As grim as things feel right now around the Dallas Cowboys, things could be looking a lot better after Week 7. In a wide-open NFC East, this week's schedule offers them a significant opportunity to gain ground on both the Eagles and Giants.
Dallas' two straight losses to the Bucs and Packers have hurt in many ways, but have remarkably not done much damage to their chances of winning the division. That's mainly because Philly's on a four-game losing streak and now will likely be without quarterback Jalen Hurts for the rest of the season.
After going 3-1 to start the year, the Giants had a tie game with the Commanders and then lost to the Saints last week. Switching to J.J. McCarthy at QB could shift momentum again, but it could also be a disruptive move that hurts their chances of profiting from Dallas and Philadelphia's misfortunes.
The Commanders still exist, but Dan Quinn may not be long for their world. It has to be maddening for Washington to see the Cowboys and Eagles both at 2-4 and still be looking up at them in the standings. They competed well against a juggernaut 49ers team last week, but moral victories probably won't save Quinn's job at this point.
NFC East standings after Week 6
Note: Division record in parentheses
1. New York Giants 3-2-1 (1-0-1)
2. Philadelphia Eagles 2-4 (1-0)
3. Dallas Cowboys 2-4 (1-1)
4. Washington Commanders 1-4-1 (0-2-1)
What lies ahead for the NFC East in Week 7?
The big game is, of course, the Cowboys-Eagles showdown on Monday Night Football in Philadelphia. It's not hyperbole to say this is a must-win for both teams. The loser goes to 2-5 and suffers a huge blow to their 2026 aspirations, and the winner has a great chance to gain ground on the Giants.
Even at home, the Eagles at least have the QB excuse if they fail. Tanner McKee got outclassed by Bryce Young in last week's loss to the Panthers, avoiding turnovers but not generating enough offense in a 25-14 loss.
If the Cowboys don't get it done this week, it could be a catalyst for full-on implosion. Road game be damned, they have the advantage by many on-field measures. If Dak Prescott has another shaky week, or if Brian Schottenheimer and Christian Parker again look like interns with clipboards, the fallout could be catastrophic.
It will be especially painful if New York takes a loss in their Week 7 matchup with the Texans. Houston has rallied with two wins since their 0-4 start, the last being an impressive takedown of the previously 4-1 Jaguars. Hosting the Giants this week is an awesome chance to keep the momentum going and perhaps stay alive in the AFC South, or at least in that conference's Wild Card race.
The Commanders are on their bye week and will come out of it with two home games against the Eagles and Rams. Even from their current basement dwelling in the NFC East, they may look at the teams ahead of them and feel like it's too soon to punt on this 2026 season. Since Jayden Daniels returned, they tied the Giants and gave the Niners a run for their money.
How will the NFC East look once Washington resumes play? The Giants will still be in the lead no matter what, but will the Cowboys or Eagles have taken a major step towards challenging them for the division lead? We'll know where New York stands when Dallas and Philly kick their game off on Monday night.
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