{"id":138195,"date":"2026-01-11T23:39:22","date_gmt":"2026-01-11T23:39:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=138195"},"modified":"2026-01-11T23:39:22","modified_gmt":"2026-01-11T23:39:22","slug":"%f0%9f%9a%a8-playoff-fallout-with-a-twist-the-green-bay-packers-shocking-playoff-exit-didnt-just-end-their-season-it-unexpectedly-opened-a-massive-door-for-the-dallas-cowb","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=138195","title":{"rendered":"\ud83d\udea8 PLAYOFF FALLOUT WITH A TWIST: The Green Bay Packers\u2019 shocking playoff exit didn\u2019t just end their season \u2014 it unexpectedly opened a massive door for the Dallas Cowboys. What looked like a rival\u2019s collapse is now being viewed as Dallas\u2019 hidden opportunity. Insiders say the ripple effects go far beyond the final score. One loss elsewhere may quietly reshape the Cowboys\u2019 entire offseason strategy \ud83d\udc47"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2 data-start=\"524\" data-end=\"667\"><strong data-start=\"527\" data-end=\"667\">OWBOYS GAIN CRUCIAL EDGE WITHOUT MAKING PLAYOFFS: Dallas Secures Two First-Round Picks in 2026 NFL Draft After Bears\u2019 Stunning Comeback<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/library.sportingnews.com\/styles\/crop_style_16_9_desktop_webp\/s3\/2025-09\/Dak%20Prescott%20Micah%20Parsons%20092925%20getty%20ftr.jpg.webp?itok=Csmv6Vc4\" alt=\"Cowboys vs. Packers final score, results: Dallas, Green Bay settle for tie  in Micah Parsons' return to AT&amp;T Stadium | Sporting News\" \/><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"669\" data-end=\"948\">Even though the <strong data-start=\"685\" data-end=\"726\"><span class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">Dallas Cowboys<\/span><\/span><\/strong> will once again be watching the NFC Playoffs from home, the franchise still managed to walk away with a quiet but meaningful victory on Wild Card Weekend \u2014 one that could eventually translate into real postseason success.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"950\" data-end=\"1003\">The turning point came not in Dallas, but in Chicago.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1005\" data-end=\"1271\">After the <strong data-start=\"1015\" data-end=\"1056\"><span class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">Chicago Bears<\/span><\/span><\/strong> mounted a dramatic 15-point comeback in the fourth quarter to defeat the <strong data-start=\"1130\" data-end=\"1171\"><span class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">Green Bay Packers<\/span><\/span><\/strong> in the NFC Wild Card Round on Saturday, January 11, the ripple effects were felt across the league.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1273\" data-end=\"1317\">One of the biggest beneficiaries was Dallas.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1319\" data-end=\"1538\">That single result officially locked the Cowboys into the <strong data-start=\"1377\" data-end=\"1400\">No. 20 overall pick<\/strong> in the first round of the <strong data-start=\"1427\" data-end=\"1445\">2026 NFL Draft<\/strong>, giving the franchise <strong data-start=\"1468\" data-end=\"1498\">two first-round selections<\/strong> next spring \u2014 at <strong data-start=\"1516\" data-end=\"1537\">No. 12 and No. 20<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1540\" data-end=\"1612\">In a league where draft capital is currency, this was a significant win.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"1614\" data-end=\"1617\" \/>\n<h3 data-start=\"1619\" data-end=\"1677\"><strong data-start=\"1623\" data-end=\"1677\">How One Playoff Game Changed Dallas\u2019 Draft Outlook<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"1679\" data-end=\"1793\">The Packers entered the postseason with a 9-7-1 record, narrowly ahead of the Carolina Panthers, who finished 8-9.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1795\" data-end=\"1845\">Both teams were eliminated in the Wild Card round.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1847\" data-end=\"1947\">Had Carolina pulled off an upset against the Rams, Dallas would have landed the No. 19 pick instead.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1949\" data-end=\"2037\">Instead, Chicago\u2019s comeback against Green Bay finalized the Cowboys\u2019 position at No. 20.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2039\" data-end=\"2082\">According to the Cowboys\u2019 official website:<\/p>\n<blockquote data-start=\"2084\" data-end=\"2415\">\n<p data-start=\"2086\" data-end=\"2415\">\u201cAfter the Green Bay Packers\u2019 loss to the Chicago Bears on Saturday, the Cowboys will get the 20th overall pick in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. It\u2019s the second pick that Dallas will hold in the first round, with their own being at 12th overall and the Packers\u2019 pick coming to Dallas as part of the Micah Parsons trade.