Whether the Giants will admit it or not, the Cowboys gave them something to be thankful for this Thanksgiving.

As SNY's Ralph Vacchiano explained before Dallas' 31-23 win over the Alex Smith-less Redskins Thursday, Big Blue had no choice but to be rooting for the 'Boys as part of New York's lofty goal of making it to the playoffs.

At 3-7 heading into Sunday's matchup with the Eagles, the Giants need to extend their winning streak to three and then some to keep their dreams of an NFC East title alive.

But the Cowboys gave them a welcome assist to go with their turkey and stuffing.

With the victory, Dallas is now tied with Washington for the division lead at 6-5. If the Giants can secure a win in Philadelphia they would cut the deficit to two games with five games still to play.

The Giants, who are 0-3 in the NFC East, don't have the tie-breakers in their favor, but they will play both Dallas and Washington again before the regular season ends.

After a tight first half Thursday evening, the Cowboys pulled away from the Redskins in the third quarter before closing it out in the fourth. With Ezekiel Elliott's help, QB Dak Prescott even treated the home crowd to a touchdown celebration inside the Salvation Army kettle.

Washington QB Colt McCoy threw for two touchdowns and three interceptions, making his first start of the year after Smith suffered a season-ending broken leg last week. Mark Sanchez, of Jets and butt-fumble fame, is Washington's new backup, contributing to the team's suddenly bleak outlook.

The Eagles (4-6) are also not out of the running for the division. A victory over the Giants would put the defending Super Bowl champs just one game out of the lead. The Eagles still have two games against the Redskins and one against the Cowboys remaining on their schedule.

As for the Giants, the best they can do is continue winning -- and listening to WR Odell Beckham Jr.

"Six games left, it's really only crazy until you do it," he said this week.

Popular in the Community