Is this surprising? The New York Giants have relinquished their hold of first place in the NFC East following their Sunday Week 15 loss to the Atlanta Falcons. 

They had a chance to remain a game above both the Washington Redskins and Dallas Cowboys, but they were simply crushed by the Falcons.

Now, the NFC has three teams with 8-6 records. When studying the standings, though all three teams are tied, the Redskins are currently the leaders of the division. 

Why is that? 

The Redskins have proved dominant in the division posting a 3-1 record. They split the season matchup with the Giants while winning their first meeting against the Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles. Their only divisional loss came to the Giants earlier in the season. 

So far, my NFC Giants East prediction is on point, while the prediction of the Redskins making the playoffs are moving accordingly. 

The Redskins simply have the easiest schedule in comparison to the Giants and Cowboys. The Ravens and Eagles are on the Giants' schedule to close out the season. Meanwhile the Cowboys play the Saints and Redskins, a matchup which will help the Giants if they win next week.

The Redskins face the Eagles and the Cowboys. There is no doubt they could get past the Eagles, but their chances against the Cowboys depend on what Tony Romo has in store in the final two weeks of the year. 

With the Redskins' potent offensive efforts of late, there is no doubt they could go the distance. If the Giants don't have Eli Manning, their No. 1 quarterback or if the Cowboys don't have Romo, these teams can't win. However, the Redskins were able to pull it off without Robert Griffin III on the field as Kirk Cousin stepped up big time against the Cleveland Browns. 

The Redskins appear real and they are dangerous. 

Check out the full NFC East standing: (Source NFL.com)