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p data-start=\"2417\" data-end=\"2447\">That final detail is critical.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2449\" data-end=\"2693\">The second first-round pick originally belonged to Green Bay and was acquired by Dallas as part of the blockbuster trade involving <strong data-start=\"2580\" data-end=\"2621\"><span class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">Micah Parsons<\/span><\/span><\/strong>, a move that continues to shape the Cowboys\u2019 long-term roster strategy.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"2695\" data-end=\"2698\" \/>\n<h3 data-start=\"2700\" data-end=\"2756\"><strong data-start=\"2704\" data-end=\"2756\">Rare Territory for Dallas: Two First-Round Picks<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"2758\" data-end=\"2897\">This will mark just the <strong data-start=\"2782\" data-end=\"2817\">sixth time in franchise history<\/strong> that the Cowboys have held <strong data-start=\"2845\" data-end=\"2878\">two or more first-round picks<\/strong> in the same draft.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2899\" data-end=\"2982\">It is also the <strong data-start=\"2914\" data-end=\"2939\">first time since 2008<\/strong> that Dallas finds itself in this position.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2984\" data-end=\"3016\">That year, the Cowboys selected:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"3018\" data-end=\"3110\">\n<li data-start=\"3018\" data-end=\"3064\">\n<p data-start=\"3020\" data-end=\"3064\">Running back Felix Jones at No. 22 overall<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3065\" data-end=\"3110\">\n<p data-start=\"3067\" data-end=\"3110\">Cornerback Mike Jenkins at No. 25 overall<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"3112\" data-end=\"3192\">While those selections produced mixed results, the broader lesson remains clear.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3194\" data-end=\"3258\">Having two first-round picks dramatically increases flexibility.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3260\" data-end=\"3358\">Dallas can address multiple needs, trade up, trade down, or package assets to pursue elite talent.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"3360\" data-end=\"3363\" \/>\n<h3 data-start=\"3365\" data-end=\"3428\"><strong data-start=\"3369\" data-end=\"3428\">A Franchise at a Crossroads Entering the 2026 Offseason<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"3430\" data-end=\"3510\">The Cowboys enter the 2026 offseason facing difficult but unavoidable realities.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3512\" data-end=\"3708\">The team is currently projected to sit at <strong data-start=\"3554\" data-end=\"3607\">approximately $36 million over the NFL salary cap<\/strong>, a figure that will force hard decisions on veteran contracts, restructures, and potential releases.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3710\" data-end=\"3790\">Cap constraints will almost certainly influence how Dallas approaches the draft.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3792\" data-end=\"3883\">Cheap, high-impact rookies on rookie contracts are not just desirable \u2014 they are necessary.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3885\" data-end=\"3961\">And that reality is pushing the Cowboys\u2019 focus in a very specific direction.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3963\" data-end=\"3971\">Defense.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"3973\" data-end=\"3976\" \/>\n<h3 data-start=\"3978\" data-end=\"4030\"><strong data-start=\"3982\" data-end=\"4030\">Defense Becomes the Clear Priority in Dallas<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"4032\" data-end=\"4115\">The Cowboys\u2019 struggles on defense during the 2025 season were impossible to ignore.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4117\" data-end=\"4160\">In fact, they were historically unbalanced.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4162\" data-end=\"4288\">Dallas fielded one of the <strong data-start=\"4188\" data-end=\"4221\">top three offenses in the NFL<\/strong>, while simultaneously ranking among the <strong data-start=\"4262\" data-end=\"4287\">bottom three defenses<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4290\" data-end=\"4386\">That imbalance prompted owner <strong data-start=\"4320\" data-end=\"4361\"><span class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">Jerry Jones<\/span><\/span><\/strong> to take decisive action.