The NFC East has turned into a one-team division as the Philadelphia Eagles (6-2) somehow created more separation during their bye week. The Dallas Cowboys (3-5-1), Washington Commanders (3-6), and New York Giants (2-7) all lost as the Eagles rested, as it looks like the NFC East will only have one playoff team this year. Let’s dig into the Week 9 grades to see how the division graded out.
Dallas Cowboys
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (88) is congratulated by quarterback Dak Prescott
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (88) is congratulated by quarterback Dak Prescott (4) after scoring a touchdown in the first quarter against the Indianapolis Colts at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-Imagn Images
Week 9 Overall Grade: D
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The Cowboys hadn’t lost (or won) two games in a row all year, but the 27-17 loss to the Cardinals on Monday Night Football put an end to that streak. After sitting at 3-3-1, the Cowboys are now 3-5-1 and circling the drain. The loss to the Cardinals (and their backup quarterback) is going to sting for a bit.
Week 9 Offensive Grade: B-
The Cowboys offense didn’t have a bad night statistically, as they put up 333 total yards on the night, and Dak Prescott had 250 passing yards. However, they only managed 17 points on the night and struggled to make the important plays when they needed to.
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Week 9 Defensive Grade: D
It’s never a great night when you allow 340 total yards to an offense led by a backup quarterback. The Cowboys defense has been their Achilles heel all season, and giving up 27 points at home to the Cardinals and Jacoby Brissett was just another instance of their weakness popping up again.
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Washington Commanders
Oct 19, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) warms up prior to the game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
Week 9 Overall Grade: D
The Commanders are in freefall after the 38-14 loss to the Seahawks and have now lost four straight games. At 3-6, the Commanders’ season is more or less over after Jayden Daniels dislocated his elbow and will likely miss the rest of the year. Things won’t get much easier as they now have to face the Detroit Lions.
Week 9 Offensive Grade: D
With just 290 total yards and 14 points on the night, the Commanders offense wasn’t effective against the Seahawks. And they’ll now have to play without Jayden Daniels for at least a few weeks (and likely longer). Terry McLaurin has also been ruled out for Week 10 already, so reinforcements are not on the way.
Week 9 Defensive Grade: F
I’m not sure what’s worse: 38 points allowed or 418 total yards allowed. But either way, both of those stats combine for an F grade for the Commanders defense. They’ve now allowed at least 25 points in four straight games, and all four games have been losses. With the Lions up next, that streak is likely to continue.
New York Giants
Sep 21, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) reacts in the second quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Week 9 Overall Grade: D
The Giants’ 34-24 loss actually looks closer than it was, as New York wasn’t close to winning this one. The Giants have now lost three straight after upsetting the Eagles and will likely become sellers at the trade deadline as they’re now 2-7. With a road game against the Bears up next, things aren’t going to get much easier for the Giants.
Week 9 Offensive Grade: D
With Malik Nabers and Cam Skattebo out for the season, Jaxson Dart and Wan’Dale Robinson are really the only dependable players in the Giants offense right now. The team has struggled to make up for their personnel deficiencies and only put up 296 total yards of offense in the loss on Sunday. While Dart looks promising, the rest of the season is likely going to be a slog for the Giants offense.
Week 9 Defensive Grade: D-
The Giants allowed 380 yards of total offense on Sunday and made Mac Jones look like an All-Pro in the process. They’ve allowed at least 33 points in each of their last three games (all losses) and will now face a surging Bears team on the road. There’s a very good chance the streak of 30-plus point games will continue this week.
Philadelphia Eagles Bye Week Grade: A-
Oct 19, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (26) runs the ball during the second half against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
While the Eagles are 6-2 and at the top of the division, they’ve had some turmoil along the way to get here. The defense has been solid, but the offense has been shaky. Saquon Barkley has really only had one good game, and A.J. Brown is reportedly on the trade block. They traded a third-round pick to the Dolphins for Jaelen Phillips and will likely be active at the trade deadline in advance of their Week 10 matchup against the Packers.
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