Week 3 is always a big point in an NFL season. If you think going 0-2 is bad, 0-3 is miserable. For the 1-1 teams, this can serve as a swing game towards good or bad seasons. And for teams feeling themselves at 2-0, this can either be a reality check or a sign of bigger things to come.
We all know what we want for the Cowboys this week. The vast majority are hoping for a road win over the Bears, while a few joyless nihilists may already be focusing on the 2026 draft. But if you don’t believe in Dallas
as a contender this season, it’s still too early for most to abandon all hope.
What about the rest of the NFC this week? Here’s what you should be rooting for.
NFC East action
- Rams d. Eagles
- Raiders d. Commanders
- Chiefs d. Giants
There’s nothing to think about here. If Dallas even has a chance of catching Philadelphia, we need all the help we can get. Any opportunity for the Eagles to take a loss right now is a positive. If we get to the point that Philly is out of the Cowboys’ reach and their opponent is a threat to a wild card spot, the logic may shift. But we’re not there yet.
It’s even simpler with Washington. If they’re not another obstacle in the way of winning the NFC East, they’ll likely be in the wild card race. So until there’s a good reason to feel otherwise, no soup for them.
The Giants may be a team we root for when they’re up against other NFC teams. But against the Chiefs? Nah.
NFC vs NFC
- Panthers d. Falcons
- Saints d. Seahawks
- Cardinals d. 49ers
We’re rooting for Carolina and New Orleans to help keep the NFC standings manageable. They’re both 0-2, while Atlanta and Seattle are 1-1. Whether Dallas wins or loses this week, more 1-2 teams is better for us.
As for Arizona and San Francisco, both are 2-0. Who are you more afraid of going forward? The 49ers have done this despite QB Brock Purdy’s injury, so it’s a little scarier to think about how competitive they could be when he’s back. That leans us towards the Cardinals this week.
NFC vs AFC
- Browns d. Packers
- Bengals d. Vikings
- Jets d. Buccaneers
- Ravens d. Lions
Interconference games are generally no-brainers, especially this early in the season. We want as few NFC teams in the way of a Cowboys playoffs spot as possible. If Dallas falls out of that race, then we can start looking more at how AFC wins affect our draft pick. But for now, we’re focused on 2025 goals.
That said, of course we’re paying extra attention to what happens with Green Bay this year. The more losses the better, generally, as we want maximum value from those first-round picks.
