FanPost

Is it too early to be thinking about home field advantage for the playoffs?

At 6-1, Dallas is atop the standings for the NFL, not just the NFC. We're also riding a 6 game winning streak, and with 9 games to go, play only 4 games against teams that currently have winning records, and 3 of those games are at home. So I ask:

Is it too early to be thinking about having the best record in the NFC, with a bye and home field advantage in the playoffs?

I don't think so.

Here's Dallas's schedule: Washington, Arizona, @ Jacksonville (London), Bye, @ Giants, Eagles, @ Bears, @ Eagles, Indy, @ Washington. 5 of 9 against teams with losing records.

Who else can potentially compete for that top spot in the NFC? I see only 3-4 teams with a shot.

1. Philadelphia. 5-1. They are @ Arizona, @ Texans, Panthers, @ Packers, Titans, @ Cowboys, Seattle, Cowboys, @ Wash, @ Giants. That's 3 of 10 against teams with losing records, and 6 road games.

2. Arizona. Also 5-1. They have Eagles, @ Cowboys, Rams, Lions, @ Seattle, @ Atlanta, Chiefs, @ Rams, Seattle, @ SF. That's 4 of 10 against teams with losing records, and 5 road games.

3. Green Bay. At 5-2, they have @ Saints, Bears, Eagles, @ Minn, New England, Falcons, @ Bills, @ Bucs, Lions. That's 5 of 9 against teams with losing records, but only 4 road games.

4. Detroit. At 5-2, they have @ Atlanta, Miami, @ Arizona, @ NE, Bears, Bucs, Vikings, @ Bears, @ GB. That's 5 of 9 against teams with losing records, but 5 road games.

This seems very favorable for Dallas. With a solid running game, we should be able to take care of the teams with losing records. That leaves 2 with Philly, and Arizona and Indy at home.

If we split with Philly, they aren't going to be able to match our record, since they seem to have the toughest schedule of these 4 teams.

If we beat Arizona, they aren't going to pass us without the tiebreaker. I'm not sure they will win the NFC West at the end.

I think Green Bay should give us the greatest concern. Only 4 road games, and one of the 4 winning teams they get is Buffalo. On the flip side of that, they do have a game in New Orleans.

Detroit seems like it has a tougher road, and will be lucky to avoid being a wild card.

So, there you have a little look into the rest of the schedule. Take care of business, and hope Green Bay loses in New Orleans (at least).

GO COWBOYS!!

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