The Dallas Cowboys are clearly not making the 2025 playoff field, sitting at 3-5-1 on a two-game losing streak. Still, there is reason to enjoy the downfall of some other NFC teams. The Green Bay Packers' recent slide could mean big things for Dallas, and not just because it removes the sting of losing Micah Parsons.
Holding the Packers' 2026 first-round draft pick gives Dallas fans every reason to pull against the struggling Packers, and a late-season downfall would be very beneficial for the Cowboys.
Cowboys Fans Crossing Their Fingers With Packers' Draft Pick
The Packers have dropped two games in a row now, and while coming down to the wire against the Philadelphia Eagles isn't exactly the worst result in the world, it was clear in that game that something is off in Green Bay. And their previous loss was even more embarrassing, coming against the Carolina Panthers. That's to say nothing of their loss to the Cleveland Browns in September.
The Packers' schedule doesn't get any easier form here, either. Four of their final eight games come against teams that sit at 6-3 or better (the Detroit Lions, Denver Broncos, and two against the Chicago Bears). Among their other four games, two are against their division-rival Vikings (divisional games are never gimmes), and another is against the Baltimore Ravens, who are much better than their record indicates with Lamar Jackson back in the fold.
Week | Opponent | Record Through Week 10 |
|---|---|---|
Week 11 | New York Giants | 2-8 |
Week 12 | Minnesota VIkings | 4-5 |
Week 13 | Detroit Lions | 6-3 |
Week 14 | Chicago Bears | 6-3 |
Week 15 | Denver Broncos | 8-2 |
Week 16 | Chicago Bears | 6-3 |
Week 17 | Baltimore Ravens | 4-5 |
Week 18 | Minnesota Vikings | 4-5 |
Objectively, Green Bay's roster remains too talented to completely implode. However, it is very possible that there are 4-5 losses remaining on the schedule that would net the Cowboys a top 15-18 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Considering the Cowboys' own pick as well, you're potentially looking at two selections inside the top twenty, giving you a chance to move up or add two impact players. This helps paint the picture of why Dallas fans are set to benefit from Monday's 10-7 Packers loss to a hated division rival in the Philadelphia Eagles.
For once, Philly has helped Dallas, pushing the Packers further back in the playoff standings and opening the door for what Cowboys fans hope turns into a collapse. One that would help push the franchise back into playoff relevance after two years of frustration.
It's clear that the Cowboys have the right offensive talent in place, with Prescott surrounded by weapons. The Cowboys need more depth and defensive upgrades, which is exactly what you're likely to find if you're holding two top-20 selections.
Taking this a step further, if Green Bay does collapse this season, it sets the stage for further changes. Matt LaFleur seems to be on the chopping block, and a coaching overhaul could also boost the value of their 2027 first-round pick. That one may be sent away in the Quinnen Williams trade, but if the Cowboys have another nightmare year in 2027 then that pick could be valuable.
All of this makes it clear why the Cowboys should continue to root against Green Bay no matter who is standing on the other sideline. It is the best path to changing the narrative on the Parsons trade and finding needed answers with next year's first-round selections.