NFL Playoff Picture: New York Giants Will Seal Dallas Cowboys' Fate

After disposing of the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, the New York Giants now have the lead in the NFC East with just three games remaining.

The question is, can they hold on?

It may all come down to the two teams' grudge match in the final game of the regular season on Jan. 1.

This time it will be played in New York, and it's probably the last place the Cowboys will want to begin their New Years.

Sunday's game was a test for both teams. The test was: Who will screw up the most?

The Cowboys lost this test when kicker Dan Bailey's field-goal attempt was blocked by Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul in the final seconds and they lost the game, 37-34.

The Giants looked like a better team on Sunday, and that is all that matters. They looked more focused and, most importantly, more determined to make the playoffs. And there was simply no way for the Cowboys to stop Pierre-Paul, who has turned into a monster in his second season.

It had become evident before Week 14 that the division would go to who wanted it more and who didn't shoot themselves in the foot. These aren't elite teams, make no mistake about it.

On Sunday, the Cowboys proved they are their own worst enemy, and this is more than just a quick fix. This is a mentality. The ironic thing is, quarterback Tony Romo was actually good late in the game on Sunday but the rest of his team let him down.

I called the Giants the San Diego Chargers of the East this season.

The Cowboys have now "earned" that distinction.