Cowboys playoff picture shapes up

December, 4, 2012
12/04/12
12:10
PM CT
The Dallas Cowboys are 6-6 overall and one game out of first place in the NFC East to the first-place New York Giants. However, despite being tied with the Washington Redskins for second place, the Cowboys are behind their hated NFC East rivals in the playoff standings.

PODCAST
Jerry Jones looks forward to the rest of the season and talks about the Cowboys' chances at making the playoffs.

Listen Listen
As of today, the Cowboys lose a tiebreaker with Washington, a result of their Thanksgiving Day loss. However if the Cowboys finished tied with Minnesota or Tampa Bay, they win the tiebreaker because of a better conference record. Dallas' conference record is 5-5, with two more NFC games, New Orleans and Washington, remaining on the schedule.

It would seem the Cowboys need to win out to clinch the NFC East with 10 wins. If Dallas gets nine wins, a potential wildcard berth still doesn't guarantee a postseason appearance. The Cowboys lose a tiebreaker with Seattle, a result of a Week 2 loss.
Calvin Watkins joined ESPNDallas.com in September 2009. He's covered the Cowboys since 2006 and also has covered colleges, boxing and high school sports.

SPONSORED HEADLINES

ESPN Conversations


You must be signed in to post a comment

Already have an account?

103.3 FM ESPN PODCASTS

Fitzsimmons & Durrett: Ed Werder

ESPN NFL Insider Ed Werder joins Fitzsimmons & Durrett to discuss Jerry Jones' recent comments, Cowboys OTAs, Dez Bryant and more.

Fitzsimmons & Durrett: Todd Archer

Todd Archer joins Fitzsimmons & Durrett to discuss the latest Tony Romo news and what he will be watching for in OTAs.

Fitzsimmons & Durrett: Nate Newton

Nate Newton joins Fitzsimmons & Durrett to discuss his comments on how Jason Garrett should handle being on the hot seat and not let Jerry Jones get in the way.

Fitzsimmons & Durrett: Barry Church

Cowboys safety Barry Church joins Fitzsimmons & Durrett to discuss the new defensive scheme and the impact it will have on him, how much more intense he expects practice to be with Monte Kiffin and his expectations.

Fitzsimmons & Durrett: Ed Werder

ESPN Insider Ed Werder joins Fitzsimmons & Durrett to discuss the latest Cowboys news, including Jason Garrett downplaying Tony Romo's involvement in offensive planning and play calling.

Fitzsimmons & Durrett: John Lynch

John Lynch joins Fitzsimmons & Durrett to discuss playing for Monte Kiffin and Rod Marinelli, why Cowboys fans should be excited about the new defensive staff, why Valley Ranch will no longer resemble a country club and his thoughts on the Cowboys' roster.

Fitzsimmons & Durrett: Herm Edwards

Herm Edwards joins Fitzsimmons & Durrett to discuss the latest Cowboys news and give his take on what new face will make the biggest impact for Dallas.

Fitzsimmons & Durrett: Nate Newton

Nate Newton joins Fitzsimmons & Durrett to discuss what he saw at the Cowboys' rookie minicamp and how he helped Rod Marinelli on the defensive side of the ball.

DALLAS CALENDAR

  •    There are no games scheduled for today.
  •    There are no games scheduled for today.
  •    There are no games scheduled for today.
  •    There are no games scheduled for today.
  •    There are no games scheduled for today.