up for grabs at the moment, if any team wants it. The Eagles are doing their best to give it away, while the defenses in Dallas and Washington are truncating those teams’ hopes of taking it from them. 

New York looked like the best team this week, but as mentioned, dug themselves such a large hole that it’s hard to see them reaching the top of the standings. With that in mind, someone has to win this division; the question now is simply which team can cover their flaws the best to do so.