Don’t look now, but the Dallas Cowboys are just two games behind the final NFC wild card spot. With five games remaining on their schedule and some favorable matchups ahead, the possibility of a late-season playoff push is still on the table—albeit a faint one. After Dallas’ Thanksgiving win over the Giants, the team’s playoff hopes remain alive. But for those hoping for a miracle, Week 13 is crucial in the race to secure one of the last wild card spots.
What Happened in Week 12: A Glimmer of Hope
The Cowboys’ victory over the Giants was a much-needed boost, but it wasn’t the only positive development for Dallas. The Chicago Bears’ loss to the Detroit Lions was another significant result. Had the Bears won, they would have moved to 5-7, tying the Cowboys and gaining valuable momentum. Instead, Chicago’s late-game collapse and head coach Matt Eberflus’ subsequent firing keeps them in a state of uncertainty. Will the change in leadership spark a rebound, or will the Bears remain in transition? Either way, it’s an outcome that works in the Cowboys’ favor.
While Green Bay’s win over the Kansas City Chiefs was interesting, it had little to no effect on Dallas’ postseason prospects. The Packers were already well out of Dallas’ reach before the victory, and with the Bears and Raiders losing, the focus now shifts to the upcoming games that will impact the playoff race.
Week 13: Who Should Cowboys Fans Be Rooting For?
As the Cowboys push for the seventh and final NFC wild card spot, their playoff dreams are in the hands of other teams as much as their own. Here’s a quick guide for Cowboys fans on the key outcomes to root for in Week 13 to keep the dream alive:
- Root for the Seahawks to Lose – Seattle is currently sitting in the seventh spot, but a loss this week could open the door for Dallas to catch up. Their schedule is tough, so a loss would help create some wiggle room for the Cowboys.
- Root for the Falcons to Lose – Atlanta has been in the hunt for the wild card, but with a record of 6-5, they’re not yet out of reach for Dallas. A Falcons loss would help put more teams between Dallas and the last playoff spot.
- Root for the Vikings to Lose – Minnesota has been playing solid football but is still within reach for Dallas. A slip-up here would help keep the Cowboys’ playoff hopes alive.
- Root for the Commanders to Keep Losing – Washington, sitting at 7-5, has been giving away its playoff claim. If they continue to slide, they could be the team Dallas needs to leapfrog.
- Root for the Rams and Saints to Lose – These teams, both at 5-6, are vying for the same spot as Dallas. A loss for either would further limit the number of teams competing for that seventh playoff berth.
The Remaining Schedule: A Mixed Bag
Dallas’ schedule isn’t a cakewalk, but it’s manageable, especially with games remaining against the Bengals, Panthers, Buccaneers, and Commanders. None of these teams are juggernauts, and Dallas has a legitimate shot to win at least three of these games. The only major obstacle left is a second meeting with the Philadelphia Eagles, who are currently the second seed in the NFC. While the Cowboys are underdogs in that game, division matchups are often unpredictable—just ask the Raiders or Bears.
The NFC Wild Card Picture: Who’s in the Hunt?
As we head into Week 13, here’s a look at the current NFC standings:
- Detroit Lions (11-1 overall, 7-1 vs NFC)
- Philadelphia Eagles (9-2 overall, 6-2 vs NFC)
- Seattle Seahawks (6-5 overall, 3-4 vs NFC)
- Atlanta Falcons (6-5 overall, 6-2 vs NFC)
- Minnesota Vikings (9-2 overall, 4-2 vs NFC)
- Green Bay Packers (9-3 overall, 4-3 vs NFC)
- Washington Commanders (7-5 overall, 5-3 vs NFC)
- Arizona Cardinals (6-5 overall, 3-4 vs NFC)
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-6 overall, 5-3 vs NFC)
- Los Angeles Rams (5-6 overall, 3-5 vs NFC)
- San Francisco 49ers (5-6 overall, 3-5 vs NFC)
- Dallas Cowboys (5-7 overall, 3-5 vs NFC)
- New Orleans Saints (4-7 overall, 3-4 vs NFC)
The Cowboys are in the middle of the pack but with several teams in striking distance. The seventh wild card spot is their only path to the playoffs, and there are at least four or five other teams vying for that spot. The key for Dallas will be maintaining their own momentum while hoping for the right breaks from the teams ahead of them. Every win and every favorable result around the league will matter as they work to make up ground in this tight race.
Conclusion: One Game at a Time
The Cowboys’ playoff hopes are still alive, but it’s a delicate dance of both winning out and relying on the outcomes of other games. As Dallas focuses on taking care of business against winnable opponents, they’ll also need a little help from the rest of the NFC to make the postseason a reality. With the right mix of wins and some crucial losses from other teams, the Cowboys could find themselves in the hunt for the wild card come December. Keep an eye on the matchups, and let’s see how this season unfolds.
