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"With a chance to extend its slim lead in the NFC East on Sunday, the Washington Football Team failed.\n\nWith a chance to move within a half-game of first place in the NFC East on Sunday, the Eagles also failed.\n\nAnd with a chance to take over first place in the NFC East on Sunday, the Giants continued the trend of the day and failed.\n\nPerhaps the only surprise on Sunday was the Cowboys staying in the division hunt by winning without running back Ezekiel Elliott﻿, who was a game-time scratch against the 49ers because of a calf bruise.\n\nSo what are we to make of the NFC East with two weeks to play? The only thing we know for sure is that the winner will not finish the season with a winning record. The best anyone can do is 8-8, which would require Washington to win out. The Giants or Cowboys could get to seven wins if either wins its final two, while the Eagles can do no better than 6-9-1.\n\nBut perhaps fittingly, each remains alive in its quest for the division crown and an automatic playoff berth. And if you’re wondering, the last team to reach the postseason with a sub-.500 record was the Carolina Panthers, who finished 7-8-1 in 2014. Let the record show that the Panthers also won their playoff opener that season before bowing out in the divisional round.\n\nTrying to identify the eventual NFC East champion is kind of like trying tackle Lamar Jackson or Kyler Murray one-on-one in the open field: You’re likely to miss and will look foolish in the process. But what the heck, we could all use some levity in these tough times, so here is my projected order of finish:So, that's how things will play out. My gut tells me so. Then again, that could be indigestion.Follow Jim Trotter on Twitter."
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