After back-to-back losses, the Cowboys’ playoff push has all but fizzled out. Technically, they’re still alive in the NFC race - but let’s be honest, it would take a collapse of epic proportions from the Eagles and a flawless finish from Dallas to sneak in.
That’s not the kind of bet you want to make in December. So with the postseason door closing fast, the conversation shifts to something much more tangible: the 2026 NFL Draft.
Yes, the Cowboys could still win the NFC East if they win out and the Eagles drop their final games - including two matchups against Washington. But considering Dallas hasn’t exactly inspired confidence lately, and Philly would have to lose out to the Commanders, it’s safe to say this scenario is more fantasy than football.
If things somehow get interesting again by Week 18, we’ll revisit. For now, it’s draft season in Dallas.
Where Dallas Stands in the 2026 Draft Order
After flirting with playoff relevance, the Cowboys now find themselves back in the thick of the draft discussion. At 6-7-1, they currently hold the 14th overall pick.
That spot puts them behind the 6-8 trio of teams - the Dolphins, Vikings, and Chiefs - but ahead of any 7-7 squads, so there’s no need to sweat tiebreakers. The math is clean.
Here’s how the top 18 picks would look if the draft were held today:
- Giants (2-12)
- Raiders (2-12)
- Titans (2-12)
- Browns (3-11)
- Jets (3-11)
- Cardinals (3-11)
- Commanders (4-10)
- Saints (4-10)
- Bengals (4-10)
- Rams (from Falcons) (5-9)
- Dolphins (6-8)
- Vikings (6-8)
- Chiefs (6-8)
- Cowboys (6-7-1)
- Ravens (7-7)
- Panthers (7-7)
- Lions (8-6)
- Jets (from Colts) (8-6)
With just three games left on the schedule, Dallas doesn’t have a ton of room to move. The worst they can finish is 6-10-1, which means they can’t catch any of the 3-11 teams - like the Jets or Cardinals - even if those teams win out.
The absolute best-case scenario? They fall to the seventh pick, currently held by Washington.
But that would require Dallas to lose out and several struggling teams to suddenly catch fire. Not impossible, just wildly unlikely.
The Green Bay Factor
The Cowboys also own a pick from Green Bay, but that one’s still up in the air. Whether the Packers make the playoffs - and how far they go if they do - will determine where that pick lands.
If they sneak into the postseason, their draft slot gets pushed back based on how deep they go. So yes, Dallas fans should be rooting hard for the Packers to stumble down the stretch.
And while no one wants to see Micah Parsons sidelined, his injury could unintentionally help the Cowboys’ draft position if it leads to more losses. It’s a silver lining in a tough moment.
Realistically, Dallas’ original pick should settle somewhere between 11 and 16. If Green Bay misses the postseason, their pick likely falls in the 16 to 18 range. That’s the zone we’re working in as we head into Week 16.
Week 16 Rooting Guide: Draft Edition
With the playoffs looking like a long shot, it’s time to focus on scoreboard-watching with the draft in mind. Here’s who Cowboys fans should be pulling for this weekend:
Eagles over Commanders
If you’re still clinging to NFC East dreams, root for Philly. But even if you’ve pivoted to draft mode, an Eagles win helps them build playoff momentum - and if they face Green Bay in the Wild Card round, an early Packers exit would benefit Dallas.
Bears over Packers
This one’s simple: the fewer wins Green Bay picks up, the better for Dallas. The Bears can help make sure that Packers pick stays in the top 18.
Vikings over Giants
Yes, this helps New York’s shot at the No. 1 pick, but a Minnesota win could bump Dallas up in the draft order. It’s a trade-off worth making.
Chiefs over Titans
Kansas City is one of the few teams Dallas could realistically leapfrog.
The Titans, sitting at 3-11, are out of reach. Pull for the Chiefs to win and stay behind Dallas in the draft pecking order.
Dolphins over Bengals
Miami is the more likely team for Dallas to finish behind. A Dolphins win keeps Cincinnati closer to the Cowboys in the order - and that’s what we want.
Saints over Jets
This one’s a bit of a toss-up.
Dallas probably won’t catch either team, but there’s a slim chance of jumping ahead of New Orleans. So lean Saints here.
Panthers over Buccaneers
These two still have a shot at the NFC South crown.
Ideally, they split their remaining matchups, so neither ends up with a high draft slot. Carolina gets the home nod this week.
Falcons over Cardinals
The Falcons’ pick belongs to the Rams, and that’s a team Dallas could pass. Arizona’s pick is out of reach, so a Falcons win helps more.
Lions over Steelers
A Detroit win keeps them in the playoff hunt and puts pressure on Green Bay. If the Lions can steal that final Wild Card spot, the Packers’ draft position improves for Dallas.
Ravens over Patriots
Baltimore is just one spot behind Dallas in the current order. A win gives the Cowboys some breathing room.
49ers over Colts
San Francisco is holding steady in the NFC playoff picture. A win here keeps Green Bay vulnerable as the seventh seed.
What a Perfect Week Would Look Like
If all of these results break the Cowboys’ way - and they lose to the Chargers - their draft position could jump to 11th. Green Bay would still technically hold the final Wild Card spot, but their grip would be slipping. Detroit would be just a half-game back with two weeks left.
There’s still plenty of football left, but the focus in Dallas has clearly shifted. The playoffs may be slipping away, but the draft is coming into view. And if the chips fall right, the Cowboys could be in prime position to reload for 2026.