Cowboys’ playoff odds make Colts matchup a virtual playoff game

Marcus Mosher of The Landry Hat argues that the Dallas Cowboys face a must-win game against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 9 to keep their postseason hopes alive. Sitting at 3-5 after blowing a lead against the Arizona Cardinals, Dallas currently holds a 30 percent chance of reaching the playoffs, with winning the NFC East representing their most realistic path forward.

According to The Athletic's Playoff Simulator, a victory over Indianapolis could raise Dallas's playoff odds to as high as 44 percent depending on other results. However, Mosher notes that a loss paired with a New York Giants win would reduce the Cowboys' playoff chances to just 15 percent, severely damaging their season.