If the Giants beat the Cowboys on Sunday, it would hurt Dallas’ playoff aspirations, but it would do little to help the Giants’ sustain the top spot in the NFC.
That likely will be decided two weeks from now when the Panthers and Giants play in the Meadowlands.
Carolina continued their winning ways Monday night with a 38-23 victory over the Bucs, whom they were tied with on top of the NFC South. Now the 10-3 Panthers control their own destiny, one game behind the Giants.
If Carolina beats Denver at home this week, regardless what the Giants do in Dallas, a win over Big Blue would give them the top spot in the conference heading into the final week of the season.
The Giants did clinch the NFC East title, despite their 20-14 loss to the Eagles on Sunday. And some possible playoff matchups are becoming clearer.
The Cardinals clinched the horrendous NFC West and along with the NFC North-leading Vikings are two possible Divisional Round opponents for the Giants.
You can include the Bucs in that mix, too. Even with the loss to the Panthers, Tampa Bay is 9-4 and leads the wild-card race. And it still could catch the Giants for the top spot in the conference, although it would take a remarkable turn of events.
The one thing the Giants do not want to see is a very dangerous Cowboys team, currently claiming the final wild-card spot, getting into the playoffs. But Big Blue can deal a severe blow to the Cowboys’ chances with a win in Dallas on Sunday.
IF THE SEASON ENDED TODAY
WILD-CARD ROUND
(6) Cowboys 8-5 at (3) Vikings 8-5
(5) Buccaneers 9-4 at (4) Cardinals 8-5
FIRST-ROUND BYES
(1) Giants 11-2; (2) Panthers 10-3
IN THE MIX
Falcons 8-5
Eagles 7-5-1
Redskins 7-6
Bears 7-6
Saints 7-6