The Dallas Cowboys desperately needed a win in Week 15 to feel better about their playoff chances. They had a decent chance of doing so, especially after going on a three-game winning streak against the Las Vegas Raiders, Philadelphia Eagles, and Kansas City Chiefs.
But after a loss to the Detroit Lions, the Cowboys could not afford any losses, especially to a team that is outside the playoff picture in the Minnesota Vikings.
Instead, the Cowboys couldn't hold off the Vikings' offense, led by J.J. McCarthy, losing 34-26. McCarthy had been wildly inconsistent this year in his first season as the starting quarterback, but he completed 15-of-24 passes for 250 yards and two touchdowns. It was easily his best game of the season, and it was thanks to a no-show performance by the defense.
With the loss, it felt like the Cowboys' playoff chances were officially dead. But there is still a path for Dallas to make it into the playoffs. Well, it's their only path.
Cowboys' only chance to make playoffs is winning the NFC East
At 6-7-1, the Cowboys can officially be ruled out of the NFC Wild Card hunt, due in part to the strong seasons by the likes of the Los Angeles Rams, Green Bay Packers, San Francisco 49ers, and Seattle Seahawks. Dallas' only chance at making the playoffs is to win the NFC East.
To win the NFC East, the Cowboys will need to win their final three games of the season, and for the Eagles to lose their remaining three games. If that is to happen, the Cowboys will be NFC East champions and host a first-round playoff matchup. That's the only path.
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Dallas' next game is against a Los Angeles Chargers team that eliminated the Kansas City Chiefs from playoff contention for the first time in over a decade. That won't be an easy feat, especially as the Chargers try to keep pace with the Denver Broncos for the AFC West. Dallas then takes on the Washington Commanders and New York Giants for their final two games.
Meanwhile, the Eagles face the Commanders twice in Weeks 16 and 18. The Commanders might be in a position where Jayden Daniels is out for the remainder of the season after re-aggravating his elbow injury last week. In Week 17, the Cowboys will have a glimmer of hope as the Eagles take on the Buffalo Bills. Quarterback Josh Allen has been a matchup nightmare as he tries to lead the Bills to the AFC East crown.
The Cowboys have a chance, albeit slim. They really need to bank on the Eagles to collapse. If Philadelphia picks up one win over the next three weeks, the Cowboys will officially be eliminated from playoff contention.