Cowboys vs. Seahawks: Why's A Dallas Win So Key In NFL Playoff Race?

The Seahawks have endured some turbulence in recent weeks, having lost three of their last four. They’ve managed point totals of three, 16, and 13, respectively in those losses and haven’t quite recaptured the lightning in the bottle of quarterback Geno Smith.

Regardless, this is a talented team with their backs against the wall. Receiver DK Metcalf hasn’t quite lived up to his billing in 2023, but has feasted on man coverage, with Dallas plays a lot of. Tyler Lockett is still his dangerous self and rookie Jaxon Smith-Njigba is a problem over the middle of the field. This is likely the deepest receiving corps the Cowboys will play all year, testing a defense that has far surpassed expectations.

An explosive game from Smith and the passing offense is probably the quickest way for Dallas to fall short, aside from an unforeseen offensive meltdown. Assuming the Cowboys can keep both in check, they’ll likely do themselves a favor come January.

Win or lose on Thursday, Dallas is essentially locked into a playoff spot. Per Sumer Sports. A loss would send the Cowboys tumbling down to a 97.7 percent chance at the playoffs. A win, however, could put the fifth-best team in the NFC out of the playoffs.

Seattle, for all of their flaws, is markedly better than some of the NFC teams competing for Wild Card spots. However, a Week 13 loss would take their odds down to 43.3 percent. Without the tiebreaker over the Los Angeles Rams, things can get messy quickly.

While Dallas isn’t likely to play the Seahawks in the first round of the playoffs, a weaker field ultimately opens the door for an easier matchup. If they own the top seed and Seattle isn’t in the dance, the only second-place team worth worrying about is Philadelphia.

Avoiding the Eagles, San Francisco 49ers, and Detroit Lions for as long as possible will be helpful in staying alive in the NFC playoffs. While far from a guarantee, a Seahawks-less playoff picture means more possibilities of playing a bad quarterback (and likely, team) when the season turns into a single-elimination tournament.

Handling their business in prime time is the only way to increase those odds, however small they may be.