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4388\" data-end=\"4549\">Jones stepped in and fired defensive coordinator <strong data-start=\"4437\" data-end=\"4478\"><span class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">Matt Eberflus<\/span><\/span><\/strong> after just one season, signaling that patience had officially run out.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4551\" data-end=\"4580\">The message was unmistakable.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4582\" data-end=\"4616\">Defense must be fixed immediately.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"4618\" data-end=\"4621\" \/>\n<h3 data-start=\"4623\" data-end=\"4688\"><strong data-start=\"4627\" data-end=\"4688\">Projected Pick No. 12: Ohio State Linebacker Sonny Styles<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"4690\" data-end=\"4897\">According to Bleacher Report\u2019s post-regular season mock draft, Dallas is projected to select <strong data-start=\"4783\" data-end=\"4824\"><span class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">Sonny Styles<\/span><\/span><\/strong>, an inside linebacker from Ohio State, with the <strong data-start=\"4873\" data-end=\"4896\">No. 12 overall pick<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4899\" data-end=\"4937\">Bleacher Report\u2019s analysis was direct:<\/p>\n<blockquote data-start=\"4939\" data-end=\"5387\">\n<p data-start=\"4941\" data-end=\"5387\">\u201cThe Dallas Cowboys were the only squad in the NFL to field a top-three offense and bottom-three defense during the 2025 regular season. Dallas could add any defensive prospect in April\u2019s first round and be better off than it was entering the process. But Sonny Styles may be the perfect addition, because he fits what the Cowboys like in their off-ball linebackers. He also gives the unit a Day 1 field general, who brings a complete skill set.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p data-start=\"5389\" data-end=\"5440\">Styles is widely viewed as a defensive centerpiece.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"5442\" data-end=\"5559\">He offers sideline-to-sideline range, strong instincts, and leadership qualities that project well at the next level.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"5561\" data-end=\"5638\">For a defense desperate for structure and communication, his fit makes sense.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"5640\" data-end=\"5643\" \/>\n<h3 data-start=\"5645\" data-end=\"5710\"><strong data-start=\"5649\" data-end=\"5710\">Doubling Down: Why Dallas Could Use Both Picks on Defense<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"5712\" data-end=\"5850\">If the Cowboys keep both first-round selections, league insiders believe there is a strong chance they <strong data-start=\"5815\" data-end=\"5849\">double up on defensive players<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"5852\" data-end=\"5913\">Linebacker and cornerback stand out as the most urgent needs.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"5915\" data-end=\"6047\">And if the board breaks favorably, Dallas could have an opportunity to land one of the most intriguing defensive backs in the class.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"5915\" data-end=\"6047\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.si.com\/.image\/c_fill,w_1440,ar_1440:810,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/MjAzNjMzOTYxOTc5NjE5MTkw\/gettyimages-1933478885-612x612.jpg\" alt=\"Worst Playoff Loss Ever? Cowboys' Season Ends In Packers' 48-32 Blowout\" \/><\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"6049\" data-end=\"6052\" \/>\n<h3 data-start=\"6054\" data-end=\"6114\"><strong data-start=\"6058\" data-end=\"6114\">Projected Pick No. 20: LSU Cornerback Mansoor Delane<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"6116\" data-end=\"6283\">At No. 20 overall, the Cowboys could be in position to select <strong data-start=\"6178\" data-end=\"6219\"><span class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">Mansoor Delane<\/span><\/span><\/strong>, widely regarded as the top cornerback in the 2026 draft class.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"6285\" data-end=\"6387\">ESPN draft analyst <strong data-start=\"6304\" data-end=\"6345\"><span class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">Jordan Reid<\/span><\/span><\/strong> offered high praise for Delane\u2019s profile:<\/p>\n<blockquote data-start=\"6389\" data-end=\"6733\">\n<p data-start=\"6391\" data-end=\"6733\">\u201cDelane is technically sound with a savvy skill set. He has the speed to turn and run with targets in man coverage, but his eyes in zone coverage are among the best of any corner in this year\u2019s class. His 27.8% completion percentage allowed was the third-lowest rate in the FBS, and he had 11 pass breakups and two interceptions this season.