PML Playoff Picture After Week 12: Cowboys Climb Back Into Contention, Set for Wild Card Clash With Falcons

The PML regular season has reached its conclusion, and the road to the 2025 Super Bowl is officially paved. The playoff bracket is set, the contenders are ready, and for the Dallas Cowboys, this postseason represents something much bigger than just another playoff appearance — it’s a statement of resilience, leadership, and unfinished business.

After a season filled with adversity, the Cowboys are back in the playoff field as the No. 7 seed in the NFC, setting up a primetime Wild Card matchup against the No. 2 seed Atlanta Falcons.

For a team that was counted out by many after a midseason slump and quarterback Joe Milton’s two-game suspension, Dallas has battled its way back into the conversation. The Cowboys didn’t just survive — they evolved. And now, with the postseason lights shining bright, they’re ready to show the league exactly what kind of team they’ve become.

NFC Picture: Eagles Soar, Chaos Below

The Philadelphia Eagles stand alone atop the NFC with the conference’s No. 1 seed and first-round bye, boasting the league’s most dominant defense and an offense that can control the tempo against anyone. Their balance and physicality make them the clear favorites heading into January.

But beneath them, the rest of the conference is a battleground.

The Atlanta Falcons, holding the No. 2 seed, have quietly put together one of the most complete seasons in the league — featuring a power run game, disciplined defense, and efficient quarterback play. They’ll now host the surging Dallas Cowboys, a matchup already generating major buzz across PML.

Elsewhere in the NFC bracket, the Arizona Cardinals (3 seed) take on the Chicago Bears (6 seed) in what’s expected to be a slugfest between two physical teams built around their front sevens. The Minnesota Vikings (4 seed) will host the Washington Commanders (5 seed) in a showdown between two of the most explosive offenses in football.

Every team has its strengths. Every team has its flaws. But as every PML coach knows — the playoffs are about who can handle the pressure, force turnovers, and capitalize on mistakes.

The Cowboys’ Road to Redemption

For the Dallas Cowboys, getting to this point was far from easy.

The season began with high expectations after an aggressive offseason that bolstered both sides of the ball. But after a hot start, Dallas hit a wall midseason. The suspension of Joe Milton — who had been playing at an MVP-caliber level before his setback — threw the offense into turmoil. Turnovers mounted, the defense struggled to get off the field, and the Cowboys suddenly found themselves in danger of missing the postseason altogether.

But then came the turnaround.

When Milton returned, the Cowboys’ offense instantly reignited. The timing and rhythm between him and his top targets — CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens — returned to form, creating one of the most unstoppable duos in the PML. Both receivers finished the regular season with over 900 yards and double-digit touchdowns, cementing themselves as the league’s most feared tandem.

Meanwhile, rookie Jaydon Blue has emerged as a revelation in the backfield, forming a dynamic one-two punch with veteran Javonte Williams. Blue’s ability to contribute both as a rusher and a receiver has given Milton a safety valve and kept defenses honest.

On defense, it’s been a rollercoaster. The unit has shown flashes of dominance — particularly with the emergence of players like DT Kenny Clark, LB Marist Liufau, and CB Shavon Revel Jr. — but inconsistency and missed assignments have cost them key games.

Heading into the playoffs, that’s where the emphasis lies.

“We know what this team can do when we’re locked in,” said the Cowboys’ Head Coach. “Our offense has proven it can put up points against anyone, but we’ve got to win the turnover battle and be the aggressor on defense. That’s how playoff games are won.”

Defense Must Set the Tone

If the Cowboys want to make a legitimate run, it starts on defense.

The secondary, led by Trevon Diggs and DaRon Bland, has the talent to take over games — and now, more than ever, they’ll be called upon to play lockdown football. Both corners have produced game-changing plays throughout the season, but the message heading into the postseason is about consistency.

The Cowboys’ coaching staff knows they can’t allow explosive plays or free releases to define their defensive identity. With how potent the Falcons’ passing game can be, Bland and Diggs must rise to the challenge and play with confidence.

Up front, veteran Kenny Clark has been the heart of the defensive line. His leadership and physicality have not only anchored the Cowboys’ run defense but also accelerated the development of younger players like Marshawn Kneelandand Donovan Ezeiruaku, who have begun to make their presence felt off the edge.

