Dallas Cowboys: Two things to know about the NFC East race

With only four games remaining, the NFC East title is still up for grabs. There are two things Dallas Cowboys fans should know.

As the final quarter of the season approaches, it’s now definitive the only path to the playoffs for the Dallas Cowboys is to win the NFC East division.

Dallas can only secure the last wildcard slot by finishing a game above the Minnesota Vikings. If that were to happen they’d also have secured enough wins to clinch their division, making it a moot point.

Winning the division is now an all-or-nothing endeavor regarding the playoffs. Which in turn makes the rematch with Philadelphia a crucial determinant of fate. Here are the two scenarios involving the outcome of that contest.

DALLAS BEATS PHILADELPHIA

The Eagles (5-7) graciously lost to the lowly Dolphins last weekend, making their best possible finish at 9-7. This entails beating the Cowboys, Giants (twice) and Redskins.

However, a second loss to the Cowboys drops that ceiling to 8-8. Said loss would also give Dallas the tiebreaker advantage, meaning Philly must finish a game ahead. To do so Dallas (6-6) would need to finish at 7-9 or lower.

A second win over the Eagles would insure at least a 7th overall win. The Cowboys would then have to lose all three remaining games with the Bears, Rams, and Redskins. That’s highly doubtful to say the least.

The bottom line is if Dallas beats the Eagles and wins one of three other games, they seal the division even with an 8-8 record.

EAGLES SOAR PAST COWBOYS

A Cowboys loss to the Eagles would change the odds dramatically. Aside from other remaining games, the records would look like this…Dallas (6-7) and Philly (6-7). At that hypothetical moment the Eagles own the common opponent tiebreaker.

By Dallas forfeiting the tiebreaker, they would then need to finish a game ahead of the Eagles. Both teams play the Redskins (3-9) and should secure a win, though anything is possible. But the other two opponents is where the real disparity occurs.

Dallas would need to beat Chicago (6-6) this week and/or the Rams (7-5). While Philadelphia must lose one or both in two Giants (2-10) showdowns. If Dallas wins twice, the Eagles need one victory. If the Cowboys split, the Eagles must lose both.

HOW IT APPLIES TO THE BEARS GAME

If Dallas goes on to beat the Eagles a second time, a prior loss to the Bears and Rams won’t mean much. They’ll still have a final chance to win the division against Washington.

Assuming the Cowboys lose to the Eagles, a loss against the Bears would damage them plenty. 8-8 would be the best possible outcome. Needing to finish a game ahead of Philly would realistically require them to beat the Rams and Redskins.

Also, the Eagles would have to lose twice in three games against the Giants and Redskins. It’s doubtful even with recent struggles. Beating the Bears is important. Yet the outcome in Philadelphia is the overwhelming decider of playoff fate.