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p data-start=\"6735\" data-end=\"6756\">Those numbers matter.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"6758\" data-end=\"6860\">Dallas struggled mightily in coverage throughout 2025, particularly against disciplined route runners.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"6862\" data-end=\"6943\">Delane\u2019s combination of instincts and technique addresses that weakness directly.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"6945\" data-end=\"6948\" \/>\n<h3 data-start=\"6950\" data-end=\"7000\"><strong data-start=\"6954\" data-end=\"7000\">Why This Matters to NFL Fans Beyond Dallas<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"7002\" data-end=\"7167\">For fans across the league \u2014 including <strong data-start=\"7041\" data-end=\"7082\"><span class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">Pittsburgh Steelers<\/span><\/span><\/strong> supporters who closely track roster construction \u2014 Dallas\u2019 situation is instructive.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"7169\" data-end=\"7249\">It highlights how draft capital, cap management, and playoff results intertwine.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"7251\" data-end=\"7345\">It shows how a team can miss the postseason yet still gain meaningful leverage for the future.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"7347\" data-end=\"7405\">And it reinforces a truth every NFL franchise understands.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"7407\" data-end=\"7509\">Championship windows are built months \u2014 and sometimes years \u2014 before wins start showing up in January.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"7511\" data-end=\"7514\" \/>\n<h3 data-start=\"7516\" data-end=\"7571\"><strong data-start=\"7520\" data-end=\"7571\">The Bigger Picture: Opportunity Without Excuses<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"7573\" data-end=\"7619\">The Cowboys now hold a rare and powerful hand.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"7621\" data-end=\"7643\">Two first-round picks.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"7645\" data-end=\"7667\">Clear defensive needs.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"7669\" data-end=\"7694\">A mandate from ownership.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"7696\" data-end=\"7760\">And a roster that is offensively capable but defensively flawed.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"7762\" data-end=\"7824\">What they do next will define the next phase of the franchise.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"7826\" data-end=\"7884\">Drafting well in April will not guarantee playoff success.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"7886\" data-end=\"7962\">But failing to capitalize on this opportunity would be difficult to justify.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"7964\" data-end=\"7967\" \/>\n<h3 data-start=\"7969\" data-end=\"7991\"><strong data-start=\"7973\" data-end=\"7991\">Final Takeaway<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"7993\" data-end=\"8039\">Dallas may not be playing in the NFC Playoffs.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"8041\" data-end=\"8209\">But thanks to Chicago\u2019s comeback, Green Bay\u2019s loss, and a well-timed trade involving Micah Parsons, the Cowboys have positioned themselves for a pivotal 2026 NFL Draft.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"8211\" data-end=\"8315\">With picks <strong data-start=\"8222\" data-end=\"8243\">No. 12 and No. 20<\/strong>, Dallas has the tools to reshape its defense and change its trajectory.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"8317\" data-end=\"8380\">Whether that finally leads to a playoff win remains to be seen.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"8382\" data-end=\"8451\">But for the first time in years, the path forward is clearly defined.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"8453\" data-end=\"8498\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\">And the clock has officially started ticking.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>OWBOYS GAIN CRUCIAL EDGE WITHOUT MAKING PLAYOFFS: Dallas Secures Two First-Round Picks in 2026 NFL Draft After Bears\u2019 Stunning Comeback Even though the Dallas Cowboys will once&#8230; <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":138196,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-138195","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-nfl"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v23.