Are the Cowboys out of playoffs? Explaining Dallas' postseason picture in Week 17

Griffin Missant

Are the Cowboys out of playoffs? Explaining Dallas' postseason picture in Week 17 image

The Dallas Cowboys faithful have been patiently waiting for their beloved franchise to make it over the hump. Unfortunately for them, Dallas continues to struggle to have success in the postseason.

The last time the Cowboys made it to the NFC Championship game was 1995. This is also the last time they won the Super Bowl.

This year has been a frustrating one for Dallas. The Cowboys have one of the NFL's most dynamic and powerful offenses. Since signing George Pickens in the offseason, Dak Prescott has played at an MVP level.

However, their defense was the league's worst, undermining the offense's success. This prompted Jerry Jones to make several key trades to bolster that side of the team. The defense significantly improved after the team acquired defensive tackle Quinnen Williams from the Jets and linebacker Logan Wilson from the Bengals. However, it was too late from the horrific start to the season.

Here's everything you need to know about the Dallas Cowboys' postseason chances heading into Week 17.

Are the Cowboys out of the playoffs?

Following their loss to the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 16, the Cowboys have been eliminated from the playoffs. Their elimination was cemented by the Philadelphia Eagles' Week 16 win over the Washington Commanders as well.

This marks the second consecutive season that the Cowboys have missed the playoffs. As a result, their Super Bowl drought continues, as does the fan base's misery.

 NFC playoff picture

After falling to the Chargers in Week 16, the Cowboys lost their chance at the postseason. 

Heading into Week 17, Dallas comes in as the No. 11 seed in the NFC conference, with no way to move into the Wild Card. The first four seeds are the division leaders. 

RankTeamRecord
1Seattle Seahawks12-3
2Chicago Bears11-4
3Philadelphia Eagles10-5
4Carolina Panthers8-7
5San Francisco 49ers11-4
6Los Angeles Rams11-4
7Green Bay Packers9-5-1
8Detroit Lions8-7
9Minnesota Vikings7-8
10Tampa Bay Buccaneers7-8
11Dallas Cowboys6-8-1
12Atlanta Falcons5-10
13New Orleans Saints5-10
14Washington Commanders4-11
15Arizona Cardinals3-12
16New York Giants2-13

NFC East standings

TeamRecord
Philadelphia Eagles10-5
Dallas Cowboys6-8-1
Washington Commanders4-11
New York Giants2-13

Given their record, the Cowboys' only chance of making the playoffs was to win the NFC East. Now that this is out of reach, so is the postseason for Dallas.

Cowboys remaining schedule

The Cowboys have one game remaining in the season. It will be in Week 18, and Dallas will travel to MetLife Stadium to take on the New York Giants.

Here is a look at Dallas' remaining game.

WeekOpponent
18at Giants
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