Dallas City News

The first week of the 2024 NFL season came with few surprises in the NFC. Projected contenders won their openers and the lesser teams didn’t. Will Week 2 follow the chalk or offer more unexpected results? For fans and followers of the Cowboys, let’s get into the outcomes that would most benefit Dallas.

The Cowboys’ road win over the Browns was arguably one of the most surprising results last week, especially for how one-sided it was. But other than Atlanta falling to Pittsburgh, especially given the Steelers’ QB issues, no other NFC team really raised eyebrows. Returning contenders like the 49ers and Lions handled their business. Basement dwellers like the Giants and Panthers don’t appear to be moving upstairs anytime soon.

The biggest NFC matchup of Week 1 was the Packers and Eagles’ showdown in Brazil, which Philadelphia unfortunately won. Some consolation comes from Green Bay taking a loss, which could come back to haunt them when the playoff picture starts taking shape. But Dallas would’ve much preferred the Eagles re-entering the country without a big conference win.

So as we get into the Week 2 schedule, what potential results would most help or hurt our Cowboys?

Falcons @ Eagles

Some desired outcomes are more obvious than others, but they don’t get more obvious than this. Dallas is going to need all the help it can get to beat out Philadelphia for the NFC East. While Atlanta’s loss last week makes it hard to believe in them, the Eagles are prime for a letdown game after a big victory and dealing with the international travel.

Giants @ Commanders

It may not matter too much who wins as both teams aren’t going to contend. Thinking big picture, Washington is probably still the better team overall and should pick up a few wins throughout the regular season. A home loss would be demoralizing for Dan Quinn’s crew, while a win for the Giants hurts their chance at landing the first overall pick in 2025.

49ers @ Vikings

Both teams won their season openers but only San Francisco feels like a threat to the Cowboys’ postseason goals. The Vikings got a gift in the Giants, so their true mettle remains untested. Given that, it’s easy to root for Minnesota here.

Both teams are potential division winners so either losing could be beneficial. Detroit has been more of a rival to the Cowboys in recent years for things like first-round byes and home-field advantage. Tampa Bay may be stronger this year so it could end up a wash, but until that’s confirmed we’ll root against the Lions.

Rams @ Cardinals

Los Angeles was a playoff team last year and still has a proven coach and quarterback combination. Arizona could be a different team in 2024 but we don’t know that yet. The Rams are the more likely playoff team between them so the Cardinals get the rooting nod.

Colts @ Packers

QB Jordan Love may not miss many games but he should be out this week. This is a great chance for Green Bay to drop to 0-2 and have to work from a deficit the rest of the way. Unfortunately, the Colts may not be good enough to get the job done.

Seahawks @ Patriots
Bears @ Texans
Chargers @ Panthers

Three easy picks here as all are facing AFC opponents. It’s early to say where either Chicago or Seattle will stand come January but it doesn’t matter given the matchups. These are good opportunities for potential obstacles in the NFC to take losses and help the Cowboys’ prospects.

Carolina should be irrelevant to the playoff discussion but we can keep an eye on them for other another reason. If the New York Giants are as bad as we think they are then they might have the worst record in football, which means the first pick in the upcoming draft. The Panthers may be our best chance for that not to happen.