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When the Cowboys sat at 3-5 through nine weeks of the season, a division title seemed like a pipe dream. But with the Giants' struggles, both Dallas and Washington are in the hunt for the NFC East title and may even duke it out for the NFC East crown when they play in Week 17. But first Dallas plays New Orleans, who visit Cowboys Stadium on Sunday.
The Cowboys have won five of six, most recently a 27-24 overtime win over the Steelers, another chapter in one of the most storied NFL rivalries. Quarterback Tony Romo has thrown just three interceptions in the Cowboys' last seven games, where he had thrown 13 the previous seven. The turnover turnaround has helped Dallas win close games over Philadelphia, Cleveland and Cincinnati in recent weeks. After missing six weeks with a foot injury, the return of DeMarco Murray has helped. The running back returned three weeks ago and the Cowboys haven't lost since.
The Saints playoff hopes were dashed weeks ago, but they did some dashing of their own when they smoked NFC South rival Tampa Bay 41-0. New Orleans can play spoiler again, with a win significantly diminishing Dallas' playoff chances.
Here's the rest of the NFL schedule for Week 16:
Saturday, December 22
- Raiders at Panthers, 1 p.m. ET, CBS
- Bills at Dolphins, 1 p.m. ET, CBS
- Bengals at Steelers, 1 p.m. ET, CBS
- Patriots at Jaguars, 1 p.m. ET, CBS
- Colts at Chiefs, 1 p.m. ET, CBS
- Saints at Cowboys, 1 p.m. ET, FOX
- Redskins at Eagles, 1 p.m. ET, FOX
- Rams at Buccaneers, 1 p.m. ET, FOX
- Chargers at Jets, 1 p.m. ET, CBS
- Titans at Packers, 1 p.m. ET, CBS
- Vikings at Texans, 1 p.m. ET, FOX
- Browns at Broncos, 4:05 p.m. ET, CBS
- Bears at Cardinals, 4:25 p.m. ET, FOX
- Giants at Ravens, 4:25 p.m. ET, FOX
- 49ers at Seahawks, 8:20 p.m. ET, NBC