The Rams and Cowboys are separated by two games in the NFC standings. Despite Los Angeles being two games ahead, it’s the Cowboys with a much better chance to make the postseason.
According to FiveThirtyEight, the Rams have just a 35% chance of making the playoffs. The Cowboys’ odds sit at 52%, needing to win two of their final three games to clinch a spot in the postseason – or even by beating the Eagles in Week 16 and Philadelphia losing one other game.
The playoff picture has a lot of fans up in arms about a 6-7 Cowboys team not only in line to make the playoffs over a better Rams squad, but they’ll also host a playoff game on wild-card weekend.
Todd Gurley knows Dallas is in a better spot simply because of the playoff formatting.
“Everyone’s better than their record,” Gurley said plainly Thursday. “They’re just not in a good place right now, but (expletive), they’re in a better place than us because they’re going to make the playoffs, so I don’t know why everyone’s concerned about them. As long as they take care of what they need to take care of, they’ll still be playing in January.”
Gurley’s right, and it’s easy to read the frustration on his face. He knows the Rams aren’t in a great spot despite being 8-5, needing help in order to make the playoffs. Los Angeles could win its last three games and still be kept out if the Vikings, Seahawks and 49ers also continue to win.
It may not be fair, but it’s the way the NFL formats its postseason – and the Cowboys are going to benefit from it greatly.