Sure, the Cowboys could still blow their NFC East lead. Anything is possible.

But let's be real: It isn't happening.

Dallas made it 10 straight on Thanksgiving, beating the Redskins, 31-25, in Arlington, Texas. Washington gave the Cowboys everything they could handle ... and Dak Prescott, Ezekiel Elliott and Dez Bryant still powered through in the end.

Only an epic collapse would prevent the Cowboys from winning the division. So on Nov. 24, it's time to call the 2016 NFC East race. And it's time for the Giants (and Eagles and Redskins) to start focusing on winning a wild card berth into the postseason.

It's looks like a five-team race for two spots at the moment. The Giants (7-3) are in the lead, followed by, for now, the Redskins (6-4-1). The Vikings (6-5), Buccaneers (5-5) and Eagles (5-5) fall in behind, in that order. None of the fringe teams are worthy of mention at this point. Minnesota could swap spots with Detroit (7-4) depending on a change atop the NFC North. But that seems a longshot after Sam Bradford threw what felt like a season-changing interception earlier Thursday against the Lions.

The good news for the Giants: They have a two-game lead on a wild card spot with six to play, the same commanding lead the Cowboys have in the division.

The bad news: After playing the Browns on Sunday, the Giants' final five games are all against playoff contenders, including the Lions at home, and Eagles and Redskins on the road. They can wrap things up in a hurry, or they can lose ground in a hurry. The Giants have already lost the head-to-head tiebreaker to the Vikings, if that comes back into play.

If blue lightning strikes, and the Giants manage to win five or six games down the stretch while Dallas tanks, they can still capture an improbable division crown. But absent that happening, the Giants will have to make their postseason return the long way. It won't be easy, but the wild card is on the table if the Giants can finish the deal.

The showdown with the Cowboys on Dec. 11 at MetLife Stadium will still mean plenty for the Giants. But it will be about making a statement, and trying to solidify a wild card berth. Because the NFC East appears to be a bridge too far now.

James Kratch may be reached at jkratch@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JamesKratch. Find our Giants coverage on Facebook.