The Dallas Cowboys are now 11-1 after taking it to the Minnesota Vikings on Thursday. They have battled all season long, only losing one game at the beginning of the season to the New York Giants. The Cowboys now have the playoffs in sight and there is no looking back.
The Dallas Cowboys Can Clinch a Playoff Spot on Sunday
There are two ways the Dallas Cowboys can clinch a spot on Sunday. Since they won on Thursday, one of two teams has to lose on Sunday. Either the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have to lose to the San Diego Chargers or the Arizona Cardinals have to beat the Washington Redskins. Well, the Cowboys would technically still clinch if the Buccaneers and Chargers tied, but I feel like we have already seen our fair share of ties this season.
Buccaneers at Chargers
The Buccaneers are 6-5 going up against the 5-6 Chargers. This is a fairly even matchup with Vegas odds picking the Chargers as this week’s favorite. Do not let those odds fool you, however. The Chargers have struggled late in games this season. With the Buccaneers in second place trailing the Atlanta Falcons, they have something to play for. The Chargers are in dead last and the rest of the season is not looking too bright for them.
Redskins at Cardinals
The Washington Redskins have been a dangerous team this year and are now one of the teams threatening the Cowboys chances of clinching this Sunday. That being said, however, the Cardinals are still favored to win this week. The Cardinals are 3-2-1 at home and the Redskins are 2-2-1 on the road. While this stat really does not mean too much, it still shows that neither team is affected too much being in a different stadium this season. With Arizona’s playoff chances slipping away, this week does not hold as much value to them as it does the Redskins who are in third with something more to play for.
Clinching on Sunday
The Dallas Cowboys have two different opportunities to clinch on Sunday and it does look very bright for them. Both teams that need to lose are favored to lose according to Las Vegas odds. Both the Redskins and Buccaneers are on the road this week as well. If Dallas clinches on Sunday, you will definitely see a slowing of momentum as the Cowboys can glide into the postseason without risking any crazy injuries in the process. It may even be a good opportunity for Dallas to say goodbye to their longtime quarterback Tony Romo, whose services will no longer be needed.
