Cowboys fans may not have be getting much from their own team, but there’s plenty to root for from others.
Not much went the Cowboys’ way last week. Their own game aside, few of the other results helped improve Dallas’ position for the 2025 NFL Draft. Hopefully, the Week 12 games offer more assistance to our long-sighted goal.
There were a few close calls from last week’s rooting guide. The Jets and Bears both lost by only one point to the Colts and Packers, respectively. A win by New York would’ve put them slightly above the Cowboys in winning percentage, which of course means below Dallas in terms of the draft.
Here’s a loose look at the current 2025 draft order, based on just overall records:
- Jacksonville Jaguars (2-9)
- Cleveland Browns (2-8)
- Las Vegas Raiders (2-8)
- New York Giants (2-8)
- Tennessee Titans (2-8)
- New York Jets (3-8)
- New England Patriots (3-8)
- Carolina Panthers (3-7)
- Dallas Cowboys (3-7)
- Cincinnati Bengals (4-7)
- New Orleans Saints (4-7)
- Chicago Bears (4-6)
- Miami Dolphins (4-6)
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-6)
We’re doing it, guys! With another loss and other results last week, Dallas moved into a tie with Carolina for the eighth spot in the draft. Things will likely shift between now and when the Cowboys and Panthers meet in Week 15, but that game is suddenly becoming one of the most important on Dallas’ remaining schedule given potential draft implications.
As for Week 12, it’s pretty straightforward in terms of how matchups benefit the Cowboys. Almost every game features winning teams against losing ones; playoff hopefuls versus 2025 draft hopefuls.
If you’re rooting for Dallas to get the best draft pick possible in April, then here’s what you want to see happen.
Giants over Buccaneers
While being the worst team in the NFC East won’t feel good, the pain would be partially mitigated by having a higher pick than New York. But even with the G-Men dumping QB Daniel Jones and seemingly intent on tanking, Tampa has been so shaky this year. Tommy DeVito won three games as a starter last season and the change-up could give the Giants a short-term boost, especially at home.
Rams over Eagles
Seeing Philly lose is always fun and especially when it also benefits Dallas. Los Angeles is 5-5 and probably not a threat to the Cowboys’ draft pick, but better they keep their momentum and stay out of our hair.
Patriots over Dolphins
While both are losing teams, New England is more likely to stay that way and is currently ahead of Dallas in the draft order. Miami will probably edge closer to .500 by the end of the year now that Tua Tagovailoa is back, which will make them a non-factor for the Cowboys.
Browns over Steelers
Bears over Vikings
Panthers over Chiefs
Titans over Texans
Raiders over Broncos
These are all easy picks; four teams Dallas needs to move ahead of in the draft order and one (Chicago) that isn’t far behind. You won’t see many, if any, of these games go our way. But if just a few do, Dallas could be in the mix for a top-five draft pick by the end of Sunday.
