Updated NFL playoff picture following the Cowboys' crushing loss to the 49ers

After falling behind the San Francisco 49ers by 17 points late in the third quarter on Sunday night, the Dallas Cowboys put up a valiant effort in the final 15 minutes but ultimately failed in their comeback attempt and fell to a 30-24 loss accept.

While it obviously wasn't as embarrassing as the 47-9 loss they suffered two weeks ago to the Detroit Lions, this was still a crushing defeat for the Cowboys, who fell to 3-4 on the season and are now in serious trouble He is in danger of missing the NFL playoffs for the first time since 2020.

As far as winning the NFC East goes, the two teams Dallas is chasing didn't do them any favors on Sunday.

The Washington Commanders, of course, pulled off a wild, last-second victory over the Chicago Bears when former Cowboys receiver Noah Brown canceled out Jayden Daniels' miraculous Hail Mary attempt with zero ticks on the clock, giving Dan Quinn's team an improbable 18th gave -15 victory. Washington is now 6-2 this year.

The Philadelphia Eagles didn't need a last-second miracle to win in Week 8 as they beat the Cincinnati Bengals 37-17, extending their win streak to three and improving to 5-2 overall.

The good news for the Cowboys is that they still have two games left against both teams, so they have a chance to get back in contention. The bad news for America's Team is that it doesn't look like it can beat any of them right now.

If Dallas wants to make the playoffs for the fourth straight season, it will likely have to happen as a wild card team. So let's take a look at where the Cowboys stand in the NFC playoff picture.

As Dallas prepares to take on the NFC South-leading Atlanta Falcons, here's a look at the seven teams that will make up the NFC's postseason bracket in Week 9.

1. Detroit Lions (6-1, 1st NFC North)
2. Washington Commanders (6-2, 1st NFC East)
3. Atlanta Falcons (5-3, 1st NFC South)
4. Arizona Cardinals (4-4, 1st NFC West)
5. Green Bay Packers (6-2, 2nd NFC North)
6. Minnesota Vikings (5-2, 3rd NFC North)
7. Philadelphia Eagles (5-2, 2nd NFC East)

A week ago, the Cowboys were ranked 10th in the NFC standings. But considering how everything played out in Week 8, they've now dropped to 13th.

As you can see, the Eagles have advanced to the final wild card slot. And they have a winnable game this Sunday against Jacksonville, even though the Jags gave the Green Bay Packers all they could handle in a last-second loss in Week 8. Dallas and Philly meet in Week 10, which has become a must-win for Mike McCarthy & Co.

As for those gunning for the 7th spot right now, the Cowboys are behind the Bears (No. 8, 4-3), the Buccaneers (No. 9, 4-4) and the 49ers (No. 10, 4- 4). , Seahawks (No. 11, 4-4) and Rams (No. 12, 3-4).

The upcoming schedule for the Cowboys is brutal. After facing the Falcons this Sunday, they have the aforementioned date with the Eagles in Week 10. They then face the AFC South leaders Houston Texans on Monday Night Football in Week 11 before their first meeting with the Commanders in Week 12.

Their only game against a non-playoff team next month is their Thanksgiving Day matchup against the New York Giants. But if the Cowboys can't at least go 2-2 over the next four weeks, their season could potentially be over by then.

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