What are the Cowboys’ chances of having a bye week in the NFL playoffs

The Dallas Cowboys have a two-game lead in the games won column in the NL East.

In this stretch of the season, beyond the midpoint of the expanded 17-game schedule, it would take an epic collapse for Dallas to not claim the playoff spot that comes with winning its division title.

In fact, the classified system of the New York Times it lists Dallas with an 82% chance of winning the East, with a 98% chance of making 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 are 8-4 and would qualify as the fourth seed in the National Conference.

The New York Times gives Dallas a 5% chance of claiming the bye in the first round.

Here’s an updated look at the National Conference playoff image according to the New York Times.

Division leaders

1. Arizona (West), 10-2, 46% first-round break chance

2. Green Bay (North), 9-3, 28% chance of bye in first round

3. Tampa Bay (South), 9-3, 21% first-round break chance

4. Dallas (East), 8-4, 5% first-round break chance

Wild card

5. Rams, 8-4, 1% chance of break in first round

6. Washington, 6-6

7. San Francisco, 6-6

With playoff chances

8. Philadelphia, 6-7

9. Minnesota, 5-7

10. Carolina, 5-7

Positions in the East Division of the National Conference

Dallas, 8-4

Washington, 6-6

Philadelphia, 6-7

New York Giants, 4-8