The Cowboys weren’t dead yet entering Week 16, but a few game results put a pin in their playoff hopes.
Dallas’ season spiraled with a five-game losing streak that started in October and bled well into November, but a stretch of three wins in four games with Cooper Rush under center was holding off the formal end of the franchise’s playoff hopes for some time.
MORE: Updated NFL playoff picture for Week 16
Despite a 26-24 win over the Buccaneers on Sunday night, the Cowboys were eliminated from postseason contention in Week 16. Entering the week with eight losses, Dallas had no room for error anyway.
Here’s the updated look at where the Cowboys stand in the NFC playoff picture after their Week 16 win over Tampa Bay, although they’ve been eliminated from the playoff race.
NFL HQ: Live NFL scores | Updated NFL standings | Full NFL schedule
Cowboys playoff picture
NFC wild-card standings
| Seed | Team | Record |
| 5 | Vikings | 13-2 |
| 6 | Packers | 10-4 |
| 7 | Commanders | 10-5 |
| 8 | Buccaneers | 8-7 |
| 9 | Seahawks | 8-7 |
| 10 | Cowboys | 7-8 |
| 11 | Cardinals | 7-8 |
| 12 | 49ers | 6-9 |
| 13 | Saints | 5-9 |
| 14 | Bears | 4-11 |
| 15 | Panthers | 4-11 |
| 16 | Giants | 2-13 |
With the Commanders beating the Eagles on Sunday, the Cowboys were officially eliminated from the playoff race. Dallas’ NFC East chances were gone a long while ago, but the squad’s last hope was claiming a wild-card spot through winning out while Washington lost out.
Even with their elimination, the Cowboys improved their conference seeding on Sunday night with their win over Tampa Bay, now the No. 10 seed. At best, Dallas can finish the season at 9-8.
MORE NFL WEEK 16:
Cowboys remaining schedule
| Week | Date | Matchup | Time (ET) |
| 17 | Dec. 29 | at Eagles | 4:25 p.m. |
| 18 | Jan. 5 | vs. Commanders | TBD |
The Cowboys’ playoff chances are gone, but they can still play spoiler. With two NFC East rivals that are currently in playoff spots still on their schedule, the Cowboys could alter the Eagles’ or Commanders’ potential seeding.
Cowboys updated playoff chances
Dallas was eliminated from postseason contention in Week 16.
MORE NFL DRAFT NEWS:
