In the mid-afternoon on Sunday, the Cowboys were officially eliminated from the 2024 NFC playoffs after the Washington Commanders’ upset win over the Philadelphia Eagles. Even four hours later, with plenty of time for reality to sink in, Dallas showed no signs of dejection as it earned a hard-fought victory over the playoff-contending Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
On paper, only one team on Sunday Night Football had something to play for. Tampa went into the game with a half-game lead over the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC South; a guaranteed spot in January’s playoffs and a first-round home game to boot.