The remote path for Dak Prescott, Cowboys to make playoffs - ESPN

FRISCO, Texas — The Dallas Cowboys needed a break over the weekend.

They just finished a span of four games in 18 days with their 44-30 loss to the Detroit Lions on Thursday, which ended a three-game win streak and dropped them to 6-6-1 on the season. Bodies were sore. Minds were worn.

«I do think it's good for our players to get their bodies back right,» coach Brian Schottenheimer said as preparations began for Sunday's home game against the 5-8 Minnesota Vikings (8:20 p.m. ET).

While players rested, the coaches went through a self-scout process to seek out trends in their offensive and defensive schemes, even though they won three of their past four games. The organization's analytics department was given another task: figure out the Cowboys' playoff chances.

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ESPN Analytics puts the Cowboys' postseason chances at 10% with Week 14 complete.

While there is a way the Cowboys can make the playoffs even if they don't win their final four games, they would need as much help as a toddler driving an 18-wheeler.

So let's examine the premise that the Cowboys must win out against the Vikings, Los Angeles Chargers, Washington Commanders and New York Giants.

That would put them at 10-6-1 on the season but needing help to make the playoffs in Schottenheimer's first year.

What else needs to happen to lock up a playoff spot?

The easiest path to the playoffs is to win the division. The Philadelphia Eagles are in position to become the first repeat champions in the NFC East since the 2003-04 Eagles, but things have not gone swimmingly for the defending Super Bowl