Blogging The Boys
Since the bye week, Dallas has done its part to turn this season around. But assuming they don’t somehow win out, the Cowboys will need more than just their own victories to sneak back into the playoffs. This week’s rooting guide focuses on what they need from Week 13 to help pull off the comeback.
As glorious as it was, the Cowboys’ win over Philadelphia didn’t really change their situation. They’re still the 10th-place team in the NFC. That’s not to say beating the Eagles didn’t matter, but it shows how this mission won’t be accomplished quickly. Dallas will have to keep chipping away with its own wins and hope for some other teams to falter down the stretch.
Current 2025 NFC Playoff Standings
1. Los Angeles Rams 9-2 (4-2)
2. Philadelphia Eagles 8-3 (7-2 vs NFC)
3. Chicago Bears 8-3 (5-2)
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 6-5 (4-3)
5. Seattle Seahawks 8-3 (4-3)
6. Green Bay Packers 7-3-1 (5-2-1)
7. San Francisco 49ers 8-4 (8-2)
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8. Detroit Lions 7-4 (4-3)
9. Carolina Panthers 6-6 (4-3)
10. Dallas Cowboys 5-5-1 (3-4-1)
In that regard, last week could have gone better for the Cowboys. The Bears, Seahawks, Packers, and Lions were all winners. While we did benefit from the Panthers’ loss to the 49ers, a Carolina win would have been arguably preferable. That seventh seed needs to be as accessible as possible, and an 8-4 record is a strong one for San Francisco as they currently hold that spot.
Thankfully, the math almost has to start turning in our favor. Even this week’s schedule has several of these teams playing each other, which will start producing more much-needed losses now and over the remainder of the regular season. If the Cowboys can keep winning, the lane should open somewhere to advance in the playoff race.
Beyond the obvious of Dallas extending its win streak against the visiting Chiefs on Thursday, what else needs to go right for the Cowboys in Week 13?
While a playoff berth for Dallas would likely come as a wild card team, winning the NFC East is still on the table. They have six weeks to gain three more wins than Philadelphia, and right now the Eagles seem to be staggering. If Chicago hangs another loss on them, that simmering locker room strife in Philly could become a rapid boil.
Even if the Eagles do get back on the winning track this week, Dallas still benefits. The Bears are leading the NFC North by slim margins over the Packers and Lions, so a loss would help keep them in fight mode as the season drags on. If the Cowboys do need a wild card spot to make the tournament, Chicago could be a big help. They have Detroit, San Francisco, and two games against Green Bay on their remaining schedule.
Another one where the Cowboys are helped by any outcome. Both Detroit and Green Bay currently stand between us...