Rookie linebacker Marist Liufau has also been one of the quiet success stories of the year, thriving in his first full season as a starter. His combination of range, effort, and physicality has made him an emerging cornerstone for this defense — and his growth couldn’t have come at a better time.

This defense has the pieces. Now it’s about execution.

The Offensive Blueprint: Big Plays and Balance

While the defense searches for its rhythm, the offense knows its job: keep the pressure on and finish drives.

With Joe Milton back under center, the Cowboys have regained their vertical identity. Milton’s arm talent stretches defenses to their limits, opening up opportunities underneath for players like Jalen Tolbert, who’s having a breakout year in the slot.

Tolbert, playing in a contract year, has been one of the unsung heroes of the Cowboys’ offensive resurgence. His reliability on third down and ability to find soft spots in zone coverage have made him a critical piece of the passing attack. With over 300 yards and multiple touchdowns on the year, Tolbert is proving he deserves a long-term role — and a long-term payday.

Tight end Jake Ferguson has also been a major factor, providing security for Milton in the middle of the field while contributing nearly 500 yards and four touchdowns. His presence, combined with the dynamic receiving corps, gives Dallas one of the most versatile passing attacks in the league.

The challenge for offensive coordinator Kellen Moore will be finding the right balance between the pass-heavy approach and establishing the run early to control tempo. Against Atlanta’s fast, athletic defense, keeping them off balance will be crucial.

The Matchup: Cowboys vs. Falcons — Clash of Styles

The Wild Card matchup between Dallas and Atlanta is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated games of the postseason.

Atlanta thrives on balance — a team that can run the ball effectively, protect its quarterback, and take what defenses give them. Their formula has worked all year, allowing them to finish as the NFC’s No. 2 seed.

The Cowboys, meanwhile, bring a more explosive but unpredictable energy. When Joe Milton is in rhythm, this offense can light up the scoreboard. But when turnovers appear, momentum can shift quickly.

Defensively, the Falcons rely on disciplined zone coverage and a strong front seven to limit big plays. That means Milton will have to stay patient, take what’s available, and avoid the kind of risky throws that Atlanta’s secondary thrives on intercepting.

For Dallas, the key to victory will be simple: start fast, stay balanced, and make the Falcons uncomfortable early. A few early stops or takeaways could tilt momentum quickly — and that’s where Diggs and Bland’s lockdown coverage could become game-changing.

AFC Overview: Jaguars Lead a Loaded Field

Over in the AFC, the Jacksonville Jaguars earned the top seed and a well-deserved first-round bye after a dominant season. The conference behind them, however, is wide open.

The Denver Broncos (2) will host the Las Vegas Raiders (7) in a heated divisional rematch, while the Baltimore Ravens (3) face the Los Angeles Chargers (6) in a high-octane battle that could go either way. The Buffalo Bills (4) and Cleveland Browns (5) round out the Wild Card matchups in what promises to be a physical, grind-it-out contest.

From top to bottom, the AFC is loaded — but the Jaguars’ balance and coaching give them the edge heading into the postseason.

Cowboys’ Mentality: “We’re Built for This”

Inside the Cowboys’ locker room, there’s no fear — only belief.

This team has weathered storms, overcome setbacks, and found its identity through adversity. They’ve developed a toughness and chemistry that can’t be taught — and that could make them one of the most dangerous lower seeds in recent memory.

“We know what people are saying,” said Milton earlier this week. “We know the odds. But we also know what kind of team we are when we play our game. We’re built for this moment.”

From the veterans like Kenny Clark and CeeDee Lamb to the young rising stars like Jaydon Blue, Liufau, and Revel Jr., the Cowboys have the mix of leadership and youth to make noise.

The message from the coaching staff is clear: be disciplined, be physical, and believe.

Looking Ahead

The PML postseason is officially here, and the margin for error is razor thin. Every drive, every snap, and every adjustment matters.

For the Dallas Cowboys, this isn’t just another playoff run — it’s a chance to redefine who they are as a franchise in this league.

If the offense continues to click and the defense finds its swagger, Dallas has all the tools to make a Cinderella run through the NFC bracket.

They’ve been overlooked before. They’ve been doubted before. But this team is built differently — forged through adversity, driven by belief, and fueled by the hunger to prove everyone wrong.

The Dallas Cowboys are back in the playoffs, and they’re not here to make an appearance.
They’re here to make a statement.