2024 IDP Dynasty Division Outlook: NFC East

Last year, we brought you a new series covering each NFL division’s IDP dynasty fantasy football outlook. We are back at it again this year. We’ll bring you an overview of each team, highlight the best and worst positional groups, and make some cool predictions for the division as a whole. Let’s jump into it!

Dallas Cowboys

Depth chart courtesy of Ourlads.

The Cowboys’ defense performed well in 2023. They allowed the fifth-fewest passing yards and fifth-fewest points. Micah Parsons was a difference-maker once again. The 25-year-old led the league in pressures and finished with a career-high 16 sacks. He’s undeniably one of the best edge rushers in the NFL and one of the most sought-after players in IDP.

I’m bored, here’s 9 minutes worth of Micah Parsons highlights from 2023 pic.twitter.com/7XGpOtSxRM

— FergSZN (@FergSZN) June 24, 2024

 

DeMarcus Lawrence will be overlooked after a seemingly lackluster season. However, he was unfortunate to produce only four sacks after generating 48 pressures. He’ll trail Parsons in snap volume but should lead Sam Williams and talented second-round rookie Marshawn Kneeland.

On the interior of the defensive line, Osa Odighizuwa will remain underrated in fantasy circles after managing only three sacks in 2023. Still, his promising pressure and win rates suggest he can make strides going forward. Sophomore Mazi Smith projects as more of a run stuffer, but he should play ahead of tweener Chauncey Gholston.

The last time Mike Zimmer served as a defensive coordinator, he utilized two full-time off-ball linebackers. New arrival Eric Kendricks should play every down, but at 32 years old, he’s not quite the same player he once was. Damone Clark has been solid, but he could split time with converted safety Markquese Bell, who showed great promise last season. Veteran Damien Wilson joined the team in free agency to provide depth. DeMarvion Overshown and Marist Liufau have more value in dynasty formats.

The three-headed safety unit comprising Malik Hooker, Donovan Wilson, and Jayron Kearse was reduced to two after the Cowboys allowed Kearse to leave in free agency. The veteran safety has a history with Zimmer and may re-sign, but Zimmer favored a clear two-safety system with the Vikings in 2021, and I assume the same will apply to the 2024 Cowboys. Hooker and Wilson are the clear frontrunners. We haven’t seen much of 2024 UDFA Juanyeh Thomas, but he’s an intriguing prospect after flashing at times last season.

Stephon Gilmore left in free agency, but DaRon Bland and a healthy again Trevon Diggs are about as good as it gets as an outside cornerback duo. Depth is a concern, and the nickel role is a weakness because Jourdan Lewis’ ability in coverage has progressively deteriorated throughout his career.

New York Giants

Depth chart courtesy of Ourlads.

The Brian Burns trade sent shockwaves through the NFL. The former first-round pick had a fast start to his career and has remained productive throughout his five-year career, but we’re still waiting for him to develop into one of the league’s best edge rushers. Maybe the change of scenery is what he needed.

Kayvon Thibodeaux’s 13 sacks in 2023 impressed many, and It’s precisely what many IDP managers believed the sophomore was capable of after his productive finish to his rookie season. There are reasons to doubt he can reproduce at the same level in 2024 unless he improves his pressure and win rate, but he’s still a young, developing player. I suspect he’ll be more disruptive in 2024, even if his sack tally decreases.

Azeez Ojulari and Boogie Basham enter their third year with a point to prove, but they may struggle to make an impression as the clear third and fourth options at the edge position. Shane Bowen, the Giants’ new defensive coordinator, didn’t employ much of a rotation of edge rushers while with the Tennessee Titans.

Dexter Lawrence played exceptionally well for the second consecutive season. He failed to replicate his 2022 numbers but deserves a pass because he played 155 snaps fewer than he did the year before. He should remain one of the best DTs in the NFL and fantasy going forward. Leonard Williams was traded to the Seattle Seahawks last October, and no other Giants’ DT was fantasy-relevant in his place. The team signed Jordan Phillips in free agency to provide depth.

Bobby Okereke will reprise his role as the Giants’ only every-down linebacker, but Micah McFadden’s role appears to be under threat. When asked how Simmons figures in his plans, Bowen described him as a three-down player.

Here’s a preview of the Giants Hard Knocks. A meeting Shane Bowen had with coaches and personnel before trading for Brian Burns going through some of his philosophy pic.twitter.com/MKGAK3UiL4

— Talkin’ Giants (@TalkinGiants) June 20, 2024

 

Xavier McKinney had an excellent year in 2023, and his departure will be felt. Hopefully, rookie Tyler Nubin – DLF’s top-ranked rookie DB – can deliver the goods early. Jason Pinnock should line up next to Nubin as the other safety.

