Despite being eliminated from the playoffs four hours before kickoff, the Cowboys actually took the field like it was a playoff game, providing plenty of effort and fight.

Even though the Cowboys were eliminated from playoff contention before Sunday night's game, Mike McCarthy and his team still played as though everything was on the line ina 26-24 win over Tampa Bay. 

It's been a long time coming, but after overcoming a foot injury that stole most of his 2024 season, DaRon Bland delivered one of the biggest takeaways of the year for the Cowboys. 

As if what CeeDee Lamb is doing this season, against all odds and adversity, isn't impressive enough, now you can add two more records to his Cowboys' resume. 

Plays that might be forgotten include a pair of drops by the Bucs, both on offense and defense.

Although eliminated from the playoffs earlier in the day, the Cowboys came out with something to prove, defeating the Buccaneers, 26-24.

After Washington's last-second win over the Eagles, the Commanders improved to 10-5, which has officially eliminated the Cowboys from the playoffs. 

With injuries, heartbreak, and slim playoff hopes, the Cowboys face a grueling three-game stretch that could determine their postseason fate.

Two of the hottest teams in the NFL square off here in a late-December matchup at AT&T Stadium. The Cowboys have won three of four but the Bucs are riding a four-game winning streak. 

The last few battles between the Cowboys and the Bucs were must-see TV, and these players could make sure the coming matchup is as well. 

The Cowboys have been scorching hot on the ground and in the pass rush, and will need to lean on that again Sunday night against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers if they want to keep their playoff hopes alive. 

There might be a bit of revenge on the minds of the Buccaneers when they visit the Cowboys at AT&T Stadium, despite the cast for both being different. 

As Cooper Rush heads into his seventh start as the Cowboys quarterback, he talked about the challenges that Todd Bowles and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers present defensively, as well as cleaning up his issue with fumbles.

When it comes to his future with the Dallas Cowboys, and also the possibility of a training camp holdout, Micah Parsons could not be more clear on his stance.

Let's take a look at some of the greatest players in the history of the Cowboys who somehow weren't drafted but still found undeniable success.

Welcome to "The Science Lab", a place where football facts and in-depth analysis always triumph over feelings.

Just how tough is CeeDee Lamb? @spags52 breaks it down in his weekly Mick Shots. Plus, the foot is back, what KaVontae Turpin is wishing for, Mike Zimmer on Micah Parsons and more.

Here are 10 more notable 'big facts' to remember ahead of Sunday's 7:20pm kickoff on NBC.

Carl Lawson's had a difficult, injury-filled career in the NFL. Now that he's healthy, he's back to playing some of his best football yet and knows there are higher levels that he can reach. 

There are several reasons Marist Liufau has progressed quickly as a Cowboys' rookie, one being DeMarvion Overshown's influence, and the other is his own fiery internal motor.

With so many players banged up for the Dallas Cowboys, their undrafted free agents have made the most of their opportunities to contribute and play winning football. 

The Cowboys are one of the hotter teams in the NFL right now, winning three of four games. But the Bucs are even hotter, winners of four straight games.

Every possible thing has worked against the Dallas Cowboys in 2024, including themselves, at times, but Mike McCarthy loves what he's saying lately.

In case there was any ever doubt, Jerry and Stephen Jones made it very clear that they want Micah Parsons to be a part of the Cowboys' future. Now, their next step is signing him to an extension. 

Dallas Cowboys' top plays vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Week 16

Watch every catch from Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb's from 105-yard game against the visiting Tampa Bay Buccaneers on "Sunday Night Football" in Week 16 of the 2024 NFL regular season.

Watch highlights from the Week 16 matchup between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Dallas Cowboys during the 2024 NFL season.

Dallas Cowboys cornerback DaRon Bland yanks a game-sealing takeaway from Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Rachaad White's grasp.

Dallas Cowboys cornerback Jourdan Lewis draws major praise from NBC's Cris Collinsworth after a "miracle" of an interception against Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield.

Dallas Cowboys safety Donovan Wilson drags Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield to turf for a sack on first down.

Dallas Cowboys wreak havoc on Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield's pocket en route to Cowboys defensive lineman Linval Joseph's sack.

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Cooper Rush's 26-yard pass hits Cowboys wide receiver Ryan Flournoy for his fifth career catch.

Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey drills a 58-yard field goal to push the Cowboys' lead to nine points over the visiting Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey drills a 58-yard field goal to push the Cowboys' lead to nine points.

Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott's 83rd touchdown as a Cowboy boosts Dallas' lead over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to 19-7.

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Cooper Rush dials a long distance shot to Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb for a 52-yard gain and red-zone access.

Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey's 34th made field goal of 2024 boosts the Cowboys' lead to 13-7 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Cooper Rush's 34-yard deep ball hits leaping Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb in Tampa Bay Buccaneers' territory.

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Cooper Rush's 28-yard connection with Cowboys wide receiver Brandin Cooks gets the Cowboys into the red zone against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Cooper Rush's touchdown pass to toe-tapping Cowboys wide receiver Jalen Tolbert comes amid pressure from Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive lineman Vita Vea.

Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey's 12th field goal of 50+ yards comes as he drills a 58-yard field goal so easily that NBC's Mike Tirico says it "looks like a free throw" for the Cowboys' special teams ace.

Por primera vez en su carrera en la NFL, Micah Parsons vivirá un cambio de régimen tras la partida de Mike McCarthy mientras los Cowboys buscan contratar a su nuevo entrenador en jefe.

La era de Mike McCarthy ha terminado en Dallas, y eso significa que los Cowboys están en busca de su reemplazo. A continuación, lista de posibles candidatos para la posición vacante.

El ex esquinero de los Cowboys, Deion Sanders, actual entrenador en jefe de Colorado, se reunió con Jerry Jones sobre el puesto vacante de entrenador en jefe y admite estar intrigado por la situación.

Esta temporada baja estará llena preguntas alrededor de la lesión de Dak Prescott y el futuro de otros tres mariscales de campo de los Cowboys: Cooper Rush, Trey Lance y Will Grier.