The four-time Pro Bowl quarterback of the Dallas Cowboys was named as the top quarterback of the NFC East division by analysts, proving that he is the ‘competitive advantage’ for the team ahead of the 2026 season. 

The 162nd episode of the Doin' Alright podcast had hosts Bryan Broaddus and Voch Lombardi debating the Cowboys' edge in each position among the divisional rivals.

"I think the Cowboys are only competitive in this division because they have a quarterback advantage,” Lombardi said. "It's been many times that the Cowboys don't have a better roster than another team. Philly has been notorious for the past couple of years for having a better roster than us, but it's close because of who four [Dak's jersey number] is.”

Prescott ranks No.1 in passing consistency in the NFC East Division. He threw for 4,552 yards while completing 404 of 600 pass attempts in 2025, bringing his career total to 35,989 passing yards across 10 seasons with the Cowboys. 

"So I do think that Dak Prescott is the best quarterback in the division,” Lombardi added. “I think it's interesting the phase that Jayden Daniels is in versus Jalen Hurts, because Jayden Daniels is the better passer on paper. I feel like if I wanted to start a franchise with a quarterback, I would choose Jayden Daniels."

Jayden Daniels' elite production in his rookie season led the Washington Commanders to the NFC Championship in 2024, while also winning Rookie of the Year.

He recorded 3,568 passing yards, 25 touchdowns, and nine interceptions on a 69% passes completed percentage in 2024, but saw limited action in 2025.

ESPN Analyst Marcus Spears has predicted Daniels to be the best quarterback in the NFC East, though he also acknowledges Prescott as 'the current best', considering his experience in the league.

Lombardi ranked Jaxson Dart last among NFC East quarterbacks, saying the New York Giants quarterback still needs to prove more despite a productive 2025 rookie season. 

But not everyone is sold on Prescott as the top quarterback, as few NFL analysts rank him at a spot out of the top 10. 

Analyst Places Dak Prescott Lower Than Expected in Leadership Rankings

John Frascella, NFL insider and writer, ranked Prescott lower than expected, adding to the mounting criticism he is facing since the Cowboys missed two consecutive playoffs last season. 

Frascella ranked Prescott at No.17 based on his leadership ability. In the list, he ranked him behind the division rivals - the New York Giants' second-year starter Jaxson Dart, the Washington Commanders’ Jayden Daniels, and the Philadelphia Eagles’ Jalen Hurts. 

"I think Dak is a good Leader, not a great one," he said. "Leadership is talking the talk AND walking the walk."

Colin Cowherd of Fox Sports seems to believe the same, as he left out Prescott from being named in the top 10 quarterbacks entering the 2026 season, as per his list. 

He rated the quarterbacks based on their production, durability, and current momentum of their careers.

As mixed reviews pour in for Prescott, will he be able to make up for the missed playoffs back-to-back seasons in 2026? Share your thoughts.

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Written by

Archana Ramakrishnan

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar