The NFC East got a bit tighter on Sunday as the Dallas Cowboys (5-5-1) pulled off a furious comeback against the Philadelphia Eagles (8-3) to pull the top of the division a bit closer. With the Washington Commanders (3-8) on a bye, the New York Giants (2-10) fell further behind by blowing a late lead to the Detroit Lions. With just six weeks left in the season, let’s take a look at this week’s games for our Week 12 NFC East Takeaways.
Philadelphia:
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) makes a pass against Detroit Lions during the second half at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on Sunday, November 16, 2025.
The Eagles blew their chance to ice the division
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The Philadelphia Eagles were well on their way to a fifth straight win that would’ve helped them come this close to icing the NFC East as they took a 21-7 lead to halftime against the Dallas Cowboys. However, a second-half collapse turned into a 24-21 loss, and will be the main topic of talk radio in Philadelphia all week.
The Eagles run game is in rough shape
The Eagles’ offense has been scuffling all year, and their rushing attack has been at the forefront of their struggles. After a monster 2024 season, Saquon Barkley is just 14th in the league in rushing yards, and he only had 52 yards against a Cowboys defense that has been bad against the run. With the season heading into the final stretch, the Eagles need to get their rushing attack back on track.
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Dallas:
Oct 26, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) looks to throw against the Denver Broncos in the first half at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
The Cowboys claw back to .500
The Dallas Cowboys have now won two straight games for the first time all season after scraping back for a 24-21 win against the Philadelphia Eagles. Dallas has a brutal upcoming schedule with the Chiefs, Lions, Vikings, and Chargers on tap. But for now, they’ve played their way back into the NFC playoff conversation.
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George Pickens is going to get paid
The Cowboys came into the season with one of the best receivers in the league with CeeDee Lamb, but George Pickens has outplayed Lamb thus far. Pickens had nine more catches for 146 yards and a touchdown in the win against the Eagles, and has set himself up nicely for his upcoming free agency after the season. He’s now second in the league in receiving yards and third in the league in receiving touchdowns.
New York Giants:
New York Giants quarterback Jameis Winston (19) celebrates a touchdown during the first quarter against the New England Patriots at MetLife Stadium.
New York Giants quarterback Jameis Winston (19) celebrates a touchdown during the first quarter against the New England Patriots at MetLife Stadium – Mark Smith-Imagn Images
The Giants lose another close one
The New York Giants are now 2-10 after losing in overtime to the Detroit Lions, but have lost seven one-score games – including five where they gave up a fourth-quarter lead. While that’s cold comfort for Giants fans, it goes to show that the team has promise as they look to get healthy heading into 2026. With a new head coach and top-5 draft pick incoming, the Giants’ future should be bright.
Wan’Dale Robinson is breaking out
The Giants have been devoid of playmakers after losing both Malik Nabers and Cam Skattebo for the season, but Wan’Dale Robinson has been stepping up in their absence. He caught nine balls for 156 yards and a touchdown in Sunday’s loss to the Lions, and is averaging seven catches on 11.25 targets per game over the Giants’ last four.
Bye week takeaway: Things don’t get easier for the Commanders
Nov 2, 2025; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) is helped off the field after an injury during the second half against the Seattle Seahawks at Northwest Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images
The Washington Commanders are 3-8 after losing six straight games, and things aren’t about to get any easier after their bye week. With Jayden Daniels likely out for the season, the Commanders next have to play the Denver Broncos and still have two games against the Philadelphia Eagles. After a Cinderella 2024 season, 2025 has quickly become a lost one for the Commanders.
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