At cornerback, the Giants will be hoping Deonte Banks can provide a return on the first-round pick they invested in him last season. Cor’Dale Flott did not look the part in the slot and may be challenged by Dru Phillips, the team’s third-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Tre Herndon struggled with missed tackles for the Jacksonville Jaguars last year, but he generally improved in coverage last year. Either Herndon or Nick McCloud could carve out a role in a weak position group.

Philadelphia Eagles

Depth chart courtesy of Ourlads.

Jalen Carter looked excellent in his rookie season. He faded a little down the stretch but was primarily held back from producing at a higher level by limited snap volume. Jordan Davis and Milton Williams provided quality depth in 2023 but played only 519 and 494, respectively.

Jalen Carter is filthy. pic.twitter.com/jTi4svQ8NQ

— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) September 15, 2023

 

Fortunately for all three players, Fletcher Cox, who led the Eagles’ DTs in snap share last season, has retired. Furthermore, Vic Fangio has taken over as the new defensive coordinator, and he tends to employ two interior defensive linemen at a rate much higher than the league average; Christian Wilkins and Zach Sieler finished fourth and eighth in snaps at the DT position in the Miami Dolphins Fangio-led defense last season.

Hasson Reddick, who led the Eagles in sacks in the last two seasons, was traded to the New York Jets. Bryce Huff moved in the opposite direction after parlaying his breakout season with the Jets into a three-year $51.1 million deal with the Eagles. Huff and Josh Sweat should lead the unit, but second-year player Nolan Smith will likely earn a more significant role, and Brandon Graham still has some juice despite his advancing years. Jalyx Hunt, a third-round pick in the 2024 NFL, is a project and will not feature heavily in 2024.

Devin White joined the Eagles on a one-year deal in free agency. The former first-round pick will be hoping for a new lease of life after disappointing for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in recent years. Zack Baun is listed as the co-starter on the depth chart above and was getting first-team reps over Nakobe Dean, but Baun is a liability in coverage and as a tackler. Oren Burks demonstrated significant improvement in his two seasons with the San Francisco 49ers, but we’ve never seen him in a full-time role. Jeremiah Trotter Jr is one to watch in dynasty, as most of this group is only under contract for 2024.

The Eagles’ struggles in pass defense have ushered in significant changes on the back end. Kevin Byard played only eight games for the team before leaving in free agency to join the Chicago Bears. The Eagles wasted no time reinforcing the secondary by signing CJ Gardner-Johnson, then used their first two picks in the 2024 NFL Draft on Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean.

Darius Slay and Avonte Maddox missed time and played more poorly than usual, but both should remain involved this season. Isaiah Rodgers had first-team reps during OTAs but is unlikely to feature in meaningful games, given the competition on the roster.

There are reports that James Bradberry is working at safety in minicamp after disappointing at cornerback in 2023. However, he’s on thin ice, and it appears he may not fend off the challenge of the younger, arguably more talented off-season additions. Sydney Brown’s chances of establishing a more significant role appear slim.

Washington Commanders

Depth chart courtesy of Ourlads.

Daron Payne had a disappointing year, and the Commanders may regret handing him a four-year, $90m contract before the season started, considering Jer’Zhan Newton dropped to them in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Hindsight is a wonderful thing. Allen is still the best player on the defensive line’s interior.

I suspect neither Allen nor Payne will be handed as many snaps as they had in previous years because head coach Dan Quinn and new defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. will want to ease Newton into the mix. However, Newton’s opportunity to make an early impression has been delayed due to a foot injury.

The edge rusher group has a new feel to it in 2024. Dorance Armstrong joined in free agency and has an opportunity to prove he deserves a more significant role after being mired in a heavy rotation for the Dallas Cowboys for the last six seasons. After joining the team in March, Clelin Ferrell must fancy his chances of playing more than 500 snaps for the first time since his rookie season. Dante Fowler Jr., K.J. Henry, and Efe Obada will likely be involved to a lesser extent, but this unit has heavy rotation written all over it.

Bobby Wagner will provide the leadership presence that the Commanders’ linebacker group was lacking after signing a one-year, $8.5m deal. Frankie Luvu will line up next to Wagner after joining in free agency, and the former Carolina Panthers star has already been drawing rave reviews from his new teammates. Jamin Davis and Mykal Walker will be very unlikely to feature much unless either Wagner or Luvu miss time.

