The Landry Hat
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Dallas Cowboys: History shows playoff help should arrive

By Brad Austin

LANDOVER, MD - OCTOBER 29: Running back Ezekiel Elliott #21 of the Dallas Cowboys celebrates with wide receiver Dez Bryant #88 of the Dallas Cowboys after scoring a touchdown against the Washington Redskins during the second quarter at FedEx Field on October 29, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD - OCTOBER 29: Running back Ezekiel Elliott #21 of the Dallas Cowboys celebrates with wide receiver Dez Bryant #88 of the Dallas Cowboys after scoring a touchdown against the Washington Redskins during the second quarter at FedEx Field on October 29, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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The Dallas Cowboys must win their final two games and receive help to clinch a wildcard. History shows this is more likely than as it seems.

LANDOVER, MD – OCTOBER 29: Running back Ezekiel Elliott #21 of the Dallas Cowboys celebrates with wide receiver Dez Bryant #88 of the Dallas Cowboys after scoring a touchdown against the Washington Redskins during the second quarter at FedEx Field on October 29, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD – OCTOBER 29: Running back Ezekiel Elliott #21 of the Dallas Cowboys celebrates with wide receiver Dez Bryant #88 of the Dallas Cowboys after scoring a touchdown against the Washington Redskins during the second quarter at FedEx Field on October 29, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

The current NFC playoff picture involves a mad scramble for the two wildcard slots. Unfortunately Dallas is trailing the pack and needs more than a few breaks.

Looking at the schedule it seems probable eight NFC teams will reach 10+ wins. As we progress I’ll explain why this is almost unheard of and highly doubtful.

Five teams are already there. The Dallas/Seattle winner should make it six. Dallas will finish with the resting Eagles and Seattle ends with the flopping Cardinals.

The good news for Cowboys fans is one of the final wildcard leaders (Detroit or Atlanta) must fall short to avoid eight teams with double digit wins.

Below is a rundown on the NFC standings…

  • Philadelphia (12-2) – in, one win for #1 seed
  • Minnesota (11-3) – in, NFC North champion
  • Los Angeles (10-4) – one win to lock up NFC West
  • New Orleans (10-4) – one win
  • Carolina (10-4) – one win
  • Atlanta (9-5) – one win
  • Detroit (8-6) – two wins and help
  • Seattle (8-6) – two wins and help
  • Dallas (8-6) – two wins and help

The Cowboys are buried at the bottom needing to jump over three teams.

Seattle, Detroit, and one of the NFC South contenders (Atlanta, Carolina, or New Orleans) must fall by the wayside to clear a path.

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