Don’t look now, but the Dallas Cowboys are the NFL’s hottest team
The Dallas Cowboys may be on of the NFL’s hottest teams, but can they make the playoffs? USA TODAY Sports’ Jarrett bell breaks it down.
Sports Pulse
“I don’t know.”
It’s the one key phrase that dominates all aspects of life, especially during the holiday season. Those three words fit perfectly as standard responses to questions about dinner, relationships or even what you want to be gifted at the holidays.
Fittingly, it also applies to the NFC East in the 2025 NFL season.
The Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Commanders have been feared and laughed at over the years, as evidenced by the various nicknames that fans apply to this group of four – NFC Beast. NFC Least.
This year?
“I don’t know.”
It felt like the Eagles were set to run away with it. The Cowboys are lurking in the back though, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. Then there’s the Commanders, who haven’t gotten the hint that it’s time to leave.
Entering Week 14, the race will be over soon. Here’s a look at the latest odds for each team to win the NFC East.
NFC East odds
All odds listed are provided by BetMGM Sportsbook. Access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a complete list.
Philadelphia Eagles (8-4)Odds:Â -900 (Implied probability 90% chance)
The Eagles are the gift card of the NFC East right now. There is no shame in picking one up. It has a high success rate, is easy, and doesn’t require much imagination.
Philadelphia’s chances of winning the division come with an implied probability of 90%, which is about the same number of people who would welcome a gift card over something they’ll never use. Yet if we dig beneath the surface, Nick Sirianni’s team is a lot closer to the random store card than one that could be used anywhere. There are flaws with this team, and plenty of them.
Jalen Hurts and the offense have the birds on a two-game losing streak heading into Week 14 and have scored just 15 points in the last six quarters. If there is a positive there, it’s that the Eagles have the fourth-easiest remaining schedule, according to Tankathon. That includes two matchups against the rival Commanders though, which are never easy.
Considering nine of the team’s 12 games have been one-possession, it’s hard to believe the dominant Eagles are coming back in 2025. Expect more of the same to finish out the schedule and, with the way the Philly offense has played, it could be a rocky ride.
They are far from a lock given their recent form.
Dallas Cowboys (6-5-1)Odds:Â +650 (Implied probability 13.3% chance)
The Cowboys are the last-minute gift that’s guaranteed to be a show-stopper. However, much like that order, Dallas isn’t a lock to deliver on time.
Brian Schottenheimer’s team thought they had all the time in the world, only to realize it was getting too late. Now Dak Prescott is playing at an MVP level and the defense has stepped up to get the Cowboys back into the race. Dallas enters Week 14 as winners of three-straight, including a comeback win over the Eagles and a convincing Thanksgiving victory against the Kansas City Chiefs.
With some help and a little bit of luck, the Cowboys can steal the NFC East at the last minute.
Philadelphia’s loss on Black Friday represented a significant drop in Dallas’ NFC East odds. It’s all about expecting the unexpected this season. The Cowboys pulling off a miracle comeback after an Eagles’ collapse is not as far-fetched as it once was.
Washington Commanders (3-9)Odds:Â +30000 (Implied probability 0.33% chance)
The Commanders enter Week 14 with a less than 1% chance of making the postseason, according to NFL Next Gen Stats.
In other words, you likely have a better chance of winning a scratch-off lottery ticket than of cashing this one. It might be a nice payout, but it’s not happening. Save your money.
NFC East standings
The Cowboys trail the Eagles, entering “Thursday Night Football” in Week 14.
Philadelphia Eagles (8-4)Dallas Cowboys (6-5-1)Washington Commanders (3-9)New York Giants (2-10)