Updated NFC playoff picture shows just how much ground Cowboys must cover

We're at the midway point in the 2025 NFL season, and while the Dallas Cowboys haven't had the success they hoped for through nine games, they're not ready to pack it in.

Dallas is currently 3-5-1, but they believe their explosive offense gives them a chance in any game. Their defense, however, has been a problem.

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That's why they traded for defensive tackle Quinnen Williams and linebacker Logan Wilson at the NFL trade deadline. Will that help them make a run, or is it too little too late? We don't know the answer for sure, but we can examine the current NFC playoff picture, which indicates that Dallas has a lot of ground to cover.

Division Leaders

Philadelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert celebrates scoring a touchdown with running back Saquon Barkley. | Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

NFC East: Philadelphia Eagles (6-2)
NFC South: Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-2)
NFC West: Seattle Seahawks (6-2)
NFC North: Green Bay Packers (5-2-1)

The four division winners will be the top four seeds in the NFC playoffs. There will be three wild-card entrants as well, which will be the Cowboys' best chance of making it this year.

Wild-Card Race

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford throws a pass against the New Orleans Saints. | Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

5. Los Angeles Rams (6-2)
6. San Francisco 49ers (6-3)
7. Detroit Lions (5-3)

Teams still in the hunt

Chicago Bears running back D'Andre Swift runs with the ball against the New Orleans Saints. | David Banks-Imagn Images

Chicago Bears (5-3)
Carolina Panthers (5-4)
Minnesota Vikings (4-4)
Dallas Cowboys (3-5-1)
Arizona Cardinals (3-5)
Atlanta Falcons (3-5)

Teams that need to start offseason planning

Washington Commanders QB Jayden Daniels is helped off the field after an injury during the second half against the Seahawks. | Amber Searls-Imagn Images

Washington Commanders (3-6)
New York Giants (2-7)
New Orleans Saints (1-8)

Dallas is the 11th seed right now, which is better than the Giants and Commanders, who have also both lost their top weapons on offense. Running back Cam Skattebo suffered a broken ankle, which is crushing for the Giants' offense.

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For Washington, Jayden Daniels dislocated his elbow, which is why they should be focused on next season, despite being just a half-game behind Dallas.

That said, the Cowboys need to go on a run and will require a lot of help to make it into the playoffs this year.

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