The Dallas Cowboys are facing a challenging season, with their hopes of making the playoffs hanging by a thread. After entering Week 14 with a disappointing record of 5-8, the Cowboys dropped a crucial game against the Cincinnati Bengals, losing 27-20 on Monday night. This defeat not only adds to their struggles but also makes their path to the postseason even more daunting.
Cowboys’ playoff picture
With the Philadelphia Eagles leading the NFC East by a staggering six games, the Cowboys have officially missed their chance to win the division in 2024. Now, their only hope lies in securing a wild-card spot. Currently sitting at 5-8, Dallas finds itself three games behind the Washington Commanders for the final wild-card position in the NFC. However, the road ahead is littered with obstacles, as five other teams—Buccaneers, Cardinals, Rams, 49ers, and Saints—are ahead of them in the playoff race.
So, what does this mean for the Cowboys? It means they need to turn things around quickly. The upcoming weeks will be crucial, and every game will count. The playoff picture is murky, but it’s not entirely bleak. Only the New York Giants have been mathematically eliminated from playoff contention, leaving the door slightly ajar for Dallas.
Remaining schedule: A tough climb
Looking ahead, the Cowboys have a mixed bag of opponents. They will first face the struggling 3-10 Carolina Panthers next week. While this matchup might seem like a favorable opportunity, the Cowboys will then encounter three teams that are in the playoff hunt: the 7-6 Buccaneers, the 11-2 Eagles, and the 8-5 Commanders.
The good news? Dallas has a chance to directly compete with teams vying for that wild-card spot. They’ve already beaten the Commanders once this season, which keeps their playoff dreams alive, albeit by a thread. However, the Cowboys will need to muster every ounce of strength and strategy to emerge victorious in these critical matchups.
Key matchups ahead
Here’s a look at the Cowboys’ remaining schedule:
| Date | Opponent | Opponent’s Record | Time (ET) |
| Dec. 15 | at Panthers | 3-10 | 1:00 p.m. |
| Dec. 22 | vs. Buccaneers | 7-6 | 8:20 p.m. |
| Dec. 29 | at Eagles | 11-2 | 4:25 p.m. |
| TBD | vs. Commanders | 8-5 | TBD |
The Cowboys will need to win all their remaining games to have a shot at the playoffs. That means finishing the season with a record of 9-8. But can they do it? It won’t be easy, especially with a tough matchup against the Eagles looming large.
Injury woes and playoff hopes
Adding to the Cowboys’ struggles, they will have to navigate the remainder of the season without their starting quarterback, Dak Prescott, who is sidelined with a hamstring injury. His absence is a significant blow to the team’s morale and performance. But even with this setback, the Cowboys still have a slim chance of making the playoffs.
The team’s resilience will be tested in the coming weeks. They need to rally together, find their rhythm, and capitalize on every opportunity. Can they rise to the occasion? It will take a monumental effort, but the possibility of a playoff berth is still flickering.
Current playoff standings
As the Cowboys navigate this challenging stretch, it’s crucial to keep an eye on the current NFC playoff standings. Here’s how it looks:
| Rank | Team | Record |
| 1 | Lions | 12-1 |
| 2 | Eagles | 11-2 |
| 3 | Seahawks | 8-5 |
| 4 | Buccaneers | 7-6 |
| 5 | Vikings | 11-2 |
| 6 | Packers | 9-4 |
| 7 | Commanders | 8-5 |
| 8 | Rams | 7-6 |
| 9 | Falcons | 6-7 |
| 10 | Cardinals | 6-7 |
| 11 | 49ers | 6-7 |
| 12 | Saints | 5-8 |
| 13 | Cowboys | 5-8 |
| 14 | Bears | 4-9 |
| 15 | Panthers | 3-10 |
With only a handful of games left, the Cowboys must dig deep and harness their competitive spirit. The odds may not be in their favor, but as any true football fan knows, anything can happen in the NFL. Will the Cowboys rise to the occasion and defy the odds? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: the excitement of the NFL season is far from over!
