It’s onerous to imagine given the place we have been a couple of weeks in the past, however the Cowboys’ current wins have stored them alive within the NFC playoff image. Whereas creeping again into the final wild card spot is the extra attainable aim, Dallas may nonetheless technically win the NFC East if fortune smiles upon them. For that to occur, particular issues have to start out falling in place this week.
Regardless of their 5-7 total document, the Cowboys have managed to go 3-1 throughout the division. Their sweep of the Giants and upset win over the Commanders two weeks in the past have assist give Dallas this various, albeit extremely unlikely, path to the postseason.
The issue is, after all, the 10-2 Philadelphia Eagles. Not solely are they working away with the NFC East, Philly is beginning to appear to be probably the greatest groups in the complete league. And with a cupcake opponent this Sunday within the Carolina Panthers, odds are that they’ll get the win that places the ultimate, long-assumed nail within the Cowboys’ probabilities of repeating as division champions.
Present NFC East Standings
It’s easy; the Cowboys must go 5-0 and the Eagles 0-5 over the rest of the common season. That would go away them tied at 10-7 total, break up the season sequence, and provides Dallas the NFC East with a 5-1 division document versus 3-3 for Philly. It’s the longest of photographs, particularly with Carolina and the Giants nonetheless to return on the Eagles’ schedule.
The Cowboys profitable 5 extra, to not point out beating Philadelphia in Week 17, is fairly a far-fetched notion as effectively. However at the very least it’s nonetheless on the desk, at the very least for a couple of extra days. However within the highly-expected occasion of the Eagles beating the Panthers this Sunday, then Dallas’ solely remaining highway to the playoffs will likely be preventing their approach again right into a wild card spot.
Together with the rematch with Philadelphia, Monday evening’s sport towards Cincinnati is an enormous impediment left on Dallas’ schedule. The Bengals are one of many higher 4-8 groups you’ll ever see, shedding a number of nail-biters towards the likes of Baltimore, Kansas Metropolis, and Pittsburgh. If their newest letdown breaks their spirit, the Cowboys may be capable of take benefit.
Elsewhere within the NFC East, Washington has the week off with a late bye. The Giants host the Saints in a reasonably meaningless sport. New Orleans appears to be preventing since their head teaching change, whereas New York hasn’t proven a lot of any. It is going to doubtless be one other shovel filled with dust on their season.
