Key NFC East Matchup Takes Center Stage With Cowboys on Bye

FRISCO — The bye week gives an NFL team's players, coaches, families and fans a bit of reprieve through the rigorous season. While usually traveling or undertaking extensive film study or practice for an opponent, one week on the calendar those groups spectate around the league.

For the Dallas Cowboys, they like many others will be fixated on Sunday afternoon's Super Bowl LVIII rematch between the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers. Dallas will have to deal with their vaunted Bay Area rival once they return to action next week.

However, their absence from the schedule will also give them a chance to keep an eye on the happenings of their division. All three of their biggest foes will compete in Week 7.

Two of those three will lineup against each other come kickoff on Sunday. The Washington Commanders will host the Carolina Panthers, but the Philadelphia Eagles visit the New York Giants for a key clash in the noon slate.

With all four NFC East teams stuck together in the division standings, the two will get a chance to create some separation. Like the Cowboys, both teams have not necessarily impressed to start the season.

The Eagles sit at 3-2, having clinched an unconvincing win in Week 6 against the Cleveland Browns. Meanwhile the Giants come off a 17-7 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals.

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At 2-4, the Giants may need this one more, given they have already spotted East wins to the Commanders and Cowboys. However, the Eagles have lacked the fire they had up until the midpoint of last season and are desperate to start stringing wins together.

Either way this outcome lands, it should serve the Cowboys well. However, it also brings to mind the Cowboys standing in this landscape. Many have been ready to write off the team after their third home loss this season.

At 3-3 though, they remain right in the thick of their division race.