NFL Week 16: 5 teams that must win

2. Dallas Cowboys

Much like the Bills, the Cowboys have played through a ton of adversity this season. Injuries to key players like Tyron Smith and Sean Lee were huge hits and we can’t forget the Ezekiel Elliott suspension. Now, the Cowboys have all three players back as they’re vying for a wild-card berth in a crowded NFC playoff picture. They host the Seahawks this weekend but should have the advantage at home.

The return of Elliott is going to do wonders for the Cowboys’ offense. They are getting back the best running back in the NFL and if he plays anything like we’ve seen over the past year, the Cowboys are going to be a dangerous team. Not only is the production increased on the ground but Elliott’s return takes a huge weight of off Dak Prescott’s shoulders. He’s been asked to carry the offense in Elliott’s absence and has had an up and down fight. He’ll now be able to play in a more balanced offense and can get back to basics. As a whole, the passing game will be opened up and we should see better production.

The Cowboys won’t be going up against the same Seahawks team that’s dominated the NFC over the last seven to eight years. They’re decimated with injuries and lack any kind of identity on offense. The Rams exposed those weaknesses in a 42-7 win and you can bet Jason Garrett is going to try to take a page out of the same playbook. If he’s smart, Elliott should get no fewer than 25 touches.

This is a game the Cowboys should and absolutely need to win.