It looked as if we were going to get to celebrate an NFC East title tonight, given that the Bears entered into the fourth quarter with a 16-7 lead over the Giants. But New York rallied and now stand at 8-4. The good news: a single Dallas win or a single Giant loss in the final four weeks of the season gives the Cowboys a divisional title.
Below is a look at the Cowboys’ playoff picture.
Remaining Games
Three of the Cowboys’ four remaining opponents (Washington, Philadelphia, and Carolina) have 5-7 records and are just about out of the playoff picture altogether. Detroit stands at 6-6 but has lost four straight after routing Denver about a month ago. I don’t think anyone has forgotten last year’s debacle against the Lions, so Dallas should not have a letdown.
NFC East Title
The Giants are 8-4 and very nearly a lock for a playoff spot after today’s win. Losses by the Eagles and Redskins virtually eliminated both of them from the playoffs, absent a miracle.
First Round Bye
If the Cowboys win two of their final four games, they will at least receive a first-round bye and will host one of the playoff games. Both Seattle and Tampa Bay have 8-4 records with 7-2 conference records. It is possible that Dallas could go 1-3 or 0-4 and lose the first-round bye. Seattle holds the tiebreaker over Tampa based on the Seahawks’ opening day win over the Buccaneers.
Home Field Advantage
The Cowboys’ magic number to earn home field advantage in the NFC playoffs is three, meaning that any combination of three Dallas wins and/or Green Bay losses will give Dallas the best record in the conference.
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The big fantasy matchup is very nearly a blowout. Thurman’s Thieves (my team) is tied for first in its division (8-4) with the league’s organizer (America’s Team), and the two of us are facing off this week for division title. As it stands right now, the Thieves are trailing 126.7-97.5, and only one player remains for either team. The player?
Moss has had more than 20 points in seven games this year. However, he has had 30 or more only once (42, vs. Buffalo two weeks ago). I need 30. Hear me, Randy? 30.
Update: It’s getting worse. After some recalcuations, I am now behind 130-95.8. So Randy, I need 34.
That is, of course, assuming no further recalcuations.
Been an exciting fantasy matchup this week. I have complete faith that Moss will catch 8 TD passes and have 300 yards receiving tonight. That would about sum up the year for me. Good luck tonight. I will try to swing by your office sometime this week if I can get away from work…this whole working for a living thing is not as fun as I thought.