The 2025 NFL regular season is entering its final weeks, and Dallas Cowboys fans are closely monitoring playoff and draft scenarios. As the regular season approaches its conclusion, every game carries weight in determining the standings. The Cowboys currently face significant challenges in their quest for a playoff berth.
Cowboys’ Current Playoff Position
As of now, the Dallas Cowboys hold a record of 4-5-1. This places them outside the playoff picture as they sit in the tenth position in the NFC. The top seven teams are as follows:
- 1. Philadelphia Eagles: 8-2
- 2. Los Angeles Rams: 8-2
- 3. Chicago Bears: 7-2
- 4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 6-4
- 5. Seattle Seahawks: 7-3
- 6. Green Bay Packers: 6-3-1
- 7. San Francisco 49ers: 7-4
- 8. Detroit Lions: 6-4
- 9. Carolina Panthers: 6-5
The Cowboys are three wins behind the 49ers, who currently hold the final playoff spot. Competing teams like the Carolina Panthers also pose a challenge, thanks to a head-to-head tiebreaker. If the Cowboys aim to improve their chances, winning at least five of their remaining seven games is crucial.
Strategies for Week 12
As the Cowboys look to bolster their playoff hopes, various games in Week 12 could impact their position:
Key Matchups
- Philadelphia Eagles vs. Dallas Cowboys – A win by the Eagles could enhance the Cowboys’ draft pick.
- New York Giants vs. Detroit Lions – The Giants upsetting the Lions could help Dallas in the playoff race.
- Minnesota Vikings vs. Green Bay Packers – A Packers loss aids the Cowboys’ playoff chances.
- Carolina Panthers vs. San Francisco 49ers – The Cowboys need the Panthers to lose, enhancing their playoff prospects.
- Los Angeles Rams vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – A Buccaneers loss is preferable; they lead the NFC South.
Looking Ahead: NFL Draft Prospects
If the Cowboys do not secure a playoff spot, attention will shift to the 2026 NFL Draft. Currently, Dallas is projected to have a high pick, partly due to their tie with the Green Bay Packers. The upcoming draft order currently stands as follows:
| Position | Team | Record |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tennessee Titans | 1-9 |
| 2 | New York Giants | 2-9 |
| 3 | Cleveland Browns | 2-8 |
| 13 | Dallas Cowboys | 4-5-1 |
| 24 | Dallas Cowboys (from Green Bay Packers) | 6-3-1 |
With several weeks left in the season, the performance of other teams directly influences Dallas’ draft positioning. Fans remain hopeful that the Cowboys can recover their form and make a strong push for the playoffs or, if necessary, secure a favorable draft pick.
