Win and you're in.
It's as simple as that for the Dallas Cowboys (8-6) this week when they face the struggling Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-9).
The Cowboys could potentially clinch a playoff berth before their game goes final (depending on how long it goes) if Washington loses Saturday and Philadelphia loses its noon game Sunday. However, last week showed that it's not wise to rely on other teams to secure a playoff spot.
On paper, it may seem like a Cowboys win is inevitable, as evidenced by the fact that Dallas opened as an 8.5-point favorite, but the Buccaneers likely will be a tough out.