FRISCO — With five games remaining in the regular season, the Cowboys (6-5-1) are 3 1/2 games behind the 49ers (9-4) for the final playoff spot in the NFC.
A Cowboys victory Thursday night over the Lions (7-5) improves their chances to not only move up in the overall standings, but also to get within striking distance of the NFC East title.
The Eagles (8-4), currently the No. 3 seed if the season ended today, will face the Chargers on Dec. 8. The Eagles have lost their last two games.
Knowing there’s so much to play for, quarterback Dak Prescott was asked if he checks the standings.
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“I mean, I did the other day,” he said after Monday’s practice from The Star. “It was just more, I wouldn’t say by accident, but I was just watching TV. right? It came up there, showing the AFC, something like ‘What’s the NFC look like?’ I went checked it out. And I guess really nothing different, though, than what I’ve said, right? It’s about us really just controlling what we control, winning the games in front of us. I don’t think we’re in a position where we can truly count wins and losses from other teams. I think we just win, and handle our business, we’ll put ourselves in a great spot.”
The Cowboys have won their last three games heading into the Lions game and play three NFC teams among the final five opponents, which could have a bearing on their playoff status.
One of the keys to the push toward a playoff push is the defense.
“It’s been fun,” defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus said. “The biggest enjoyment that I have as a coach is seeing the guys execute and them having fun doing it. That’s the biggest fulfillment you could have as a coach and that’s why you do the job.”
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