Dallas Cowboys fans guide to football watching in Week 15

Dorance Armstrong, Dallas Cowboys (Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports)
Dorance Armstrong, Dallas Cowboys (Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports) /
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With just three weeks left for the Dallas Cowboys, here’s what to watch for in Week 15

Last week, the Dallas Cowboys earned just their second win since early October, beating the Cincinnati Bengals, 30-7. This win, although a refreshing change, also could have been harmful to the future of the franchise.

Even though “technically,” the Dallas Cowboys remain alive in the playoff race, their chances of winning the division are essentially slim and none. With just a 1% chance to win the NFC East, a team beset with massive injuries and limited abilities such as Dallas would need existential help to pull off such a miracle.

Of course, that is partly why beating the Bengals did more harm than good. At 4-9, with a tiebreaker over a team they are already a game and a half better than, it’s also unlikely Dallas catches Cincinnati for an improved spot in next year’s draft.

Week 14 did provide the Dallas Cowboys with some help in their quest to vault up the draft board, however. Last week the Broncos and Chargers both won, getting Los Angeles to four wins and Denver to five.

The biggest help, undoubtedly, came from divisional rival Philadelphia. Facing a red-hot New Orleans team, a quarterback change for the Eagles resulted in a shocking 24-21 win. That win gave the Eagles four wins as well, however, due to their tie with Cincinnati earlier in the year, their record bests the Cowboys.

So with Week 14 in the books, it’s time to look ahead to this weekend to give you fans a helpful guide to watching games in Week 15. The Chargers already through a helpful bone to Dallas, winning on Thursday in overtime 30-27 over Las Vegas. Los Angeles now sits at five wins, one more than Dallas.

Of course, everything starts with the Cowboys. With an early afternoon home against the San Francisco 49ers. The Cowboys appear to be getting healthier as they expect cornerback Chidobe Awuzie back and possibly Trevon Diggs too.

Hopefully, these returns do not boost the team too much though as they need to take this L and stay at four wins. A win could be a crucial loss as it would put them above San Francisco with both teams being at five wins but Dallas owning the tiebreaker.

With the Jets, Jaguars, and Bengals way ahead of everyone else for the top three picks, it’s likely the Cowboys could do no better than fourth overall in the 2021 NFL Draft. Houston, Atlanta, Carolina, and Philadelphia all join Dallas currently in that next group.

Looking at those teams in Week 15 makes a Dallas loss even more imperative. Carolina heads to Green Bay to face the NFC’s number one seed on the road. Houston hits the road as well, going to Indianapolis to play the Colts who have won four of their last five. Atlanta, meanwhile, hosts Tampa Bay, which is currently holding on to one of the last playoff spots for dear life.

Really, the best chance for a win from a four-win team may once again rely on Philadelphia. Even though they are facing Arizona, they undoubtedly have the most momentum after making the change from Carson Wentz to Jalen Hurts at quarterback.

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Largely, Dallas Cowboys fans will be hoping for a few upsets in Week 15 with an eye towards facing the Eagles next week. A win over San Francisco could threaten the Cowboys’ chances for a top ten pick. A loss, however, with a little help from either Houston and/or Atlanta, could have Dallas sitting at fourth overall with two games left.