NFC Playoff Picture: What Do Dallas Cowboys Need to Win NFC East?

The Dallas Cowboys still have a chance to reach the postseason at 8-7. All they need to do is beat the 8-7 New York Giants in Week 17 to take the NFC East title. But the Cowboys will be traveling to MetLife Stadium and considering that they have lost three out of their last four, it may take a lot for them to actually realize their postseason dreams. 

To knock off the Giants, the Cowboys will need to play extremely well, and while it looks like quarterback Tony Romo is ready to start, he will need help on Sunday night. Starting left guard Montrae Holland was put on injured reserve this week with a biceps injury, further depleting Dallas' offensive line. 

In addition to Romo and Holland's injuries, running back Felix Jones has been battling a hamstring issue and receiver Laurent Robinson's shoulder has been troubling him. Dallas will need both of those guys to step up in Week 17.

The Cowboys were blasted by the Philadelphia Eagles 20-7 in Week 16 and they only managed just 238 yards of total offense. While Romo was out of that game early, the running game never got going and there was absolutely no life in the team.

In Week 14, the Giants matched up with the Cowboys and came away with a 37-34 win. In that game, the Cowboys were up 34-22 with less than four minutes remaining only to let it slip away. Dallas' defense surrendered 510 yards of offense, including 400 through the air. The Cowboys also sacked Eli Manning a grand total of zero times. 

If the Cowboys hope to make the postseason they have to have everything clicking on offense, and they must get to Manning on defense. Manning can be shaky at times, but if he is allowed to stand in the pocket he can pick an opposing secondary apart as well as anyone.

Dallas can't let him do that this time. The Cowboys must stop Manning if they hope to emerge from the game as NFC East Champions.