The Dallas Cowboys really dropped the ball these past two games and now need to win out and get a ton of help to get back into the playoffs. Outside of the bottom-feeding defense, it's been an otherwise solid year for Brian Schottenheimer in his first year on the job.
What is good about the Cowboys' situation is that they have a clear path to fix the roster issues, and there is no mystery what this team needs to do in the offseason. In today's NFL, teams can overhaul a defense with free agency moves, so it's not like Dallas has to use all of their draft picks on defense.
You can 'buy' a defense in today's NFL, so while 2026 is a long ways away, there is light at the end of the tunnel. Let's power rank the NFC East after some disappointing Week 15 results.
Updated NFC East power rankings following second Cowboys' loss in a row
4. New York Giants (2-12)
The New York Giants have bottomed out, but there is a glimmer of hope down the line, as Jaxson Dart very much looks like a future franchise QB in this league. If he can learn how to protect himself better, he'll be great. Once again, though, the Giants are among the worst teams in the league and will be bringing in a new coaching staff. There are bits and pieces of what could be a good team in 2026, so the Cowboys have to ensure they fill their own holes so the Giants don't close the gap.
3. Washington Commanders (4-10)
The Washington Commanders are shutting Jayden Daniels down, and it's really hard to believe how far this team has regressed since a 12-5 season. This could give the Dallas Cowboys a chance to truly pass Washington up in the NFC East hierarchy, as the Commanders' roster simply isn't as good as Dallas', but if Jayden Daniels had been healthy this year, they'd be in the playoff mix. Washington is looking to turn the page after this brutal season.
2. Dallas Cowboys (6-7-1)
At one point, Dallas was 6-5-1 and had a very clear path to winning the NFC East, but two brutal losses in a row have all but ended their playoff hopes. Statistically, there is still a chance, but it would take the Cowboys winning their last three games and getting a ton of help. If Dallas wins out and the Philadelphia Eagles lose out, they'd actually win the NFC East. This year is especially frustrating, as the offense is top-tier and good enough to win a playoff game, but the bottom-tier defense is pretty much wasted what could have been a great year.
1. Philadelphia Eagles (9-5)
The 9-5 Philadelphia Eagles are the best team in the NFC East, but that isn't saying much. Philly has regressed after winning the Super Bowl this year and just do not have the roster talent that they did even last year. If the Cowboys can do a complete 180 on the defensive side of the ball this coming offseason, they could capture the division title back. Philly is a flawed team and has a QB with obvious limitations.