The Washington Football Team’s lead in the NFC East lasted three days, as the New York Giants moved into the first place of the division with a 19-17 win over the Cincinnati Bengals Sunday.
Both teams have a 4-7 record on the season. However, the Giants own the head-to-head tiebreaker, beating Washington in both of their matchups this year.
The Giants’ lead could be momentary as well. The 3-6-1 Philadelphia Eagles, who entered the week in first place, would regain the division lead with a win over the Seattle Seahawks (7-3) on Monday Night Football.
For the Giants, the win was their third straight and fourth in their last six games. However, joy following the win may be tapered as starting quarterback Daniel Jones exited the game against Cincinnati in the third quarter with a hamstring injury. Jones was replaced by former Washington quarterback Colt McCoy.
The Giants may be hitting their stride, but the significance of Jones’ injury will play a part in them maintaining their momentum. Additionally, they have the toughest schedule remaining of any of the NFC East teams.
Starting next week at Seattle, the Giants will face a four-game gauntlet against teams with winning records, including the Arizona Cardinals (6-5), Cleveland Browns (8-3) and Baltimore Ravens (6-4).
Washington has seemingly gained momentum as well. They’ve won back-to-back games for the first time this season following their impressive 41-16 win over the Dallas Cowboys on Thanksgiving. Washington possesses the easiest schedule compared to both the Giants and Eagles. However, that schedule the undefeated Pittsburgh Steelers and Seahawks in two of the next three weeks.
In what is shaping to be a historically bad division. The first team to six wins could win the division.
