The Dallas Cowboys need some help from the New York Giants in Week 18.

Although the Cowboys remain alive in the NFC East division race, they need some outside help to take home the title. In short, they need the New York Giants to beat the Philadelphia Eagles (asides from getting a win themselves).

The only problem is that the Giants have nothing to play for. They're locked in the playoffs and they can't improve or worsen the playoff seed. As such, the Cowboys are left hoping that Brian Daboll's philosophy as head coach is to play starters regardless.

Since it's Daboll's first year at the wheel of an NFL franchise, it's pretty hard to figure out what he'll do.

The Athletic's Dan Duggan, who covers the Giants as a beat reporter, is betting on starters playing the game.

Given this a lot of thought: My gut says Daboll plays to win. Now, I’d think they’ll err on the side of caution with injured players and maybe manage workloads more than usual, but sitting guys wouldn’t fit with Daboll’s competitive culture.

— Dan Duggan (@DDuggan21) January 2, 2023

Although this is Daboll's first year as head coach, a quick look at the Buffalo Bills' teams that he was a part of, offers a glimpse at his potential philosophy. In 2020 and 2021, the Bills were playing for something. So they might not be as relevant. But in those cases, starters played the game.

But in 2019, Buffalo was locked into the No. 5 seed in the AFC. Currently, the Giants are in a very similar situation as they're locked into the 6th seed. Sean McDermott played his starters for one quarter and then pulled them out.

• 2021: Needed to win to clinch the AFC East. Starters played the full game.

— Dan Duggan (@DDuggan21) January 2, 2023

The Giants playing their starters one quarter probably wouldn't help out the Cowboys a whole lot. The Eagles are expecting Jalen Hurts back at quarterback and they need the win to clinch the No. 1 seed in the NFC. They'll be playing at full strength.

But the Cowboys might benefit from the Giants facing Philly. After all, Daboll's team gets a shot at one of the best teams in the NFL and a chance of spoiling the party for a division rival.

Do his competitive nature and desire to fire up the team ahead of its first playoff appearance since 2016 lead him to play to win?

The Cowboys hope so. At least one insider thinks so and his insight is some of the best when it comes to the Giants. But also, it's important to keep in mind that Duggan is merely expressing his opinion – this is not a report.

Oddsmakers, though? Not convinced about it. The Eagles are currently 13.5-point favorites over the Giants ahead of Week 18.

Featured image via Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK