All these teams are close and if any these teams start losing players, it could completely sink their chances of winning. Who can afford to lose their starting QB (like the Ravens did)and still win? Who can afford to have their OLine take a hit and still win? Even if the lose is for only a game or two, it could be enough to tip the balance of power.
When we try to figure out who has the best shot at winning, we factor in things like strength of schedule, current wins and loses, tie breakers etc but in this crazy 2020, staying COVID safe might be a huge factor in winning the NFC East race.
To your question, games lost to injury are always a factor in sports
I just thought it would have happened sooner. I was CLEARLY wrong, by A LOT!