The Dallas Cowboys still have a slim chance of making the playoffs, but with just three games left in the regular season, their postseason hopes depend on several outcomes, leaving no margin for error. More importantly, the Dallas front office will soon face crucial decisions during an offseason that demands quick action. This week, they will host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who have won four straight games and are pushing for the NFC South title, with a healthy Mike Evans and another strong season from quarterback Baker Mayfield. Can the Cowboys pull off an upset to stay in the playoff race? Here are five key factors to watch in the primetime matchup.
Hot Streak
Both teams enter Week 16 on a strong four-game stretch, with Tampa Bay winning four in a row and Dallas winning three of their last four. One team will have to break their streak, and the Cowboys are determined to come out on top. Wide receiver CeeDee Lamb emphasized the importance of every practice, knowing that their opportunities are limited. “It’s about putting my best foot forward for these guys and this team to lead,” he said, with the team aiming to stay in playoff contention and secure a fourth straight season above .500.
Hanging by a Thread
Entering Week 16, the Cowboys have less than a 1% chance to make the playoffs, according to most predictions. The most likely scenario involves Dallas winning all its games, the Commanders losing out, and some help from the Falcons and NFC West. “We need to win,” head coach Mike McCarthy said, acknowledging the urgency. A loss or a Washington win will officially eliminate the Cowboys from playoff contention, but a win and the right results elsewhere will keep their hopes alive into Week 17.
Cooped Up
Despite running back Rico Dowdle’s impressive performance, leading the NFL in rushing yards over the last three games, Dallas may need to rely more on quarterback Cooper Rush and the passing game. Tampa Bay’s defense ranks 30th in passing yards allowed per game, struggling against top quarterbacks this season. If Dowdle wants to continue his streak of 100-yard games, he’ll face a tough challenge against Tampa Bay’s 11th-ranked rush defense, which hasn’t allowed a 100-yard rusher in seven weeks.
Race for 1,000
As the season nears its end, milestones are on players’ minds. Dowdle is just 120 yards away from his first 1,000-yard season, a remarkable achievement considering he didn’t expect to reach it earlier in the year. Meanwhile, Tampa Bay’s Mike Evans is aiming for his 10th consecutive season with 1,000 receiving yards, needing 251 yards over the final three games. Although Evans missed three games due to injury, his 159-yard performance last week has him back on track. “If it happens, it happens,” said quarterback Baker Mayfield, who continues to rely on Evans as the team’s top target.
Zimmer’s Battle
Tampa Bay’s offense features multiple weapons, including tight end Cade Otton, running backs Bucky Irving and Rachaad White, and rookie wide receiver Jalen McMillan. Otton is having a career year, while Irving leads all rookies in rushing yards. McMillan has stepped up in Chris Godwin’s absence, and with left tackle Tristan Wirfs anchoring the line, the Bucs’ offense is formidable. Cowboys defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer faces the challenge of managing these threats, especially with quarterback Baker Mayfield playing some of the best football of his career. “He’s playing with a lot of confidence,” Zimmer said, noting Mayfield’s ability to make plays both in the pocket and on the move.
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