The Dallas Cowboys have the worst record in the entire NFC but don't let that fool you. Even at 4-8 the Cowboys are still in the playoff race thanks to their Monday Night Football win over the Washington Redskins.

Despite the loss, the Redskins are still in first place with a 5-7 record. The Redskins hold the tiebreaker over the Philadelphia Eagles because they defeated Chip Kelly's squad in Week 4. The Redskins also hold the tiebreaker over the 5-7 New York Giants because they have a better division record. The NFC East has easily been the worst all around division this season, but regardless, the winner will be the No. 4 seed in the NFC.

As for the Cowboys, they are right back in the playoff mix. The Cowboys are a mediocre 1-7 this year without Tony Romo, and not one of their quarterbacks (even Romo) has more touchdowns than interceptions. However, their defense has been improving dramatically this year. The Cowboys have the best defense in the NFC East, which now ranks No. 5 in points allowed. Defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli now has this secondary an outstanding fifth in the league in passing yards allowed. The Cowboys also have another key figure working in their favor: divisional record. The Cowboys are 3-2 against NFC East teams this season whereas as the Redskins and Eagles are 2-2 and the Giants are just 2-3.

Tony Romo is still scheduled to miss the remainder of the regular season because of a terrible collarbone injury, but Jerry Jones has opted not to put him on injured reserve. By not doing so, that means if the Cowboys make the playoffs, Romo is eligible to play if cleared by team doctors.

The Giants blew yet again another fourth quarter lead, this time against the New York Jets. It was the first time the Giants lost to the Jets since 1993, and it was a pivotal one. The Giants defense ranks among the worst in the league and franchise history. Tom Coughlin's defensive squad ranks 32nd in passing, 31st overall in yards given up, 19th against the run, and 31st in sacks accumulated. That's just not Giants football.

The Eagles picked up a huge victory over the New England Patriots to get back to 5-7. The Patriots are missing numerous key players, but a win is a win. The Eagles take on the Buffalo Bills next week, but in all honesty, that's not a must win game. The really critical games for the Eagles come in Weeks 16 and 17 when they take on the Redskins and Giants.

NFC East Standings

1. Washington Redskins: 5-7

2. Philadelphia Eagles: 5-7

3. New York Giants: 5-7

4. Dallas Cowboys: 4-8

Follow Damon Salvadore on Twitter @DamonSalvadore1