The Dallas Cowboys have had plenty of regular season success under Mike McCarthy, but have come up short in the postseason. This year, they may not even make it to the playoffs. What needs to happen in Week 15 to keep the Cowboys’ unlikely path to the playoffs alive?
The Cowboys’ Playoff Hopes Are Grim, But Still Mathematically Possible
According to the PFN playoff projector, the Dallas Cowboys’ chances of making the playoffs are down to just 1.3%.
The Cowboys are currently 5-8 and in third place in the NFC East. They have no shot at the division, but are three games behind the 8-5 Washington Commanders for the final Wild Card spot.
The only path to the playoffs involves the Cowboys winning the rest of their games. So, it must start with a victory in Carolina over the Panthers. The Cowboys are actually 2.5-point underdogs this week.
What Teams Do the Cowboys Want To Win in Week 15?
New Orleans Saints (vs. Washington Commanders), Sunday 1 PM ET
The Commanders are on the road this week in New Orleans. Since the Cowboys already own a victory over their division rival and the two teams still play again, either winning or losing would not automatically mathematically end the Cowboys’ postseason hopes. However, a Cowboys loss combined with a Commanders win would mathematically eliminate the Cowboys from playoff contention.
While the Cowboys also need to make sure they finish ahead of the Saints, it’s about priorities. The Saints winning combined with a Cowboys win would narrow the gap between the Cowboys and the No. 7 seed to two games, which is the most beneficial outcome for them.
Unfortunately, the Commanders are touchdown favorites on the road against a Saints team that will be starting either Spencer Rattler or Jake Haener at quarterback. Derek Carr is dealing with a broken left hand and a concussion.
Los Angeles Chargers (vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers) Sunday, 4:25 PM ET
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are probably going to win the NFC South. At 7-6, they’re a full game ahead of the floundering Falcons. But in the event the Falcons do overtake the Bucs, it gives the Cowboys another out. Regardless, any potential NFC Wild Card team losing to an AFC team is good for the Cowboys.
Las Vegas Raiders (vs. Atlanta Falcons) Monday, 8:30 PM ET
The Falcons’ season is quickly unraveling, as Kirk Cousins’ play has fallen off a cliff recently. But they remain in a better position than the Cowboys. Not only are they a game ahead, but they have the tiebreaker should both teams end up 9-8 or 8-9 by virtue of defeating the Cowboys back in Week 9.
Given that the Raiders are in the AFC, it doesn’t matter if they win. So, it would benefit the Cowboys for any potential competition for the last Wild Card spot to lose when facing an AFC team.
