With three weeks left in the NFL season, the window of opportunity continues for shrink for mid-level teams hoping to sneak into the playoffs.
That window has all but shut for the Cowboys. At 4-9 and in the basement of the abysmal NFC East, Dallas needs to win its last three games and hope the Giants, Eagles and Redskins don't finish better than 7-9.
WEEK 15 PICKS: Straight up | Against the spread | Betting lines
Meanwhile, the Jets are tied with the Chiefs and Steelers at 8-5, and a single loss could knock one out of contention.
With seasons on the line, the Cowboys host the Jets in the season's first Saturday night game, which kicks off at 8:25 p.m. ET on the NFL Network.
Jets at Cowboys straight-up pick
David Steele: The Jets can't let this one get away from them … and there’s no reason to think the Cowboys can take it from them at this point. The Jets’ run defense has been steady all season (best in the NFL this week), meaning that the Dallas offense could be back in the hands of Matt Cassel to win or lose. On the other side, Ryan Fitzpatrick has nine touchdown passes and no interceptions in the Jets’ three-game winning streak. Jets, 27-7.
MORE: Steele's Week 15 picks straight up
Jets at Cowboys pick against the spread
Vinnie Iyer: The Jets need to avoid the trap here and should be able to do it with plenty of Chris Ivory. Dallas also can’t cover Brandon Marshall, and while Darrelle Revis may have some trouble covering Dez Bryant, that matchup will do little to affect the game. That’s because the Cowboys will be grounded, and Matt Cassel will fold against the subsequent third-and-long blitzes. On Marshall, on Eric Decker, another win for Ryan Fitzpatrick. Jets win 27-17 and cover the spread.
MORE: Iyer's Week 15 picks against the spread
Jets at Cowboys odds
Line: New York -3 (-120)
Total: 42
The Linemakers' take: The Jets have won and covered three straight as they continue to fight for a wild-card berth. The Cowboys have been dinged by injuries all season and are a woeful 1-5 SU and ATS at home. The struggling Matt Cassel is expected to start again in this rare Saturday night game, with Kellen Moore the other option.
NFL Week 15 betting lines, odds
MORE:
NFL Week 15 picks against the spread
NFL Week 15 betting lines, odds