{"id":16444,"date":"2024-12-17T16:12:28","date_gmt":"2024-12-17T16:12:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/usdailys.com\/?p=16444"},"modified":"2024-12-17T16:12:28","modified_gmt":"2024-12-17T16:12:28","slug":"how-the-dallas-cowboys-can-still-make-to-the-nfl-playoffs-against-all-odds","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/usdailys.com\/?p=16444","title":{"rendered":"How The Dallas Cowboys Can Still Make To The NFL Playoffs Against All Odds?"},"content":{"rendered":"

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The\u00a0Dallas Cowboys<\/a>\u2019 2024 season has been anything but ideal. After losing star quarterback\u00a0Dak Prescott<\/a>\u00a0just eight games in, their playoff hopes seemed doomed. Add in four blowout losses and the once-feared home field turning into a liability, and the Cowboys\u2019 struggles have been on full display. Yet, against all odds, they still have a narrow path to the playoffs. It\u2019s complicated, but not impossible.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s what needs to happen for Dallas to keep their postseason dreams alive.<\/p>\n

Winning Out Is Non-Negotiable<\/h2>\n

The Dallas Cowboys\u2019 6-8 record after Sunday\u2019s victory over the Carolina Panthers keeps their playoff hopes alive, but there is zero margin for error. Dallas must win all three of their remaining games to finish at 9-8. The upcoming schedule includes matchups against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Philadelphia Eagles, and the Washington Commanders. Each of these games presents unique challenges:<\/p>\n

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  1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers<\/strong>: Beating the Bucs next week is absolutely critical. Tampa Bay recently defeated the Chargers, complicating the NFC picture. If Dallas loses to Tampa Bay, their playoff hopes are essentially over.<\/li>\n
  2. Philadelphia Eagles<\/strong>: The Eagles (12-2) are already playoff-bound and pose a serious challenge. A Dallas win here would not only boost their record but also demonstrate their ability to compete with top-tier NFC teams.<\/li>\n
  3. Washington Commanders<\/strong>: This Week 18 matchup could decide the Cowboys\u2019 fate, especially if both teams remain in the wild-card mix.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Winning these three games is step one. Without it, nothing else matters.<\/p>\n

    Commanders Must Collapse<\/h2>\n
    \"Dallas
    Washington Commanders (Image Credit: Getty Images)<\/em><\/em><\/em> <\/p>\n

    The Commanders are a key piece of the puzzle. Dallas needs Washington to lose their remaining three games \u2013 against the Eagles, Falcons, and Cowboys. If both teams finish at 9-8, Dallas holds the tiebreaker advantage based on head-to-head results. That scenario would effectively eliminate Washington as a threat.<\/p>\n

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    The Path Through Tampa Bay<\/h3>\n

    Tampa Bay\u2019s recent surge, including their win over the Chargers, makes this a tricky scenario for the Cowboys. Dallas must defeat the Buccaneers in their head-to-head matchup next week. Beyond that, the Cowboys need Tampa Bay to drop at least one of their other two games \u2013 either against the Panthers or the Saints. If Tampa finishes 9-8 alongside Dallas, the Cowboys would need a tiebreaker to go their way.<\/p>\n

    Hoping for Falcons\u2019 Stumbles<\/h3>\n

    The Atlanta Falcons also play a pivotal role in Dallas\u2019 slim playoff chances. The Falcons must lose two of their last three games for the Cowboys to have a shot at leapfrogging them in the standings. Atlanta\u2019s schedule includes matchups against Washington, Chicago, and New Orleans. Losses to any combination of these teams would greatly benefit Dallas.<\/p>\n

    NFC West Complications<\/h2>\n

    The NFC West division adds another layer of chaos. Teams like the Rams, Seahawks, and Cardinals could shake up the standings. For example, if the Rams manage to beat both Seattle and Arizona, they would solidify their own playoff hopes while potentially keeping the Seahawks at or below a 9-8 record. Unfortunately for Dallas, they lack direct tiebreaker advantages over most NFC West teams. This makes their path through the division standings tougher but not impossible.<\/p>\n

    A Perfect Finish and Some Luck<\/h2>\n

    While Dallas controls part of its fate, it also needs help. A flawless 3-0 finish, combined with key losses from the Commanders, Buccaneers, Falcons, and certain NFC West teams, creates its path to a wild-card spot. It\u2019s a long shot, but stranger things have happened in the\u00a0NFL<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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    “that’s the way we want to play”#DallasCowboys<\/a> | @AltecLansing<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/apKqMh9MsU<\/a><\/p>\n

    \u2014 Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) December 16, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n