Dallas Cowboys: Win two of next three and 10 wins likely

Though the best team in the NFL visits tonight, a likely path to 10 wins only requires the Dallas Cowboys to win two of the next three.

The easiest path to the playoffs for the Dallas Cowboys remains beating the Eagles next week and keeping the 5-1 division record target in play. One other win (Saints, Colts, or Bucs) plus a victory over the bottom feeding Giants in the finale would secure a 9-7 record (5-1 div) and seal the NFC East title.

Philadelphia (5-6) can only reach 10 wins if they finish 5-0. That won’t happen with remaining games against the Rams (10-1) and Texans (8-3). Washington (6-5) has an easier road outside of their games with the Eagles (both must-wins for Philadelphia). It’s highly unlikely Washington can finish 4-1 with a back-up quarterback and shredded offensive line.

The 5-1 division record should remain the gold standard. Yet after three huge recent wins, a second path has emerged. Dallas created a reasonable blueprint for 10 wins.

THREE WEEKS, TWO PLAYOFF PATHS

Shocking New Orleans would make a resounding statement and firmly plant Dallas in the NFC East driver’s seat. Yet it simply isn’t necessary to win the division.

Below are the two successful division title scenarios over the next three weeks.

1) BEAT ONLY THE EAGLES (projected finish 9-7, 5-1 NFC East)

Even with a loss to the Saints (10-1) and Colts (6-5), Dallas would still be on track for nine wins and the best division record by beating the Eagles (5-6). At 7-7 (the right way) with two games left, the Cowboys would stand on solid ground.

2) WIN TWO OF THREE (projected finish 10-6)

If Dallas can reach eight wins before the final two weeks, the odds are great to pound out two more. Final games against the Bucs (4-7) and Giants (3-8) is great fortune. So how can the Cowboys (6-5) find themselves in such a favorable 8-6 position? Win two of the next three games versus the Saints, Eagles, and Colts.

WHAT CAN’T HAPPEN THESE THREE WEEKS

If Dallas fails tonight, they absolutely can’t lose the following week to the Eagles. Even with winning the final three, that 9-7 record (4-2 division) would fall short. A 4-2 division record would likely fetch no more than a tie with the other 9-7 NFC East team. Losses to the Saints and Eagles would guarantee five conference losses.

With an overall and division record tie, a 9-7 Washington team would likely own both remaining tiebreakers in conference record and record against common opponents. There are two ways to remove chance these next three weeks. Either win two of the next three games, or knock off the Eagles.

That being said, Dallas should unleash the dogs on the Saints and test their mettle. Take chances, open up the playbook, and rack up as much quality film as possible.

If the Cowboys do win the division and then beat a wild card team, New Orleans could very well be the division round opponent. It’s time to see how The Boys stack up.