GREEN BAY, WI - NOVEMBER 16: Casey Hayward #29 of the Green Bay Packers runs a fumble by quarterback Mark Sanchez #3 of the Philadelphia Eagles for a touchdown during the fourth quarter of the game at Lambeau Field on November 16, 2014 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Mike Zarrilli/Getty Images) The Green Bay Packers return a fumble by quarterback Mark Sanchez for a touchdown during the fourth quarter of the game at Lambeau Field (Photo by Mike Zarrilli/Getty Images)

DALLAS (105.3 THE FAN) — While the Dallas Cowboys sat idly on their couches at home during the bye week, a lot happened around the NFL. If you’re a Cowboys’ fan — a lot of good things.

Here are five ways in which the Cowboys actually “won” Week 11 without leaving the comfort of their own homes.

1. NFC East Flops

The NFC East absolutely imploded on Sunday.

— The Redskins were booed off their home field, losing a poorly played game to the then 1-8 Buccaneers.

— The Eagles were demolished 53-20 in Green Bay, once again proving they can’t beat a contender on the road.

— And the Giants? Eli Manning threw 5, yes five, interceptions to 49ers defenders in a 16-10 loss at the Meadowlands.

The Result: The Cowboys are now tied atop the NFC East at 7-3.

2. Rest & Recovery

Dallas will play three games in the span of 12 days over the next three weeks. The bye week provided the time needed to get healthy — and get prepared.

Quarterback Tony Romo was able to enjoy more than just “Romo Wednesday” off.

DeMarco Murray got some needed rest after carrying the ball an NFL-leading 244 times over the first 10 weeks.

And linebacker Rolando McClain and defensive tackle Tyrone Crawford, who both missed the London game with knee injuries, should also return healthy against New York.

Every team needs its bye week. The Cowboys thoroughly enjoyed theirs.

3. Narrowing The Wild Card Field

The Saints (4-6), Seahawks (6-4) and Lions (7-3) — all of whom are in the mix for an NFC Wild Card — all suffered losses this weekend.

As of right now, either the Eagles or Cowboys would earn a Wild Card, with the other winning the NFC East.

If the Cowboys fail to win the division, Week 11 could be remembered as the week when the Wild Card was won.

4. The Struggles of RGIII/Eli Manning/Mark Sanchez

NFC East quarterbacks combined for four touchdowns and 11 turnovers on Sunday. Nice!

Mark Sanchez’s impressive two interception/two fumble day was bested only by Eli Manning’s five interception performance.

And while the “elusive” RGIII turned the ball over just twice, he was sacked six times for 40 yards.

Dallas’ quarterback may have a back problem, but the Cowboys certainly aren’t the division team with the biggest quarterback problem.

5. Off The Field Stories

Have you heard the latest story about a Cowboy getting into trouble during the bye week? Me neither.

No trips to Mexico. No police reports. No distractions during the bye week. (at least that we know of)

For a team that is under the microscope like no other NFL team, that’s a good thing — and certainly a win.

(©2014 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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