Dallas Cowboys’ Playoff Hopes Dangle by a Thread After Lions Loss, Eagles Provide Lifeline

The Dallas Cowboys’ playoff path just got much tougher. They fell to the Detroit Lions 44-30 on Thursday night. The loss dropped their record to 6-6-1. It was a critical setback in their chase for the postseason.

According to the Associated Press, the defeat severely damaged their probability odds. However, a rival’s stumble on Monday night kept their slim hopes alive. The race for the NFC East is now their only realistic path forward.

Cowboys’ Path Forward Relies Heavily on Eagles’ Stumble

The updated NFC standings show a steep climb. Dallas sits four games behind a wild-card spot. Winning the division is their sole viable ticket to the playoffs.

Their saving grace was the Philadelphia Eagles’ loss on Monday. Philadelphia fell to 8-5 after a defeat by the Los Angeles Chargers. This kept the Cowboys within striking distance in the NFC East.

The Cowboys’ remaining schedule is relatively soft. They face the Vikings, Chargers, Commanders, and Giants. Winning all four games is an absolute necessity.

The problem lies in the Eagles’ even easier schedule. Philadelphia plays the Raiders, Commanders (twice), and Bills. Dallas needs Philadelphia to lose at least two of those final games.

Win-Out Scenario and Fan Implications for America’s Team

The math is simple but daunting. If Dallas wins its final four games, it finishes 10-6-1. It then requires Philadelphia to go 2-2 or worse in its last four.

This makes the Buffalo Bills game in Week 17 crucial for Dallas fans. A Bills victory over the Eagles would be a massive help. An upset by either Las Vegas or Washington is also needed.

The Cowboys control only their own performance. The rest depends on other teams’ results. This precarious position is the consequence of their inconsistent season.

The Dallas Cowboys’ playoff chances now hinge on a perfect finish and significant help. Their season will be defined by the next month’s results.

Info at your fingertips

What is the Cowboys’ current record?

The Dallas Cowboys’ record is 6 wins, 6 losses, and 1 tie. This places them second in the NFC East division.

Who do the Cowboys need to lose for a playoff shot?

The Cowboys primarily need the Philadelphia Eagles to lose games. They need the Eagles to finish with a worse record to win the division.

What was the score of the Lions vs. Cowboys game?

The Detroit Lions defeated the Dallas Cowboys by a score of 44-30. The game was played on a Thursday night in Week 15.

Can the Cowboys get a wild-card spot?

It is highly unlikely. They are too far behind several other NFC teams in the win column for a wild-card berth.

Who has an easier remaining schedule, Cowboys or Eagles?

Analysts believe the Philadelphia Eagles have the slightly easier remaining schedule. This makes the Cowboys’ task more difficult.