Updated NFC Playoff Picture as East race tightens with 5 games to go

The first two days of the Thanksgiving holiday schedule in the NFL have been very fortunate for the Dallas Cowboys. In the opening afternoon contest, the Detroit Lions lost to the Green Bay Packers continuing their mediocre play over the last two months of the season. In the late afternoon window, the Cowboys won their third contest in row, taking down the reigning AFC champion Kansas City Chiefs. The Lions and Cowboys square off next week, giving the Cowboys a chance to hurdle them in the NFC playoff picture.

The holiday weekend brings an unusual Friday contest, and in that came more help for Dallas. Reigning Super Bowl champion Philadelphia hosted the upstart Chicago Bears, and in an upset the Bears won 24-15. The loss dropped Philadelphia to 8-4 on the season, meaning they now have just a 1.5 game lead over the Cowboys for the NFC East crown with five contests to go.

It’s still a tall order for the Cowboys, but as outlined in this week’s Rooting Guide, it’s a bit better than the alternative.

Here’s a look at the current NFC Playoff Picture entering Sunday’s contest.