The Dallas Cowboys are fighting for both the NFC East crown and a wild card spot. With a Week 18 showdown against Philadelphia looming, here's everything Dallas needs to secure their playoff position.
Current Playoff Picture
10-5
Current Record
#5
NFC Seed (WC1)
Paths to the Playoffs
Win NFC East
The Cowboys can win the division with:
- Cowboys WIN @ Eagles (Week 18) + Week 17 WIN, OR
- Cowboys WIN @ Eagles + Eagles LOSS Week 17
Wild Card Clinch
Dallas clinches a wild card with:
- Cowboys WIN in any remaining game, OR
- Commanders LOSS + Seahawks LOSS
The Week 18 Showdown
Everything comes down to the Eagles-Cowboys Week 18 matchup in Philadelphia:
| Result | Cowboys Outcome | Eagles Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Cowboys WIN | NFC East Champions (if 11-5 or better) | Wild Card #5 seed |
| Eagles WIN | Wild Card #5 seed (locked in) | NFC East Champions |
Head-to-Head History
The Eagles won the first meeting this season 28-24 in Dallas. Key factors:
- Saquon Barkley: Rushed for 147 yards against Dallas
- CeeDee Lamb: 9 catches, 112 yards in losing effort
- Turnover battle: Dallas committed 3 turnovers
⚠️ Key Stat: The Cowboys are 7-2 on the road this season. Their ability to perform in hostile environments gives them a real shot at stealing the NFC East in Philadelphia.
Wild Card Seeding
If the Cowboys finish as a wild card, their seed matters:
- #5 seed: Would face #4 seed (likely 49ers) on the road
- #6 seed: Would face #3 seed (likely Buccaneers) on the road
- #7 seed: Would face #2 seed (likely Eagles) on the road
Remaining Schedule
- Week 17: vs Tennessee Titans (Home)
- Week 18: @ Philadelphia Eagles (Division on the line)
Best Case Scenario
The dream scenario for Cowboys fans:
- Beat Titans at home in Week 17
- Beat Eagles in Philadelphia Week 18
- Win NFC East and host a playoff game
- Lions lose to fall from #1, Cowboys rise to #2
This would give Dallas a home playoff game and potentially a first-round bye if everything breaks right.