NFL prediction computer simulates the NFC East

The Philadelphia Eagles captured their first Lombardi Trophy and first championship since 1960 after knocking off the New England Patriots in a Super Bowl thriller. Next up for the Birds is the challenge of a title repeat.

In 2017, 13-3 Philly won the NFC East, finishing four games better than second-place Dallas. But the SportsLine Projection Model is predicting a much tighter 2018 division race from top to bottom. Will Saquon Barkley be the savior for the Giants, and can Alex Smith lead the Redskins back into the postseason?

Here's a look at what the computer is projecting in the NFC East.

Philadelphia Eagles

Projected wins: 10.9

Division win percentage: 75.3

Postseason percentage: 87.4

Dallas Cowboys

Projected wins: 8.8

Division win percentage: 18.1

Postseason percentage: 43.5

Washington Redskins

Projected wins: 6.9

Division win percentage: 5.4

Postseason percentage: 14.5

New York Giants

Projected wins: 5.7

Division win percentage: 1.3

Postseason percentage: 4.0

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Division preview: Based on SportsLine's prediction model, the Eagles comfortably take the NFC East and are a virtual lock to make the playoffs. The Cowboys' postseason chances though are less likely as the computer gives them a less than 50 percent chance at a postseason berth, while he Redskins and Giants aren't expected to kick up much of a fuss.

It took 57 years for Philly to win a title and head coach Doug Pederson has his squad focused already for Opening Night against the Atlanta Falcons. The status of quarterback Carson Wentz remains unclear, although he has looked sharp in camp and his footwork appears season-ready. The Eagles allowed LeGarrette Blount to fly the coop, but Jay Ajayi and Corey Clement are eager to handle most of the ground attack. Back for his final season is the ageless Darren Sproles as the team's wild card. The strength of Philadelphia's defense, which yielded only 18.4 points per game in 2017, remains its front four anchored by Fletcher Cox. 

The Cowboys hope to recapture some of their 2016 magic generated by their dynamic duo of Ezekiel Elliott and Dak Prescott. Elliott missed six games in 2017 due to suspension and it appeared to hurt Prescott, who had fewer passing yards last season over his rookie campaign. Dallas' receiving corps improved with the additions of Allen Hurns and Tavon Austin, while longtime Cowboy Dez Bryant was released. The 8.8-win projection is a bit surprising, considering Dallas finished 2017 at 9-7. Still, there are question marks on defense and if Prescott can jell with his new receivers.

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Despite three consecutive seasons of at least 4,000 yards and 25 touchdown tosses, the Redskins bid farewell to Kirk Cousins to kick off the Alex Smith era. The projection model is pessimistic about the 'Skins postseason hopes, computing just a 14.5 percent change at playoff glory. Smith is 34, nearly five years older than Cousins. Washington is high on LSU draft pick Derrius Guice, who notched over 3,000 yards and 6.5-per-carry chunks during his college career.

From 11-5 to 3-13, the Giants' plummet was the most unexpected last season. Ben McAdoo is gone; Eli Manning, who was briefly benched, remains the starter; and plenty of drama, including Odell Beckham Jr., enshrouds Big Blue. New York overhauled the defense by beefing up linebacker with the additions of Alec Ogletree and Connor Barwin, but the secondary appears to be a weak spot, especially with Eli Apple at corner. There's good reason why the computer is giving the Giants only a 4 percent chance to make the playoffs.

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The SportsLine Projection Model gives a clear edge to the Eagles, but expects this division to be much tighter in 2018. The Cowboys have a tough first-half schedule that includes road trips to Carolina, Seattle and Houston within the first five weeks. If Dallas can pull off some early upsets, they could vie for the division crown. The Eagles have early home tests against Atlanta and Minnesota; if they stumble, they could find the Cowboys breathing down their necks. The Giants and Redskins will struggle just to hit .500

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