Dallas Cowboys NFL Playoff Race: Schedule Sets Up for No. 1 Wild Card?

Dallas Cowboys NFL Playoff Race: Schedule Sets Up for No. 1 Wild Card?

FRISCO - "The Real Football,'' as Zack Martin recently opined, is just beginning. And so even though the Dallas Cowboys are 11 games into their season - with a fine 8-3 record to show for it - not much is guaranteed.

But some things are trending - including the likelihood at Dallas will end up being the third-best team in the NFC ... and the No. 1 wild card in the conference ... but of course just the No. 5 seed overall.

The Philadelphia Eagles are 10-1, and while Dallas plays host to the defending conference champs, Philly is not likely falling off that perch; the Eagles are a smart bet to become the first repeat winner of this division in 19 years.

But what about the race behind them?

Dallas can further solidify its top wild card spot in the coming hours and days. Minnesota is in contention for that slot and plays Chicago on Monday night. Seattle is in contention as well, though the Seahawks play at Dallas on Thursday night, so the Cowboys have some control there.

If the playoffs started today (we know; they don't!) the breakdown for Dallas would mirror last year's setup. The Cowboys were the top wild card in the NFC then and therefore opened the playoffs at Tampa, as the Bucs won the NFC South with a losing record.

And this year? Atlanta just topped New Orleans for the lead in the South. ... but both teams are 5-6. So right now, the Cowboys would open at Atlanta ... and would surely be favored.

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The Eagles, Niners and Lions figure as the other top-seeded division winners, and if the Cowboys can win in Round 1 of the playoffs, its quite possible that their next challenge will be a playoff rubber match at Philadelphia.

And then? Well, if you want "The Real Football'' to begin? You will be getting your wish.