What's At Stake: Colts Vs Cowboys
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ARLINGTON (CBSDFW.COM) -- For the 4th straight season, the Cowboys are in contention for a playoff spot heading into the final two weeks of the season.
After defeating the Eagles on Sunday night, Dallas is in control of the NFC East.
On the other hand, Indianapolis clinched the AFC South on Sunday with a win over the Houston Texans. But there's plently left to play for in the AFC.
Here's what's at stake heading into Sunday's game in Arlington.
For The Cowboys
Sorting Out The NFC East
Dallas (10-4): IND, @ WASH
Philadelphia (9-6): @ NYG (Updated with Saturday's PHI result)
Dallas is currently 1.5 games ahead of Philadelphia in the NFC East.
-- If the Cowboys wins either of their final two games, they are NFC East Champs. The Eagles can finish no better than 10-6.
-- If Dallas loses both games to close the season, it can still win the NFC East if Philadelphia loses its final game in New York.
If the two teams finish with matching 10-6 records, Philadelphia wins the division via tiebreaker.
Since the two teams split in the regular season, the first tiebreaker is NFC East record. If this scenario played out, Dallas would finish the season with three division losses. Philadelphia would have two.
Bottom Line: Dallas needs to win one game to earn its first NFC East title since 2009 and ensure a playoff appearance.
The NFC Wild Card
Arizona (11-3): SEA, @ SF
Green Bay (10-4): @ TB, DET
Detroit (10-4): @ CHI, @ GB
Dallas (10-4): IND, @ WASH
Seattle (10-4): @ ARI, STL
Dallas, Detroit, Green Bay, Arizona, and Seattle are still in contention to earn a Wild Card berth. Arizona, who is currently leading the NFC West, can do no worse than the Wild Card.
Detroit is also ensured a playoff spot after Philadelphia's loss on Saturday.
If two teams are tied for the Wild Card, head-to-head is the primary tiebreaker. Dallas has this advantage over Seattle, but lost to Arizona.
If more than two teams are tied, head-to-head is no longer a factor. Record in NFC games becomes the first tiebreaker.
The Cowboys currently have four NFC losses -- the most of any team in contention.
Bottom Line: Dallas can earn at least a Wild Card berth by winning IF both Green Bay and Detroit lose on Sunday.
For The Colts
For the second straight season (and 9th time in the last 12 seasons), the Colts are AFC South champions.
The Colts trail New England and Denver by one game. In order to earn a first-round bye, Indianapolis would need to win its final two games and have one of those teams lose its last two.
In other words, the Colts need a lot of help.
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