The NFL Playoffs are just around the corner. Keep a close eye on these five Week 12 matchups as teams jockey for postseason position.
It seems hard to believe given all the trials and tribulations of 2020, but the NFL playoffs are just around the corner. Contending teams are jockeying for postseason position while franchises who have fallen out of competition are already starting to turn their attention towards 2021 and beyond.
The Week 12 slate isn’t chocked full of star-studded matchups, but there are more than enough intriguing battles to captivate fans. Keep a close eye on the following five matchups to get a firm handle on next week’s biggest NFL storylines.
5. The battle for the NFC Least
Regrettably, someone has to win the NFC East this season. That team is going to secure a home playoff game even though they’ll almost certainly head into the game as prohibitive underdogs. This week’s matchup between the Cowboys and the Washington Football team could go a long way towards determining who wins football’s weakest division.
The Cowboys believe the return of Andy Dalton under center gives them a legitimate chance to go on a run down the stretch. That could prove true against the other teams inside the NFC East. The embarrassment of riches Dallas still enjoys at the wide receiver position should allow them to score points against anyone.
Washington, in sharp contrast, relies on its defense to grind out wins. Ron Rivera has done a credible job coaching up his young, but supremely talented front seven. They’ll want to bring pressure to disrupt Dalton early and often.
This game will likely be decided when Washington has the football. Alex Smith is a great story, but he’s still limited at the quarterback position. Those limitations should give Dallas’ weak defense the ability to secure the win for their team. This game won’t be a work of art, but nothing in the NFC East this season has been.