At safety, Darrick Forrest is excited to play under Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr. Kam Curl left to join the Los Angeles Rams and has been replaced by new arrival Jeremy Chinn, who has an opportunity to get his career back on track after falling out of favor with the Carolina Panthers. Quinn implemented a three-safety scheme during his tenure as defensive coordinator of the Dallas Cowboys. Still, it’s hard to imagine how any other Commanders’ safety currently on the roster is deserving of a significant role unless they improve significantly from last year. Maybe former second-round pick Jartavius Martin will get a new lease of life in a new defensive scheme. He has more potential than Percy Butler, but both have struggled to date.

Kendall Fuller will be missed at cornerback after leaving to join the Miami Dolphins in free agency. Benjamin St-Juste was productive last season and should start again at outside corner in 2024. Michael Davis, who signed with the team in March, has only one impressive season on his resume. Emmanuel Forbes had a forgettable rookie campaign but should improve. There are high hopes for 2024 NFL Draft second-round pick Mike Sainristil, who should immediately contribute in the nickel DB role.

Positional Group Rankings

Interior Defensive Line

1. Philadelphia Eagles A
2. Washington Commanders B+
3. New York Giants B+
4. Dallas Cowboys C-

The NFC East is laden with talent at DT. Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne may be the most recognizable household names. Still, astute IDP managers will identify Jalen Carter and Dexter Lawrence as the more attractive options for fantasy purposes.

I’ve awarded the Eagles the highest mark as I expect Carter to join the elite DT group and Davis to continue improving as he enters his third season.

The Commanders aren’t far behind the Eagles because, while I’m lower than the consensus on Payne, Allen is still a very good player, and Newton offers enormous potential.

Lawrence is superb, but as the only fantasy-relevant DT on the Giants’ roster, it would be unfair to rank them any higher.

I’m reasonably confident Odighizuwa should make more of a name for himself in 2024. Smith may develop into an impactful run defender, but we typically need DTs to provide some semblance of pass-rush ability in IDP.

Edge

1. Dallas Cowboys A+
2. New York Giants B+
3. Philadelphia Eagles B
4. Washington Commanders D+

Parsons is a top-three edge rusher in the NFL and IDP. Lawrence’s underlying metrics suggest he should bounce back from last year’s mediocre production. Williams has demonstrated he is ready for a more significant role in Armstrong’s absence. I’m high on Kneeland in dynasty, but believe his involvement in 2024 will be limited.

Burns and Thibodeaux may deserve a higher grade, but as mentioned, I’m reserving judgment on Thibodeaux. His high pressure-to-sack rate was appreciated by his IDP managers last season, but finishing rates are generally inconsistent from year to year. Ojulari and Basham have underwhelmed so far.

Huff is excellent as a pure pass rusher. However, he’s a boom-or-bust fantasy option because his tackle efficiency has always been dreadful. Sweat may be slightly underrated after a quiet second half of the season, but he’s still a better-than-average option. Graham provides solid depth, and it’s reasonable to expect Smith to improve in his second year.

Armstrong, Ferrell, Fowler Jr., Henry, and Obada are the division’s weakest edge rushers. Still, Armstrong could perform well in 2024.

Linebacker

1. Washington Commanders A+
2. New York Giants B
3. Dallas Cowboys C+
4. Philadelphia Eagles D

Wagner showed no signs of slowing down last year and should deliver big numbers for his new team. Luvu has been a strong option in IDP for the previous two seasons, and that should continue in 2024 with the Commanders.

Okereke had a career season with the Giants in 2023 and should survive the defensive coordinator change and be similarly productive in 2024. It’s interesting to learn that Bowen believes he can get more out of Simmons than any other defensive coordinator has previously. McFadden gained valuable experience last season but did not fare well in coverage and missed more than 20% of his tackle attempts.

Kendricks is on the downside of his career but should lead the Cowboys’ linebackers in snaps and production. The strength in depth behind Kendricks is excellent for the Cowboys, but the potential for Clark and Bell to split time does not bode well for IDP managers.

White has an opportunity to revive his career and reinstate his reputation. Still, I’m pessimistic he can hold his own in pass coverage after five seasons of mediocracy in that department. Dean needs a big year to avoid being labeled a bust. I’m intrigued by Burks, but I’m unsure he will be afforded enough snaps to prove whether he belongs. I’m not convinced Baun has the talent required to remain a starter in the league.

