The Dallas Cowboys are 11-1, and it feels like a foregone conclusion that they’ll be a factor in the postseason. It’s not a sure thing quite yet, though, since no team has clinched a playoff berth. However, the Cowboys could become the first team to do it this season, as long as a couple of things go right for them this week.
Cowboys could clinch a 2016 NFL playoff bid this week
The NFC playoff picture could start to take shape this week if Dallas wins and a couple of other things fall into place.
Jeanna Kelley has been covering the Falcons for The Falcoholic since 2011 and the NFL for SB Nation since 2015.
First, they had to beat the Vikings
The Cowboys headed to Minnesota Thursday night, looking for their 11th straight win. Early in the season, it appeared the Vikings and Cowboys were on similar trajectories, but Minnesota has lost six of its last seven games and is now 6-6.
The Vikings’ defense is still a strength, but Minnesota’s offense has struggled all season. The Cowboys’ normally high-octane offense didn’t move the ball much, but they did enough to earn the 17-15 win.
It will take more than just a Cowboys win for Dallas to clinch a playoff bid this week, though. They also need one of two teams to lose.
If the Bucs lose or tie, then Dallas clinches
Tampa Bay is coming off a big victory over the Seattle Seahawks, and at 6-5, the Buccaneers are just one game behind the NFC South-leading Atlanta Falcons. This week, the Bucs face the San Diego Chargers, a team that has looked better on the field than its losing record suggests.
The Chargers aren’t yet out of the playoff hunt despite sitting at 5-6, but San Diego can’t afford any losses, including this week against the Buccaneers. Current projections only give the Chargers about a 3 percent chance to earn the last AFC wild card spot for this season, but the Chargers are holding out hope, and it starts with a win against the Bucs on Sunday.
Even if San Diego manages to pull off the third tie of the 2016 NFL season against Tampa Bay this week, as long as the Cowboys win, it still lands Dallas in the playoffs.
If Washington loses, then Dallas clinches
Washington just lost to the Cowboys, and they’re trying to keep a hold on one of the NFC wild card spots. Kirk Cousins and company face Arizona this week, and at 4-6-1, the Cardinals are scrambling to preserve any chance at the postseason.
After Bruce Arians called out the passing offense for not executing and the defense for “selfishness” following Arizona’s Week 12 loss to the Atlanta Falcons, the Cardinals may have new motivation to come in and hand Washington a loss. If they do, and Dallas wins, the Cowboys will officially be the first team to secure a playoff spot.
The Cowboys finished the 2015 season with a 4-12 record, which was Dallas’ worst record since 1989. This is a huge turnaround, thanks in large part to outstanding play by rookies Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott, as well as a stellar offensive line.
Dallas has a real opportunity to be the first team to clinch a playoff spot, and at 11-1, they’re almost certain to be a factor this postseason regardless of what happens in Week 13. If everything doesn’t fall into place this week, it won’t be long for the Cowboys.
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