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?
Bears d. Eagles
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.
Lions d. Packers
Another one where the Cowboys are helped by any outcome. Both Detroit and Green Bay currently stand between us and the playoffs, so either taking a loss here would be good. The edge goes to the Lions, though, as a Packers loss doubly benefits the owners of their 2026 first-round pick. If Green Bay falls out of the playoffs, then the lowest that pick can be is 18th overall.
Panthers d. Rams
The immediate gratification would be Carolina falling to 6-7 and Dallas moving past them in the playoff race. But for the long haul, it’s probably preferable that Los Angeles takes this loss. Like we said with Chicago and its division, it’s better that the Rams keep on battling with the Seahawks and Niners in the NFC West and hopefully put losses on teams who’d currently make the playoffs. If Dallas can win enough games to make this playoff push happen, they should pass Carolina along the way.
Browns d. 49ers
If Shedeur Sanders can get to 2-0 as a starter, he’ll deliver a huge blow to one of his daddy’s former teams and do a big favor for another. San Francisco is probably not an NFC contender that will start slipping now, especially with Brock Purdy back. But Dallas will take the help wherever it can get it.
Cardinals d. Bucs
If Tampa Bay is going to win the NFC South, it doesn’t matter that much in terms of Dallas’ playoff chances. But now that Baker Mayfield has a shoulder issue, and with the Panthers right behind them, the Bucs’ position is now quite precarious. The Cowboys are fine with either Carolina or Tampa winning that division, so long as the second-place team doesn’t claim a wild card spot.
Vikings d. Seahawks
Now 4-7, Minnesota’s season is effectively over. But they still want to see what they have in J.J. McCarthy, so we hope that keeps them trying to compete against NFC contenders like Seattle. The Vikings also have games against the Lions and Packers to finish the year, so let this be the first of a few favors they do for the Cowboys.
These are the games that matter as Dallas attempts to qualify for the playoffs. Other action this week could affect the Cowboys’ 2026 draft picks, but we‘re going to ride the momentum and focus on the postseason goal for now. That could change quickly, especially depending on how this week goes. But if Dallas can maintain this positive run, the possibilities become ever more intriguing.
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