The Dallas Cowboys are still alive in two important races. With one regular season game left to go, Dallas is in the hunt for the NFC East crown and the No. 1 seed in the NFC Playoffs.

Unfortunately, the Cowboys do not control their own destiny in either. Dallas will need some help in Week 18 to make either happen. Two things need to happen for the Dallas Cowboys to repeat as divisional champs:

1. Cowboys win over the Commanders
2. Eagles loss to the Giants

Both have to happen for the Cowboys to get the No. 1 seed, to. Additionally, Dallas needs the Cardinals to beat the 49ers to earn the top-seed. But if the 49ers win and the other two scenarios happen, the Cowboys would get the No. 2 seed.

A lot has to play out. And the NFL isn't doing the Cowboys any favors ahead of Sunday's action.

Cowboys get no help from NFL

The NFL released the week 18 schedule on Monday, and Dallas gets no help from the league. Week 18 has the Cowboys, Eagles, and 49ers all playing at the exact same time on Sunday: 4:25 EST.

Such a move is smart for the TV in terms of entertaining purposes. But, the schedule means that the Cowboys — and the other team teams — won't know their playoff fate while playing their game. Which means that it is unlikely that any of the three teams want to rest their key players with what's potentially on the line.

The Week 18 schedule is here! #NFLSeasonFinale pic.twitter.com/h6lLHeQH5k

— NFL (@NFL) January 2, 2023

On one hand, the Cowboys will have the opportunity to potentially come out of Sunday as the top-seed in the NFC. On the other, the Cowboys could play its starters for four quarters and get nothing out of it. That's because they don't control their own fate.

That's life in the NFL. But it is clear that the league does not want the Dallas Cowboys to know their playoff outcome before kickoff in week 18. It will be interesting to see how the coaching staff handles that.

Featured image via Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports