The Cowboys are playing for a playoff berth in Week 17 against the New York Giants and it's as simple as this: if they win, they extend their season as the NFC East champions, if they lose, they're out and the Giants are in. The Cowboys are heading into the last week of the 2011 regular season with an 8-7 record and have had no shortage of big-time performances from big-time players. Two of those players are outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware and interior defensive lineman Jay Ratliff, both of whom have been named to the 2012 Pro Bowl roster.
Ware has 53 tackles and 18 sacks, which ties him for the second most in the NFL with Jason Babin, so far on the season and Ratliff has 35 tackles and two sacks so far in 2011. Both players have been instrumental in getting the Cowboys in position to play for a playoff spot in Week 17 and both are listed as starters for the pro bowl.
Go here for complete 2012 NFL Pro Bowl rosters.