The Dallas Cowboys’ 2024 season has been anything but ideal. After losing star quarterback Dak Prescott just 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’ struggles have been on full display. Yet, against all odds, they still have a narrow path to the playoffs. It’s complicated, but not impossible.
Here’s what needs to happen for Dallas to keep their postseason dreams alive.
Winning Out Is Non-Negotiable
The Dallas Cowboys’ 6-8 record after Sunday’s 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:
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 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.
- Philadelphia Eagles: 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.
- Washington Commanders: This Week 18 matchup could decide the Cowboys’ fate, especially if both teams remain in the wild-card mix.
Winning these three games is step one. Without it, nothing else matters.
Commanders Must Collapse
The Commanders are a key piece of the puzzle. Dallas needs Washington to lose their remaining three games – 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.
The Path Through Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay’s 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 – either against the Panthers or the Saints. If Tampa finishes 9-8 alongside Dallas, the Cowboys would need a tiebreaker to go their way.
Hoping for Falcons’ Stumbles
The Atlanta Falcons also play a pivotal role in Dallas’ 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’s schedule includes matchups against Washington, Chicago, and New Orleans. Losses to any combination of these teams would greatly benefit Dallas.
NFC West Complications
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.
A Perfect Finish and Some Luck
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’s a long shot, but stranger things have happened in the NFL.
“that’s the way we want to play”#DallasCowboys | @AltecLansing pic.twitter.com/apKqMh9MsU
— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) December 16, 2024
Why The NFL Would Love a Dallas Cowboys Comeback
Despite their struggles, the Dallas Cowboys remain one of the NFL’s biggest draws. Even in a rough season, they generate massive ratings. Take Thanksgiving Day, for example: the Cowboys-Giants game, despite a lackluster QB matchup of Cooper Rush vs. Drew Lock, was the most-watched NFL game this season. A dramatic Dallas playoff push would thrill fans and keep the NFL’s broadcast partners smiling.
