The Cowboys might be on a bye this week, but Sunday will still provide some important action when it comes to Dallas’ future.
There are at least four games which have a direct impact on the Cowboys’ playoff chances in 2018, so let’s take a look and see what needs to happen in each for the Cowboys to “win” their bye week.
Eagles/Jaguars (London)
Sunday starts off with probably the 2nd biggest game of the day for Cowboys fans, as the 3-4 Eagles battle the Jagaurs in London. Prior to the season kicking off everyone believed these two teams would be fighting for home field advantage in their respective conferences, but now they are trying just to keep pace in their own divisions.
Philadelphia is currently tied with the Cowboys for 2nd place in the NFC East, and a loss here would go a long way towards pushing the Cowboys back into the division lead. Dallas still plays Philadelphia twice this season, including in two weeks when they might in what will be a pivotal divisional game.
The Eagles come into this game as 4 point favorites against the reeling Jags.
Redskins/Giants
Then, of course, the first place team plays to open up the early afternoon slate of games. Washington took a somewhat “commanding” lead in the NFC East a week ago by beating the Cowboys, and they have a chance to get to 5-2 and expand that lead this Sunday.
The Giants have been flat out awful this season, sitting at 1-6 and already well out of the playoff picture. This week, New York traded away both Damon Harrison and Eli Apple, dismantling their defense in an attempt to gain picks and rebuild through the draft.
It’s tough to imagine the Redskins falling at the Meadowlands this week, but in the NFC East crazier things always seem to happen. Washington comes into the game as just a 1 point road favorite.
Seahawks/Lions and Ravens/Panthers
These final two games may not seem important initially, but they carry real implications for the Cowboys’ potential wild card hopes. Both the Seahawks and the Lions sit at 3-3, and are looking to spark a little run towards wild card contention.
Dallas already beat Detroit, while they lost to Seattle earlier in the year. Cowboys fans should be watching this one hoping that the Lions can defeat the Seahawks, and start to get those tie breakers in their favor.
The Ravens/Panthers game carries similar meaning, as Dallas could really use some help from the out-of-conference Ravens. Carolina defeated Dallas this year and would hold the head to head tie breaker for a wild card spot. Any Carolina loss is a good one for the Cowboys, especially if they aren’t able to catch Washington in the division.
