Silverman: Cowboys' Story Still Unfolding In NFC, But Don't Rule Out Giants

By Steve Silverman
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The Dallas Cowboys appear to have one problem: the New York Giants.

The Cowboys (11-2) showed signs of their overall talent in their Week 1 loss at home to New York, and they followed that with 11 consecutive victories. However, when they came to MetLife Stadium seeking revenge last Sunday night, the Giants flexed their suddenly considerable defensive muscles and handed the Cowboys a 10-7 defeat.

MORE: Palladino: Giants' Defense Could Make Noise In The Postseason

Nevertheless, the Cowboys are the only team in the NFL that has clinched a playoff spot. They have a two-game lead on the Giants and are seemingly in good shape for the upcoming postseason tournament.

Yet, there's an uneasy feeling right now surrounding Jerry Jones' team. In losing to the Giants, rookie quarterback Dak Prescott looked confused and lacked precision for the first time this season. He is a remarkable player who has enjoyed a brilliant rookie season, but Tony Romo is looming and he is the owner's favorite player.

MORE: Silverman: Patriots Likely To Be Challenged By Steelers, Chiefs For AFC Superiority

The feeling is that Romo will get his chance to return to the lineup. It could be this week when the Cowboys play the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, or next week against the Detroit Lions, or in the season finale against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Or perhaps it will come in the postseason.

Make no mistake, a soap opera is on the horizon for the Cowboys.

Playoff chances: Clinched

Super Bowl odds: 5-to-1

* * *

New York Giants (9-4) – The Cowboys' potential trouble is good news for the Giants, who suddenly have a slight chance to win the NFC East. If the Giants find a way to beat the Lions at home this week before going on the road to play the Eagles and the Washington Redskins, they could get it done because they have the tiebreaker edge over the Cowboys.

Cowboys receiver Dez Bryant, bottom, fumbles after getting hit by the Giants' Janoris Jenkins and Keenan Robinson during the fourth quarter at MetLife Stadium on Dec. 11, 2016. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

The Giants were the worst defensive team in the league last year, and the improvement they have made has been quite remarkable. Free agent signees are supposed to help, but could anyone have predicted that Damon Harrison, Olivier Vernon and Janoris Jenkins would all be home runs? They have, and strong safety Landon Collins has become a Pro Bowl-caliber player at a position that pays huge dividends.

Playoff chances: 2-to-1

Super Bowl odds: 7-to-1

* * *

Washington Redskins (7-5-1) – The Redskins are on the outside looking in right now, but they should find a way to beat the Carolina Panthers and the Chicago Bears over the next two weeks.

If the 'Skins can come up with a home win over the Giants in the season finale and the Bucs lose one of their final three games, they can secure a playoff position for the second year in a row.

That would be a solid achievement for head coach Jay Gruden and quarterback Kirk Cousins. It seems quite possible.

Playoff chances: 4-to-1

Super Bowl odds: 15-to-1

* * *

Detroit Lions (9-4) -- The Lions have been writing their own success story this season, and their main contributor has been Matthew Stafford. The veteran quarterback has had dominating physical skills since he was drafted out of Georgia years ago, but he has become a sharp and effective leader only over the past year and half.

That has largely been due to the hiring of Jim Bob Cooter as offensive coordinator. The name may be fun to say, but he has been a very impactful quarterback whisperer and he has helped Stafford understand the nuances of winning football.

The Lions have won eight of their last nine games, but they have a challenging finish to their season. In addition to the Giants this week, they close with a road game against the Cowboys and a home game with the suddenly hot Green Bay Packers.

Playoff chances: 7-to-2

Super Bowl odds: 9-to-1

* * *

Green Bay Packers (7-6) – While the Pittsburgh Steelers may be the most dangerous offensive team in the AFC, the Packers appear to own that title in the NFC.

After an awful stretch in the middle of the season, the Packers have turned their season around with three straight wins, including a 38-10 domination of the Seattle Seahawks last week at Lambeau Field.

Quarterback Aaron Rodgers is suddenly on fire, with a 10-0 TD-to-interception ratio over the last four weeks. The wide receiver menu includes Jordy Nelson, Randall Cobb and Davante Adams, and the Packers look capable of running the table against the Bears, Minnesota Vikings and Lions the rest of the way.

If they do and the Lions can't handle their business against the Giants or Cowboys, the Packers will take the division title.

Playoff chances: 5-to-1

Super Bowl odds: 6-to-1

* * *

Minnesota Vikings (7-6) – The Vikings are trying to dig back out after a horrendous midseason slump, but don't count on them getting all the way out.

While head coach Mike Zimmer has built a tremendous and game-altering defense, the offense is basically punchless. The Vikes can't block anybody and the running game has been nonexistent. The Vikings have winnable games against the Colts and Bears, but they have a road game in Week 16 against Rodgers and the Packers.

It could very well end up as heartbreak in Minnesota.

Playoff chances: 10-to-1

Super Bowl odds: 15-to-1

* * *

Atlanta Falcons (8-5) and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-5) – The Falcons have become known for their late-season collapses, and they appeared to be following that script in Week 13 when they dropped a 29-28 decision to Kansas City, but they rolled over the Los Angeles Rams in Week 14.

Still, the Bucs have won five games in a row and two of those victories were over the Chiefs and Seahawks. As a result, the confidence on that team is surging.

If they can find a way to pull out a win over the Cowboys on the road this week, the Bucs should be able to finish with eight wins in a row since they close with New Orleans and Carolina.

The Falcons have three winnable games -- San Francisco, Carolina and New Orleans -- and it's possible that both Atlanta and Tampa Bay could finish with 11-5 records.

However, the Bucs will likely fall short against the Cowboys this week, meaning the Falcons should win the division.

Falcons' Playoff chances: 3-to-1

Falcons' Super Bowl odds: 8-to-1

Bucs' Playoff chances: 5-to-1

Bucs' Super Bowl odds: 12-to-1

* * *

Seattle Seahawks (8-4-1) – The Seahawks are clearly the best team in the NFC West. The Arizona Cardinals have collapsed and the Rams and 49ers are awful.

So, just what have the Seahawks accomplished to this point? They had a signature win at New England, but they have since suffered road defeats at Tampa Bay and Green Bay.

The loss to the Packers was brutal, and the Seahawks did not look like a championship-caliber team.

Can they bounce back? Much depends on Russell Wilson, who threw five interceptions against the Packers.

Playoff chances: 1-to-5

Super Bowl odds: 12-to-1

Follow Steve on Twitter at @ProFootballBoy