Cornerback

1. Dallas Cowboys A-
2. Philadelphia Eagles B-
3. Washington Commanders D+
4. New York Giants E+

There is a large gap between the quality of the Cowboys’ cornerbacks and those of the Commanders and Giants. However, the most productive cornerbacks in IDP are often not the best players. Snap volume and target rate are more likely to determine who delivers the best fantasy seasons.

Grading the Cowboys’ cornerbacks was challenging. Diggs and Bland are undoubtedly excellent, and they also benefit from the division’s best pass rush. Still, NFL teams need more than two cornerbacks in an increasingly pass-centric league. Lewis is a weak starter, and depth is a concern.

The Eagles made a significant effort to upgrade their secondary, and the unit’s performance will depend heavily upon how their outside cornerbacks fare. Slay must prove he hasn’t lost a step, and Mitchell must transition to the NFL quickly. Philadelphia has multiple options in the nickel role, including Maddox, DeJean, and possibly even Gardner-Johnson.

St-Juste and Davis are below-average NFL cornerbacks, and there are very few proven options behind them on the depth chart. Sainristil, assuming he starts, could be a good option in the slot for IDP purposes.

The Giants’ hopes at cornerback hinge on the development of Banks, who must improve significantly from his rookie season. Flott’s performance declined after a promising rookie year. Rookie Phillips provides reason for optimism, and adding Herndon to the roster improved what would otherwise have been a dreadful score.

Safety

1. Philadelphia Eagles B
2. Dallas Cowboys C+
3. New York Giants D+
4. Washington Commanders D+

Three of the top four fantasy safeties left the division following the 2023 season. Blankenship remained, and he’s a solid bet to lead NFC East safeties in fantasy scoring. However, nothing is certain, as all four teams hired a new defensive coordinator, and three teams are expected to feature at least one new starter at safety.

Blankenship and Gardner-Johnson have the most appeal in IDP, closely followed by Wilson and Hooker. The possibility that the Cowboys’ safeties could have a full-time role in a new defensive scheme is enticing for fantasy purposes.

Adding Nubin somewhat mitigates the loss of McKinney, but McKinney was so productive in 2023 that it seems only fair to the rookie to assume there will be a drop-off in production. Pinnock was a capable fantasy option at times. Still, his value relied more on big plays, which are generally less consistent than tackle production.

The Commanders’ safeties could make a mockery of this ranking if Chinn bounces back and Forrest delivers the goods. Hopefully, we end up with two full-time safeties rather than three who play 70% to 90% of the snaps.

Divisional Predictions

MVP: Micah Parsons, EDGE DAL

Parsons is an easy choice here. As good as he was in his first two seasons, he improved even further in 2023. His pressure rate and tackle efficiency increased, and as bizarre as it may sound, he was probably unfortunate to finish with ‘only’ 16 sacks. He’s only just celebrated his 25th birthday, and the sky is the limit as he enters his fourth NFL campaign.

LVP: Daron Payne, DT WAS

Payne produced an unsustainably high sack rate in 2022 and followed up with a poor year in 2023. Still, I’ve nominated him here mainly because he has new competition. The veteran has finished in the top ten among DTs in snap volume for four consecutive seasons, and that run may end in 2024 because of the presence of Newton and a new defensive scheme.

Most Improved: Jalen Carter, DT PHI

Carter is supremely talented, had an extremely promising rookie season, and should benefit from a more significant role following the retirement of Fletcher Cox. Carter was good in 2023, but he should be excellent in 2024.

Biggest Steal: Dorance Armstrong, EDGE WAS

This award will almost certainly be incorrect, as the biggest steal will likely be a player not projected to start but who earns a significant role following an injury. However, Armstrong looks primed to outperform expectations. He’s currently unranked in the DLF Dynasty IDP Rankings despite being arguably the most talented player in a weak group of Commanders’ edge rushers.

Biggest Bust: Jer’Zhan Newton, DT WAS

This will be an unpopular opinion, but let me be clear. I think Newton will have a successful NFL career, but I don’t think 2024 will be his year. Feet injuries have hampered his preparation for his rookie season. He seems likely to be third in DT snaps in his rookie campaign, with two established players ahead of him.

Wait for it: Cooper DeJean, DB PHI, and Tyler Nubin, S NYG

I make no apologies for sitting on the fence, as I’m equally optimistic that both of these guys will become solid NFL and fantasy DBs at some point in the 2024 season. We may have to wait a little longer on DeJean as he faces competition for a role in the Eagles’ secondary, but in the meantime, there’s a chance he compensates by providing return yardage.