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Cowboys still have chance to win NFC East

Dec 31, 2006 - 2:22 PM Detroit (2-13) at Dallas (9-6) Sunday 1:00 pm EST

IRVING, Texas (Ticker) - The Dallas Cowboys and Detroit Lions are playing for much different things heading into Sunday's regular-season finale.

The Cowboys still are holding out hope that they could win their first NFC East title since 1998. But in order for that happen, they need a win in this contest and a loss by Philadelphia to Atlanta later Sunday.

If the Cowboys fail to win the division, they would visit Seattle next weekend in the wild-card round.

Tied with the Oakland Raiders for the NFL's worst record, the Lions would secure the No. 1 pick in April's draft with a loss. Notre Dame quarterback Brady Quinn could be a target with that pick.

Behind the play of surprising Pro Bowl quarterback Tony Romo, who took over for Drew Bledsoe on October 29, the Cowboys appeared headed toward a division title. However, they have lost two of their last three games.

With a chance to secure the division, the Cowboys were manhandled in a 23-7 loss to Philadelphia on Christmas. Dallas surrendered 204 rushing yards and was outgained by a lopsided 426-201.

Controversial wide receiver Terrell Owens had just two catches for 23 yards and a touchdown against the Eagles to go along with another critical drop. The performance again led to Owens venting his frustration.

"I just feel like I'm not involved early in the game," Owens said. "Everybody knows that's what I do. Every team that I've played on, I've been involved early and often. It's hard to get in the flow when you're getting a ball here, a ball there."

Romo also struggled against the Eagles, completing just 14-of-29 passes for 142 yards and a touchdown with two interceptions.

Trying to avoid finishing 0-8 on the road, the Lions are completing their first season under coach Rod Marinelli. Detroit is a woeful 23-72 the last six seasons with Matt Millen as team president.

Last Sunday, the Lions nearly pulled off a shocker against the NFC's best team before enduring a 26-21 loss to Chicago. Jon Kitna completed 27-of-45 passes for 283 yards and three touchdowns.

Kitna has an NFL-high 30 turnovers, including 21 interceptions.