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How much is a win over a 2-11 team worth?
About one spot in the power rankings, if you go by the 11 power rankings we've assembled below. The Cowboys move up from an average of 14.6 last week to an average of 13.5 this week.
But power rankings don't get you to the playoffs, so we'll continue to watch the Cowboys trying to win five games in a row. Two down, three to go.
For now, this week's power rankings for your enjoyment.
NFL.com - No. 12 (LW:14)
Well, that was one slick fourth-quarter from the Cowboys. A few more quick thoughts:
A) Get Cole Beasley more involved.
B) Jason Witten holds, doesn't get thrown the ball, then delivers the clutch play of the game.
C) Sean Lee is freaking incredible.
D) Alfred Morris is more effective than most realize -- well, except when it comes to staying in bounds when it matters.
E) Dan Bailey was hitting some ducks out there. Flying saucers.
NY Daily News - No. 12 (LW: 14)
Maybe linebacker Sean Lee, who had 18 tackles and an interception in his first game back from injury, [is] the real MVP in Big D. Don't look now, but an offense that sputtered to three straight losses without Zeke Elliott has now racked up 68 points the past two weeks without their workhorse running back.
NESN - No. 13 (LW: 14)
Dallas pulled away from the New York Giants late at MetLife Stadium to keep their slim playoff hopes alive. The Cowboys will face a struggling Oakland Raiders team in Week 15 before welcoming Ezekiel Elliott back for a Week 16 clash with the Seahawks.
Washington Post - No. 13 (LW: 16)
The Cowboys finally figured out how to play without suspended RB Ezekiel Elliott, winning their past two games. Unfortunately, it took them three losses without Elliott to figure it out. Facing the Redskins and Giants in the two victories didn’t hurt, either.
Yahoo - No. 13 (LW: 14)
With some really good Week 15 games, it’s amazing that Cowboys-Raiders wasn’t flexed out of the Sunday night spot. I understand the ratings draw of the Cowboys trumps all for the NFL, but it’s still a weird and nearsighted decision to grab a few extra Cowboys fans as a minor ratings boost rather than put out the best possible product for viewers.
USA Today - No. 14 (LW: 18)
Welcome back, Sean Lee, who racked up 18 tackles and an INT after month-long absence. But is there enough time left for a successful playoff push?
Fivethirtyeight - No. 14 (LW: 14)
Elo ratings are a simple system that estimates each team’s skill level using only the final scores and locations of each game.
SI.com - No. 14 (LW: 14)
No Cowboys commentary provided this week.
ESPN - No. 15 (LW: 14)
DeMarcus Lawrence's emergence has been one of the biggest breakthroughs for the Cowboys. His 13.5 sacks this season are second-most in the NFL and most by a Cowboy since DeMarcus Ware had 19.5 in 2011. Lawrence entered the season with 9.0 sacks in 32 career games.
Sagarin Rating - No. 15 (LW: 15)
These are rankings based on W/L record, points differential and schedule strength.
Chicago Tribune - No. 15 (LW: 16)
They’ve been able to tread water, sort of, without Ezekiel Elliott, who will miss one more game Sunday against the Raiders.
Here's where Dallas ranks relative to the Eagles, Redskins, and Giants.
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| Wk 15 | Wk 15 | Wk 15 | Wk 15 | |
| NESN | 12 | 2 | 23 | 31 |
| NY Daily News | 12 | 3 | - - | - - |
| NFL | 12 | 4 | 19 | 31 |
| Yahoo | 13 | 3 | 22 | 31 |
| Washington Post | 13 | 8 | 27 | 31 |
| 538 | 14 | 2 | 22 | 30 |
| Sports Illustrated | 14 | 6 | 21 | 31 |
| USA Today | 14 | 10 | 20 | 31 |
| Sagarin | 15 | 3 | 19 | 28 |
| ESPN | 15 | 3 | 21 | 31 |
| Chicago Tribune | 15 | 2 | 22 | 31 |
| Average Week 15 | 13.5 | 4.2 | 21.6 | 30.6 |
| Average Week 14 | 14.6 | 3.2 | 19.9 | 30.3 |