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>\ud83d\udea8 PLAYOFF FALLOUT WITH A TWIST: The Green Bay Packers\u2019 shocking playoff exit didn\u2019t just end their season \u2014 it unexpectedly opened a massive door for the Dallas Cowboys. What looked like a rival\u2019s collapse is now being viewed as Dallas\u2019 hidden opportunity. Insiders say the ripple effects go far beyond the final score. One loss elsewhere may quietly reshape the Cowboys\u2019 entire offseason strategy \ud83d\udc47 - NEWS USA<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=138195\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"\ud83d\udea8 PLAYOFF FALLOUT WITH A TWIST: The Green Bay Packers\u2019 shocking playoff exit didn\u2019t just end their season \u2014 it unexpectedly opened a massive door for the Dallas Cowboys. What looked like a rival\u2019s collapse is now being viewed as Dallas\u2019 hidden opportunity. Insiders say the ripple effects go far beyond the final score. One loss elsewhere may quietly reshape the Cowboys\u2019 entire offseason strategy \ud83d\udc47 - NEWS USA\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"OWBOYS GAIN CRUCIAL EDGE WITHOUT MAKING PLAYOFFS: Dallas Secures Two First-Round Picks in 2026 NFL Draft After Bears\u2019 Stunning Comeback Even though the Dallas Cowboys will once...\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=138195\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"NEWS USA\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2026-01-11T23:39:22+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/avtnew-2026-01-12T063344.445.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1080\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1080\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"MrThanh\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"MrThanh\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"5 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=138195\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=138195\",\"name\":\"\ud83d\udea8 PLAYOFF FALLOUT WITH A TWIST: The Green Bay Packers\u2019 shocking playoff exit didn\u2019t just end their season \u2014 it unexpectedly opened a massive door for the Dallas Cowboys. What looked like a rival\u2019s collapse is now being viewed as Dallas\u2019 hidden opportunity. Insiders say the ripple effects go far beyond the final score. One loss elsewhere may quietly reshape the Cowboys\u2019 entire offseason strategy \ud83d\udc47 - NEWS USA\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=138195#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=138195#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/avtnew-2026-01-12T063344.445.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-01-11T23:39:22+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-01-11T23:39:22+00:00\",\"author\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/#\/schema\/person\/850fd1b8bcb1d322b7f0a04b3d2f18ec\"},\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=138195#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=138195\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=138195#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/avtnew-2026-01-12T063344.445.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/avtnew-2026-01-12T063344.445.jpg\",\"width\":1080,\"height\":1080},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=138195#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"\ud83d\udea8 PLAYOFF FALLOUT WITH A TWIST: The Green Bay Packers\u2019 shocking playoff exit didn\u2019t just end their season \u2014 it unexpectedly opened a massive door for the Dallas Cowboys. What looked like a rival\u2019s collapse is now being viewed as Dallas\u2019 hidden opportunity. Insiders say the ripple effects go far beyond the final score. One loss elsewhere may quietly reshape the Cowboys\u2019 entire offseason strategy \ud83d\udc47\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/\",\"name\":\"NEWS USA\",\"description\":\"Your Daily Dose of Sports News and Updates\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/#\/schema\/person\/850fd1b8bcb1d322b7f0a04b3d2f18ec\",\"name\":\"MrThanh\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/8c8f2d90ff2a21a61a5e6bc0619622a5021fc65353885d9d7b3db1c8c7c1ca8d?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/8c8f2d90ff2a21a61a5e6bc0619622a5021fc65353885d9d7b3db1c8c7c1ca8d?