According to Zack Martin, “The Real Football” is just getting started. Therefore, nothing is guaranteed even though the Dallas Cowboys have played 11 games and have an excellent 8-3 record to show for it.
However, a few things are trending, such as the possibility that Dallas will finish as the NFC’s third-best team and the conference’s top wild card, albeit only as the No. 5 seed overall.
The Philadelphia Eagles are 10-1, and even though they will be playing the defending conference champions in Dallas, it is unlikely that Philly will lose that standing; in fact, they are a good bet to make division history by winning this division twice in as many years.
However, what about the race in their wake?
In the upcoming hours and days, Dallas can further cemented its position as the top wild card. Minnesota, which plays Chicago on Monday night, is vying for that spot. Seattle is also a contender, but the Cowboys have some advantage there because the Seahawks travel to Dallas on Thursday night.
If the playoffs began today (which, of course, they don’t!), Dallas’s lineup would be identical to that of the previous season. Since the Bucs won the NFC South despite having a losing record, the Cowboys opened the playoffs against Tampa because they were the NFC’s best wild card.
How about this year? Atlanta and New Orleans are now tied for first place in the Southern Conference at 5-6. Thus, the Cowboys would currently be the favorites to open against Atlanta.
The other top-seeded division winners are the Eagles, Niners, and Lions. Should the Cowboys advance past Round 1 of the playoffs, it’s likely that they’ll face Philadelphia in a playoff rematch.
And then? Well, if you want “The Real Football” to begin? You will be getting your wish.