Since week 15, the Cowboys have already secured their presence for the playoffs this season. However, after the results of week 16, it was confirmed that the cowboy team will have the first wild card position (position #5) in the National Conference. Despite still having options for the division title and the NFC #1 seed, Dallas will likely retain its current position at the end of the regular season.
Looking at the positions in the rest of the conference, everything indicates that the cowboys will visit the #4 wild card round. Since, that is to say, it will belong to the champion of the NFC South. That title is yet to be decided between the Buccaneers (7-8), Panthers (6-9) and Saints (6-9). However, the current outlook favors the Tampa Bay team.
Here’s what each of these teams needs to do to qualify for the playoffs and host the Cowboys in the wild card round.
There are now 16 results left in the NFC South race (ignoring ties).
The #Buccaneers win 10, and can clinch the division with a win next week.
The #Panthers win 5
The #Saints win just the one –but they’re not dead yet! pic.twitter.com/f80OxjOHGX— Bryan Knowles (@BryKno) December 26, 2022
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: A win is enough to qualify
Coming off their win Sunday night against the Cardinals, the Bucs only need to win in Week 17 against the Panthers to clinch the division title. In case of losing, they would not depend on themselves in the final week. There, they would have to beat the Falcons and hope the Saints beat the Panthers.
On paper, the Buccaneers are the team many wouldn’t like to rival the Cowboys in the wild-card round. It is true that the Bucs have not had a good season, just like the rest of the teams in the NFC South. However, Tom Brady is the X factor that continues to make the Tampa team dangerous, this despite having an interception problem in recent games.
CHRISTMAS OT DUB ????????
Tom Brady and the @Buccaneers defeat the Cardinals in another close finish ???? pic.twitter.com/HREYwxUBuL
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) December 26, 2022
Carolina Panthers: Winning their remaining two games, they will qualify
In the case of the Panthers, their classification would be more worked, but it depends only on them. Beating the Buccaneers and the Saints, the divisional title will be in their hands. This, in large part, because a second win over the Bucs this year would benefit them in the event of a tie for first place.
After the layoffs and the departure of key players during the season, many thought that the Panthers already gave up their season for lost. However, the Carolina team has been on a fairly positive streak in recent weeks. Because of this, they still have a high chance of making the playoffs.
SAM DARNOLD ONE MORE TIME!!! TOUCHDOWN!!!
THE PANTHERS ARE RUNNING WILD AGAINST THE LIONS!!!
???? ????⬛#DETvsCAR #OnePride #KeepPounding pic.twitter.com/HBMC6ZdoKD— Sportskeeda Pro Football (@SKProFootball) December 24, 2022
New Orleans Saints: Only a combination of results would qualify them
Despite going 6-9 along with the Panthers, the Saints are the ones who have the toughest time clinching the division title. The New Orleans team would not be favored by a tie for first place in the NFC South with the Bucs, this after losing both of its games against them this year. Therefore, only a combination of results would allow them to win the division.
To qualify, the Saints need to win against the Eagles and Panthers. Likewise, they would need the Bucs to lose to Carolina and Atlanta. In theory, that’s an unlikely combination of outcomes. However, it could have a side effect: the single win against the Eagles would put the fight for the #1 spot in the NFC on hold. If this happens, it would force the Eagles to play their starters in Week 18 against the Giants.
WATSON GOES DOWN AND THE SAINTS WILL WIN THE BALLGAME!!!
⚜️ ????#NOvsCLE#Saints #Browns pic.twitter.com/tvBLRlUDns— Sportskeeda Pro Football (@SKProFootball) December 24, 2022
Is the division title still possible for Dallas?
As we can see, the most likely opponents for the Cowboys in the wild card round would be the Buccaneers or the Panthers. However, it is worth mentioning that the divisional title and the #1 spot in the National Conference are still within their reach.
To do both, the Cowboys must win their last two games, while the Eagles must lose to the Saints and Giants. If this occurs, it would also require the Vikings and 49ers to lose at least one of their remaining games. It is a complicated combination of results, but we well know that in the final weeks anything can happen.
Of course, Dallas can also still clinch just the division title and clinch a few playoff games at home. If the Eagles and Cowboys have the aforementioned results, they could clinch second or third in the division. This, it’s worth mentioning, depending on what the Vikings and 49ers do in their final games. This is another tricky combination of results, but one not to be ruled out either.
The UPDATED NFC playoff picture. pic.twitter.com/FOUtFQI1Dr
— Sunday Night Football on NBC (@SNFonNBC) December 26, 2022
Without a doubt, the Cowboys are likely to meet Tom Brady and the Bucs for the second time this season. However, surprises may still occur in the next two weeks. It will already be the results of week 17 that dictate whether Dallas can rest the starters for the final week and prepare for said meeting. Or, go all out against the Commanders in pursuit of the division title and the #1 seed in the NFC.
