The Dallas Cowboys are back in the playoff conversation after a stunning 24-21 comeback win against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 12. This signature victory over the defending Super Bowl champions has significantly boosted their chances, with ESPN now giving Dallas a nine percent chance to make the postseason, up from seven percent.

Currently sitting at 10th in the NFC standings, the Cowboys are hoping to sneak into the playoffs while counting on a collapse from the Eagles at the top of the NFC East.

For the Cowboys to clinch a spot, the path is challenging but manageable. They face a crucial six-game stretch to end the season:

• Thanksgiving Showdown: They host the Kansas City Chiefs.  

• Key NFC Road Game: They travel to Ford Field to face the Detroit Lions.

The article suggests the Cowboys need to at least split this pair, with a victory against the NFC foe Lions being preferable. Following these two tough contests, the schedule eases up:

• Remaining Games:

  • Home vs. Minnesota Vikings

  • Home vs. Los Angeles Chargers

  • Road vs. Washington Commanders

  • Road vs. New York Giants

The Cowboys have shown marked improvement after their bye week, making this final stretch “not the toughest imaginable.”

To secure a postseason berth, the Cowboys will likely need to end the season on a four-game winning streak. The toughest remaining hurdle is the road game at Detroit. While a loss there wouldn’t be fatal, winning that game would be a huge favor to their playoff chances before entering the final four contests, where they will likely be favored.

Can the Cowboys maintain their momentum and shock the NFL by sneaking into the tournament? The next few weeks will decide.

Here are the NFC standings after Dallas’ win:

1 – Los Angeles Rams

2 – Philadelphia Eagles

3 – Chicago Bears

4 – Tampa Bay Buccaneers

5 – Seattle Seahawks

6 – Green Bay Packers

7 – San Francisco 49ers

8 – Detroit Lions

9 – Carolina Panthers

10 – Dallas Cowboys

11 – Atlanta Falcons

12 – Minnesota Vikings

13 – Arizona Cardinals

14 – Washington Commanders

15 – New Orleans Saints