Why the Cowboys will play their most important game of the season on Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Only three weeks remain in the 2024 season, and even though the odds are hanging by a thread, the Dallas Cowboys still have a path into the playoffs.

Multiple scenarios exist, but none work without the Cowboys winning out against the Buccaneers, Eagles and Commanders and the Commanders losing out against the Eagles, Falcons and Cowboys.

Whether the Cowboys make an improbable run or not, the chances could evaporate as soon as Sunday night when the Buccaneers travel to AT&T Stadium. While head coach Mike McCarthy says the team has had urgency for most of the season, one more slip up as soon as Sunday will officially end the playoff hopes.

“I think it’s the same urgency as we’ve had of late,” McCarthy said. “We have to win and we obviously need some help, but it starts with needing to win. That’s all we’re focused on.”

As of late, the Cowboys have moved to their winter schedule which includes more of a ramp up later in the week rather than hitting the field with pads on Wednesday.

“We’re onto our winter schedule and we’re pouring everything into this week so we can take care of business on Sunday night,” he said. “That’s all that matters.”

The Cowboys aren’t the only ones playing with some desperation going into the week. The Buccaneers are in the thick of an NFC South title race that requires a couple of wins down the stretch. Next week, the Eagles will be fighting the Detroit Lions for the one-seed in the NFC. In week 18, there’s a good chance that the Commanders will be playing for the right to play in the postseason.

“We always have urgency,” McCarthy said. “But as you’re in mid-December and the reality of what you need to get in the tournament, the whole league has urgency right now.”