The Dallas Cowboys have a three-game lead in the National Conference East Division lead.
At this point in the season, beyond the midpoint of the extended 17-game schedule, it would take an epic collapse for Dallas to not claim the playoff spot.
In fact, the classified system of the New York Times it lists Dallas with a 96% chance of winning their division and a 99% chance of qualifying for the postseason.
So let’s turn our attention to the prospect of the NFC race for first place heading into the playoffs.
Remember that under the extended playoff format only the teams that finish with the best record in each conference receive a bye in the first round of the playoffs.
The other six teams face off on wild card weekend.
Currently, the Cowboys (9-4) would qualify as the fourth seed in the National Conference.
The New York Times gives Dallas a 7% chance of claiming the first round bye.
Here’s an updated look at the National Conference playoff picture with the odds given by the New York Times each team to claim first place.
Division leaders
1. Green Bay (North), 10-3, 39% chance of goodbye in the first round
Remaining Schedule: At Ravens, Against Browns, Against Vikings, At Lions
2. Tampa Bay (South), 10-3, 36% chance of break in first round
Remaining schedule: vs. Saints, at Panthers, at Jets, vs. Panthers
3. Arizona (West), 10-3, 16% chance of break in first round
Remaining schedule: in Lions, vs. Colts, in Cowboys, vs. Seahawks
4. Dallas (East), 9-4, 7% chance of break in first round
Remaining schedule: in Giants, vs. Washington (WFT), vs. Cardinals, in Eagles
Wild Cards
5. LA Rams, 9-4, 1% chance of goodbye in the first round
Remaining schedule: vs Seahawks, at Vikings, at Ravens, vs 49ers
6. San Francisco, 7-6
Remaining schedule: vs. Falcons, at Titans, vs. Texans, at Rams
7. Washington, 6 – 7
Remaining schedule: at Eagles, at Cowboys, vs. Eagles, at Giants
Teams with possibilities
8. Minnesota, 6-7
Schedule Remaining: At Bears, Against Rams, At Packers, Against Bears
9. Philadelphia, 6-7
Remaining schedule: vs. WFT, vs. Giants, in WFT, vs. Cowboys
10. Atlanta, 6-7
Remaining schedule: at 49ers, vs. Lions, at Bills, vs. Saints
Positions in the East Division of the National Conference
Dallas, 9-4
Washington, 6-7
Philadelphia, 6-7
New York (Giants), 4-9
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Only an epic collapse would prevent the Cowboys from making the NFL playoffs