Week 17: Redskins or Cowboys?

It all comes down to one game. The Dallas Cowboys playoff hopes rest solely on their Week 17 matchup against a division rival. If that sounds too familiar to you, its because they blew their chances more than once when faced with the same situation. 

Last year, the Cowboys faced the NY Giants in the final regular season game with the division crown going to the winner and a trip to the couch for the loser. Well, the Giants went on to win the Super Bowl after defeating Dallas 21-17 in the regular season finale, while the Cowboys sat home. 

A few years prior, they fell to the Philadelphia Eagles in a crushing 44-6 defeat, sending them home without a taste of the postseason.  Tony Romo's career with the Cowboys has been mired by inconsistency and mediocre talent surrounding him.  His postseason failures have been well documented and his inability to lead in crucial moments has been amplified. 

However, it has been Romo who placed his team on his back over the second half of the season that has the 'boys in a position to head to the postseason this year. It is Romo, dealing to Dez Bryant without the benefit of a decent run-game. And it should be Romo leading his team to victory this Sunday, but there are a few people standing in his way, most notably; Robert Griffin III.

The Washington Redskins have won 6 straight games after falling to 3-6 on the season early on, including their win over the Cowboys on Thanksgiving. RGIII has been the main culprit as he is the model of efficiency, only throwing five interceptions on the season while running the read-option with his rookie backfield mate Alfred Morris to perfection. 

The surprise has been in their defensive coverage. The Redskins have managed to hold their opponents over the course of their win-streak to manageable point totals allowing their offense to rip opposing defenses to shreds.

So who will win this epic matchup? Can Romo overcome his haunted past? Or will the rookie QB lead his team to the postseason? 

Answer: Dallas takes the game, 24-20.