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"caption\":\"MrThanh\"},\"url\":\"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?author=6\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"\ud83d\udea8 PLAYOFF FALLOUT WITH A TWIST: The Green Bay Packers\u2019 shocking playoff exit didn\u2019t just end their season \u2014 it unexpectedly opened a massive door for the Dallas Cowboys. What looked like a rival\u2019s collapse is now being viewed as Dallas\u2019 hidden opportunity. Insiders say the ripple effects go far beyond the final score. One loss elsewhere may quietly reshape the Cowboys\u2019 entire offseason strategy \ud83d\udc47 - NEWS USA","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=138195","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"\ud83d\udea8 PLAYOFF FALLOUT WITH A TWIST: The Green Bay Packers\u2019 shocking playoff exit didn\u2019t just end their season \u2014 it unexpectedly opened a massive door for the Dallas Cowboys. What looked like a rival\u2019s collapse is now being viewed as Dallas\u2019 hidden opportunity. Insiders say the ripple effects go far beyond the final score. One loss elsewhere may quietly reshape the Cowboys\u2019 entire offseason strategy \ud83d\udc47 - NEWS USA","og_description":"OWBOYS GAIN CRUCIAL EDGE WITHOUT MAKING PLAYOFFS: Dallas Secures Two First-Round Picks in 2026 NFL Draft After Bears\u2019 Stunning Comeback Even though the Dallas Cowboys will once...","og_url":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=138195","og_site_name":"NEWS USA","article_published_time":"2026-01-11T23:39:22+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1080,"height":1080,"url":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/avtnew-2026-01-12T063344.445.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"MrThanh","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"MrThanh","Est. reading time":"5 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=138195","url":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=138195","name":"\ud83d\udea8 PLAYOFF FALLOUT WITH A TWIST: The Green Bay Packers\u2019 shocking playoff exit didn\u2019t just end their season \u2014 it unexpectedly opened a massive door for the Dallas Cowboys. What looked like a rival\u2019s collapse is now being viewed as Dallas\u2019 hidden opportunity. Insiders say the ripple effects go far beyond the final score. One loss elsewhere may quietly reshape the Cowboys\u2019 entire offseason strategy \ud83d\udc47 - NEWS USA","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=138195#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=138195#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/avtnew-2026-01-12T063344.445.jpg","datePublished":"2026-01-11T23:39:22+00:00","dateModified":"2026-01-11T23:39:22+00:00","author":{"@id":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/#\/schema\/person\/850fd1b8bcb1d322b7f0a04b3d2f18ec"},"breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=138195#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=138195"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=138195#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/avtnew-2026-01-12T063344.445.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/avtnew-2026-01-12T063344.445.jpg","width":1080,"height":1080},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=138195#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"\ud83d\udea8 PLAYOFF FALLOUT WITH A TWIST: The Green Bay Packers\u2019 shocking playoff exit didn\u2019t just end their season \u2014 it unexpectedly opened a massive door for the Dallas Cowboys. What looked like a rival\u2019s collapse is now being viewed as Dallas\u2019 hidden opportunity. Insiders say the ripple effects go far beyond the final score. One loss elsewhere may quietly reshape the Cowboys\u2019 entire offseason strategy \ud83d\udc47"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/#website","url":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/","name":"NEWS USA","description":"Your Daily Dose of Sports News and Updates","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/#\/schema\/person\/850fd1b8bcb1d322b7f0a04b3d2f18ec","name":"MrThanh","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/8c8f2d90ff2a21a61a5e6bc0619622a5021fc65353885d9d7b3db1c8c7c1ca8d?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/8c8f2d90ff2a21a61a5e6bc0619622a5021fc65353885d9d7b3db1c8c7c1ca8d?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"MrThanh"},"url":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?author=6"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/138195","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=138195"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/138195\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":138197,"href":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/138195\/revisions\/138197"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/138196"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=138195"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=138195"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=138195"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}