As the Cowboys prepare for their final game of the regular season they appear likely to finish as the #4 seed and face off against either the Arizona Cardinals or Los Angeles Rams. While that is the likeliest path, there are some scenarios that could see Dallas finish as the #3 or #2 seed.
Today we’re going to take a look at Dallas’ five potential first round opponents and rank them from least to most difficult match-up.
5. New Orleans Saints
The Saints currently sit at 8-8 and just outside of the final NFC Wild Card spot. They can get in if they beat the Falcons this weekend the Rams lose to the 49ers.
New Orleans is probably Dallas’ least likely playoff match-up, but they are definitely the most favorable one. Dallas has already gone into New Orleans and won by double digits this season, and the Saints’ quarterback issue is simply too much of an issue to overlook.
New Orleans can do some good things on the defensive side of the ball, but their lack of ability to threaten Dallas in any way with their offense would make them an easy out.
4. Philadelphia Eagles
Dallas didn’t have too much trouble with the Eagles in week 3, beating them by 20 points on Monday Night Football.
The Eagles have steadily improved over the course of the season, and they boast one of the best running attacks in the league. Dallas has shown that they have trouble with mobile quarterbacks, and so Jalen Hurts could present some challenges. Additionally, Philadelphia boasts one of the best tackle duos in the NFL.
The problem for Philadelphia is that they’ve struggled when going up against good passing attacks. When you look at the five best passing teams they’ve played this year, Philly is 0-5. Regardless of how Dallas has thrown the ball of late, they still have the weapons to stress Philadelphia’s secondary. The Eagles can’t afford a track meet. Jalen Hurts simply can’t keep up.
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3. Los Angeles Rams
The Rams boast a strong offensive attack, and they have one of the game’s best minds drawing it all up for them. With that explosive offense comes a lot of turnover-worthy plays, however.
The Cowboys defense has thrived all season on their ability to take the ball away. Dallas is 10-2 this season when they get a turnover, and Matthew Stafford will definitely put the ball in places that he shouldn’t.
The Rams have a number of weapons, on both sides of the ball, that could be concerning. It wouldn’t be an easy victory for Dallas, but I think the ability to take advantage of some of the Rams’ carelessness with the ball would be a huge factor for the Cowboys.
2. San Francisco 49ers
Some may be surprised to see that I have the 49ers above the Rams, but I think if we’re talking strictly about who provides a more difficult match up for Dallas, it’s San Francisco.
Kyle Shanahan’s offense takes advantage of a lot of the things the Cowboys defense still struggles with: jet sweeps, misdirection, crossing routes, etc. The 49ers also have a stout pass rush that could give the Cowboys offensive line – which has struggled recently – some major problems.
I think Dallas is a more talented team overall, and I would pick them to beat the 49ers, but San Francisco would make it a fight.
1. Arizona Cardinals
This one doesn’t require much of an explanation.
Arizona just walked into your building, battered and bruised, and physically dominated you. The defense had a great game plan to frustrate Dak Prescott, and Kyler Murray’s mobility and willingness to push the ball down the field really taxed the defense.
I think Dallas could beat any of the teams on this list, but Arizona is the only one I think I’d definitely pick to beat the Cowboys should they meet.
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