NFL

NFC East standings after Cowboys beat Eagles: Can Dallas still make the 2026 NFL playoffs?

It was a tough day for the Dallas Cowboys, but winning a tight matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles makes things look a bit better for them on the road to the 2026 NFL playoffs.

Dak Prescott #4 of the Dallas Cowboys.
© Michael Reaves/Getty ImagesDak Prescott #4 of the Dallas Cowboys.

The Dallas Cowboys continued their momentum with a win in Week 11 and have now secured another victory in Week 12 against the Philadelphia Eagles. Their status for reaching the playoffs has slightly improved, but they still do not have a guaranteed spot.

The Cowboys won the game against the Eagles by a narrow margin and now hold a 9% probability of making the playoffs, a notably low number. However, the fact that they are not yet eliminated means that hope is still alive for the team.

All analysts, reporters, and fans know the path to the playoffs will be difficult for the Cowboys. “Playoff hopes remain faint, but they exist which is the point,” wrote R.J. Ochoa for Blogging The Boys after the game against the Eagles. Now, they must win their matchup against the Chiefs to shorten their difficult route.

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Cowboys’ schedule looks slightly complicated

Following the victory over the current Super Bowl champions, the Eagles, the Cowboys must now face the less-feared Chiefs in Week 13. A Chiefs loss could potentially push them out of the playoff picture, which would greatly benefit Dallas.

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WeeksDateOpponent
13November 27Kansas City Chiefs
14December 4@ Detroit Lions
15December 14Minnesota Vikings
16December 21Los Angeles Chargers
17December 25Washington Commanders
18January 3/4New York Giants
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The scenario is clear: win all six remaining regular-season games and hope the Eagles struggle slightly in their own matchups. If that happens, the Cowboys could aspire to at least a Wild Card spot, or perhaps something better.

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Returning to the playoffs is crucial for the Cowboys

It is worth remembering that the Cowboys missed the playoffs in 2024, the first time that had happened since 2020. That was a serious setback, and if it happens again, it is likely that profound changes will occur within the roster and coaching staff. The situation has not been easy for the team recently.

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