Last week presented the first Dallas Cowboys playoff-clinching scenarios, but the team didn’t meet the criteria despite a massive win. At 10-3, they’re in a fortunate position to get multiple easy cracks at a postseason appearance. With the way things are shaking up, the NFC’s top spot is up for grabs too. Before thinking too far ahead, here’s how Dallas can punch their playoff ticket, starting with a look at the important games (besides Cowboys vs. Bills):
- Buccaneers @ Packers
- Vikings @ Bengals
- Broncos @ Lions
- Falcons @ Panthers
- Commanders @ Rams
- 49ers @ Cardinals
- Eagles @ Seahawks
The 14 Unique Week 15 Scenarios That End With a Dallas Cowboys Playoff Spot
- DAL win/tie OR
- TB loss + DET win/tie + SF win/tie OR
- TB loss + DET win/tie + LAR loss/tie OR
- TB loss + MIN loss/tie + DET win/tie OR
- TB loss + MIN loss/tie + LAR loss/tie OR
- TB loss + MIN loss/tie + SEA loss/tie OR
- TB tie + DET win/tie OR
- TB tie + LAR loss/tie OR
- TB tie + SEA loss/tie OR
- ATL loss/tie + GB loss + DET win/tie OR
- ATL loss/tie + GB loss + LAR loss/tie OR
- ATL loss/tie + GB loss + SEA loss/tie OR
- SEA loss/tie + LAR loss/tie OR
- SEA loss/tie + MIN loss + NYG win + NE win + NYJ win + CLE win + PIT win + TEN win + LAC win
If the Dallas Cowboys were to fall against the Bills on Sunday, there are plenty of teams that could help them out. Most notably, a Buccaneers loss (or tie) opens up nine different paths to get the Cowboys into the postseason. Of course, the Dallas Cowboys playoff fate resides in their own hands, something that the locker room plans to take advantage of. That 14th scenario is complicated, but all of those results after the Vikings’ loss equal a Strength of Victory tiebreaker over the Falcons.
A Dallas Cowboys Playoff Berth May Require Help
Although the always coveted “win and in” scenario exists for a Dallas Cowboys playoff return, it’s not going to be easy. First up is a road game against a desperate Buffalo Bills team that’s also extremely talented. After that, Dallas has another tough road test with the AFC East-leading Dolphins. After that, the Detroit Lions, who have ruled the NFC North all season.
The Cowboys can win the NFC East (and the conference’s top seed) by handling their business. However, the deck is stacked against them compared to the competition. While the Dallas Cowboys playoff-clinching celebration is inevitable, there’s a decent chance that it may come off a loss. Regardless, Dallas is knocking on the door of a third straight postseason.
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