Cowboys can clinch NFL’s first playoff spot in Week 12

Washington Redskins v Dallas Cowboys

With a win on Thursday night and some help on Sunday, the Dallas Cowboys can become the first NFL team to clinch a playoff spot in 2016.

The Cowboys (10-1) need two results during Week 12 to secure a postseason bid.

First, Dallas needs to go on the road and beat the Minnesota Vikings on Thursday night. There’s no clinching scenario in Week 12 without a Cowboys win over the Vikings.

From there, Dallas requires help in one of two ways on Sunday afternoon. The Cowboys either need the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to lose or tie against the San Diego Chargers, or the Washington Redskins to lose or tie against the Arizona Cardinals. Dallas doesn’t need both results to happen, just one or the other.

At 10-1, the Cowboys are all but assured going to the postseason come the end of the season. Clinching a playoff spot in Week 12 is just one step, with the division title and home field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs next on the list.

Winners of 10 straight games, the Cowboys are the only team in the NFL capable of clinching a playoff spot in Week 12.

Arrow to top