Dallas Cowboys 2024 Playoff Picture: Updated Chances Ahead of Week 16 vs. Buccaneers
As the 2024 NFL season enters the final stretch, the Dallas Cowboys find themselves at a critical juncture in their playoff journey. Week 16 brings a pivotal matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, which could have significant implications for their postseason hopes. With just two games remaining in the regular season, the Cowboys need to take advantage of every opportunity to secure their place in the playoffs and, ideally, clinch a favorable position.
In this article, we’ll break down Dallas’ playoff picture, including their current standing, remaining schedule, key factors in their playoff hopes, and potential scenarios that could unfold in Week 16 against the Buccaneers.
Current Record and Standing
As of Week 16, the Dallas Cowboys hold a solid position within the NFC, though they face stiff competition in their pursuit of both a playoff berth and a higher seed. With an overall record of 10-4, the Cowboys are currently in second place in the NFC East division, trailing the division-leading Philadelphia Eagles, who have a 12-2 record. While Dallas is unlikely to catch the Eagles for the division title, they are firmly in the playoff hunt, both in terms of a wild-card spot and as a potential contender for a high NFC seeding.
The NFC playoff picture is more competitive than ever, with several teams vying for wild-card spots, including the Cowboys. Let’s take a look at where Dallas stands within the playoff race:
- NFC East Standings (Top 2 teams get automatic playoff berths):
- Philadelphia Eagles – 12-2
- Dallas Cowboys – 10-4
- Washington Commanders – 6-8
- New York Giants – 4-10
Despite their strong record, the Cowboys’ hopes of winning the NFC East appear slim, as the Eagles have a significant lead. Therefore, their path to the postseason hinges on securing one of the three NFC wild-card spots.
- NFC Wild-Card Standings:
- Dallas Cowboys – 10-4
- Minnesota Vikings – 9-5
- San Francisco 49ers – 9-5
- Seattle Seahawks – 8-6
- Green Bay Packers – 7-7
- Atlanta Falcons – 6-8
The NFC wild-card race is packed with contenders, and the Cowboys have little room for error in these final weeks. As it stands, the Cowboys are currently the No. 4 seed in the NFC, but that could change depending on how the remaining games play out. The wild-card standings are fluid, and Dallas will need to stay ahead of teams like the Minnesota Vikings, San Francisco 49ers, and Seattle Seahawks, who all have one fewer win than Dallas.
Remaining Schedule and Key Games
The Cowboys’ playoff destiny is largely in their hands as they head into Week 16. With two regular-season games remaining, Dallas’ schedule includes a matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and a Week 17 contest against the Arizona Cardinals.
- Week 16: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Away)
- Week 17: vs. Arizona Cardinals (Home)
Week 16: Cowboys vs. Buccaneers
The Cowboys’ Week 16 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is a crucial one. The Buccaneers, led by quarterback Tom Brady, have had an inconsistent season, but they remain in contention for the NFC South division title. As of Week 16, Tampa Bay has a 7-7 record, sitting just above .500 but still fighting for a division crown and a potential playoff berth.
For Dallas, the Buccaneers represent a challenging but winnable opponent. While Tampa Bay has struggled on offense this season, Brady remains capable of leading the team to victory in critical moments. Defensively, the Buccaneers have been up and down, but they still boast some dangerous players who can disrupt Dallas’ offensive rhythm, particularly on the defensive line.
A win in Week 16 would give Dallas a 11-4 record, significantly improving their chances of securing one of the wild-card spots. It would also prevent other NFC teams from gaining ground in the standings. Given the competition for playoff spots, this game is a must-win for Dallas if they want to maintain control of their postseason hopes.
Week 17: Cowboys vs. Arizona Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals, currently at 6-8, are not in playoff contention but have the potential to be a spoiler for teams like Dallas. A win in this game would push the Cowboys to 12-4, which would almost certainly lock them into the playoffs, barring a total collapse by other teams. While the Cardinals’ defense has been below average this season, they have shown flashes of being competitive, and the Cowboys cannot afford to take them lightly.
Factors Impacting Dallas’ Playoff Chances
While the Cowboys control their own fate, several factors could influence their playoff prospects, both in Week 16 and beyond.
1. NFC Wild-Card Race
As mentioned earlier, the NFC wild-card race is extremely competitive. Dallas is currently in a good position, but several teams are nipping at their heels. Key contenders for the wild-card spots include:
- Minnesota Vikings (9-5): The Vikings are another strong team in the NFC, and their remaining schedule could play a significant role in the standings. If they win out, they could secure a wild-card spot.
- San Francisco 49ers (9-5): The 49ers have been one of the most dangerous teams in the NFC, and their recent strong play has made them a serious contender for a playoff spot. If they win their final games, they could leapfrog Dallas in the standings.
- Seattle Seahawks (8-6): With a strong offense and a solid defense, the Seahawks will be a team to watch in the coming weeks. If they win out, they could overtake the Cowboys in the wild-card race.
Dallas needs to not only win their remaining games but also hope for some of these teams to slip up. Every win and every loss could have a ripple effect on the wild-card race.
2. Dak Prescott’s Performance
Quarterback play will continue to be a key factor in the Cowboys’ playoff success. Dak Prescott has had a strong 2024 season, but his performances in critical moments will determine whether Dallas can make a deep playoff run. In particular, Prescott must continue to avoid turnovers, which have plagued him at times in the past.
If Prescott can maintain a high level of play, particularly in clutch moments, the Cowboys will have a good chance to succeed in the postseason. His ability to execute in tight games—like the one against Tampa Bay—will be pivotal to their chances.
3. The Defense
Dallas’ defense has been one of the best in the league throughout the 2024 season, thanks to standout performances from players like Micah Parsons, Trevon Diggs, and DeMarcus Lawrence. Their pass rush has been dominant, and their ability to create turnovers could be the difference-maker down the stretch. Against high-powered offenses like Tampa Bay, Dallas’ defense will need to step up and make crucial stops.
Playoff Scenarios for Dallas
Looking ahead to the end of the regular season, Dallas’ playoff chances depend on several key scenarios:
- If Dallas wins both games (Week 16 vs. Buccaneers, Week 17 vs. Cardinals): Dallas will likely secure a wild-card spot and could even move into the No. 3 seed if the NFC East champion (Philadelphia) continues to win. At 12-4, Dallas would almost certainly avoid the dreaded wild-card round and move directly into the divisional round.
- If Dallas wins one of two games: If the Cowboys split their remaining games, they could finish 11-5. While they would still have a good chance of making the playoffs, it could come down to tiebreakers with teams like Minnesota, San Francisco, and Seattle. The NFC playoff race would be tight, and Dallas might need some help from other teams to clinch a wild-card berth.
- If Dallas loses both games: A two-game losing streak to close the season could put Dallas in a precarious situation, especially if teams like Minnesota or Seattle win out. An 10-6 finish would leave them vulnerable to missing the playoffs, with tiebreaker scenarios playing a significant role.
