Cowboys playoff picture: Dallas' updated chances to win NFC East, top seed in 2023 NFL playoffs

David Suggs

Cowboys playoff picture: Dallas' updated chances to win NFC East, top seed in 2023 NFL playoffs image

The Cowboys still have plenty to play (and hope) for after a Saturday night win over the Lions. Now 11-5, Dallas is already playoff-bound, but the NFC East title remains very much in play.

America's Team is locked in a tight battle with the 49ers, Eagles and Lions for first place in the conference. That would bring with it at bye week, as well as home-field advantage for the the whole of the playoffs.

For Dallas to rise to the forefront of NFC contention, though, it will need plenty of help.

MORE: Lions vs. Cowboys odds, props, predictions

Here's what you need to know about the Cowboys playoff picture, including what they need to happen to sew up that No. 1 seeding.

Cowboys playoff picture

Dallas has already clinched a playoff spot. What spot in particular? Well, that's still up in the air.

San Francisco clinched the top seed in the NFC with its win over the Commanders on Sunday, but No. 2 seeding could be on the cards for Dallas.

That's thanks in large part to the Eagles, who suffered a stunning loss to the Cardinals on Sunday, surrendering the advantage they held entering into the final two games on the heels of the Cowboys' loss to the Dolphins in Week 16. 

Now the Cowboys can clinch the NFC East title simply by beating Washington in the regular-season finale. That Arizona victory flipped the odds, as NFL.com's model gave the Cowboys just a 26 percent chance of capturing the NFC East crown entering Week 17. 

Team NFC East champions chances
Eagles 76
Cowboys 24

MORE: Bears stay in position to land No. 1 pick after Panthers loss

Cowboys remaining schedule

The Cowboys end their season against the 4-12 Commanders, one of the league's worst teams. All it takes is a win and the Cowboys will be division champs.  

Week Team Record
18 at Commanders 4-12

David Suggs

David Suggs Photo

David Suggs is a content producer at The Sporting News. A long-suffering Everton, Wizards and Commanders fan, he has learned to get used to losing over the years. In his free time, he enjoys skateboarding (poorly), listening to the likes of Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye and D’Angelo, and penning short journal entries.