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Cowboys Dream Conflicts with Stunningly Low Playoff Odds

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Austin Givan | Last updated Dec 2, 2024 3:42 PM ET

The Dallas Cowboys find themselves at a critical juncture in the NFC playoff race. After securing a 27-20 victory over the New York Giants on Thanksgiving, the Cowboys have posted back-to-back wins, reigniting hope for postseason contention.

However, the road ahead remains fraught with challenges as the team battles uphill to stay in the playoff picture.

Currently sitting as the No. 12 seed in the NFC with a 5-7 record, the Cowboys face steep odds, holding just a 4-percent chance of reaching the postseason (according at least to the computers that pretend they know such things). Teams ahead in the race, such as the 6-6 Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Arizona Cardinals, and Los Angeles Rams, all stand as obstacles in the hunt for a wildcard spot. Compounding the difficulty, the 8-5 Washington Commanders, who own the final playoff position, boast a commanding 71 percent probability of making the postseason.

Things that hurt the Cowboys chances in week 13:

· Washington Commanders- 42-19 Win

· Tampa Bay Buccaneers- 26-23 Win

· Los Angeles Rams- 21-14 Win

While the Cowboys have little room for error, their recent performances provide reason for optimism. The Dak Prescott-less offense has delivered some clutch moments, and the defense has shown flashes of dominance. Yet, the team’s playoff hopes will rely as much on outside factors as their own success, with Dallas needing several higher-seeded teams to falter down the stretch.

The journey resumes on Monday Night Football in Week 14 against the 4-8 Cincinnati Bengals. Despite the Bengals’ subpar record, they have demonstrated the ability to score prolifically, posing a potential threat to the Cowboys’ momentum. As the regular season winds down, every game becomes crucial, and the Cowboys will need to maintain their focus and composure to stay in contention while relying on other teams to string together losses.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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