The Dallas Cowboys can’t win the NFC East in 2024, but they may decide who does.
While no longer eligible to win the NFC East or even make the playoffs in 2024, the Cowboys still have a role to play. Their final two games are against the remaining contenders in our undecided division. With Dallas seemingly uninterested in tanking, their continued maximum effort could be disruptive in these finals weeks of the regular season.
The Cowboys are headed to Philadelphia this Sunday and then return home for the Week 18 finale against Washington. The Eagles failed to seal the deal on a division crown last week, narrowly losing to the Commanders and leaving the door open for disaster. If Philly loses its final two games and Washington wins out, Dan Quinn’s crew could steal the NFC East.
Current NFC East Standings
- Philadelphia Eagles 12-3 (3-1, 7-3 vs NFC)
- Washington Commanders 10-5 (3-2 in division, 7-3)
- Dallas Cowboys 7-8 (3-1, 5-5)
- New York Giants 2-13 (0-5, 1-10)
The Eagles beating Dallas this week didn’t seem in doubt before losing QB Jalen Hurts to a concussion. The Cowboys have beaten better quarterbacks than Kenny Pickett in their recent 4-1 surge, but Pickett should be better after a full week to prepare. While he played plenty in two years with the Steelers, Pickett had only attempted three passes with Philadelphia before being forced into action last week.
Dallas suffered its own major offensive loss this week with news that WR CeeDee Lamb will be shut down with a shoulder injury. It’s rightfully concerning; Lamb’s individual greatness has sometimes felt like the only thing keeping Cooper Rush and the offense afloat. And though the Eagles’ offense may be handicapped this week, their defense which held the Cowboys to six points in Week 10 will be determined to pick up the slack.
If Dallas does upset Philly, the Commanders still have to do their part in a Sunday night meeting with the Falcons. Atlanta is tied with Tampa Bay atop the NFC South and a division win is likely the only way they’ll make the playoffs, so motivation will be high. But Washington, with their own playoff spot still not confirmed, can’t afford any lost momentum. With Michael Penix now QB1 in Atlanta, the duel between him and fellow rookie Jayden Daniels will be fun to watch.
Unfortunately for Washington, even if things go their way this week, Week 18 isn’t looking pretty for their chance at winning the NFC East. While the Commanders will head to Dallas for their finale, the Eagles get a gift with a home game against the hapless New York Giants. Philadelphia could probably rest Hurts for another week and still run away with that game.
That doesn’t mean Dallas-Washington would be meaningless. Again, the Commanders still haven’t locked up a wild card spot. Depending on this week’s outcomes, the Cowboys could be standing in their way of even making the playoffs. Even if it’s just to play the spoiler, Mike McCarthy has found a way to keep his team motivated and giving their best. That could mean trouble for Washington, who already lost to the Cowboys a few weeks ago.
However things shake out in the NFC East, Dallas is still positioned to play a major part. It’s hard to believe they could still finish the season above .500 but that seems to be the goal, draft pick be damned. The Cowboys’ efforts to leave this season on a positive note could be a big negative for the Eagles and Commanders as we bring 2024 to a close.
