The race to the playoffs is starting to take shape in Week 11 of the 2021 NFL season.
The top teams are starting to create distance between themselves and the fringe postseason squads.
But as early as this week, fans might see a glimpse of what could be a potential Super Bowl LVI pairing.
We are within the 100-day mark to Super Bowl LVI! @onlocationexp #OnlyWithOnLocation #SuperBowlLVI pic.twitter.com/1GwenwIm1V
— Kayla Miller (@kaynoelmiller) November 10, 2021
The NFC East-leading Dallas Cowboys will visit the AFC West-leading Kansas City Chiefs for a showdown of epic proportions.
This game could be the game of the week if it lives up to the hype.
Likewise, the die-hard fans of both teams hope that it won’t be the last time they will play each other this season.
Redemption For The Cowboys
In an episode of HBO’s Hard Knocks, cornerback Trevon Diggs’ son comically asked Dak Prescott if he was Patrick Mahomes.
However, he might achieve the same accolades that his Week 11 counterpart has if he continues to play at a high level.
The Cowboys were on their way to winning the NFC East and securing a playoff berth last season.
Unfortunately, Prescott suffered a season-ending injury, and the Cowboys finished at 6-10.
Dak Prescott: 110.8 passer rating this season
1st among all QBs 🎯 pic.twitter.com/PmvjgcqAqX
— PFF (@PFF) November 17, 2021
This year, Prescott picked up where he left off as he led a high-powered Dallas offense into one of the NFL’s best.
The fourth-round draftee has completed 70 percent of his passes for 2,341 yards and 20 touchdowns through eight games played.
His primary targets, CeeDee Lamb and Amari Cooper, consistently bring nightmares upon opposing defensive backs.
Meanwhile, Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard have run the ball ferociously to combine for eight rushing touchdowns.
Putting the slowmo camera to work today 😅💦💦@EzekielElliott | @dallascowboys pic.twitter.com/ARW6lREG62
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) November 14, 2021
These players helped the Cowboys become the league leaders in yards per game (433.9) and points per game (31.6).
But they’re not a one-dimensional team because they have bright spots on defense like interceptions leader Diggs, Randy Gregory, and Micah Parsons.
Chiefs Returning To Form
The Chiefs did not start the season on a high note.
Mahomes struggled to complete throws and he had 10 interceptions in six games.
His inconsistency affected the production of Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce.
Meanwhile, their defense wasn’t generating enough pressure to rattle opposing quarterbacks.
Dan Orlovsky previews the Chiefs' defense against the stacked Cowboys receiving core this Sunday 👀 pic.twitter.com/aZg2xSNUnm
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) November 18, 2021
But those narratives changed when the Chiefs won three consecutive games to become division leaders once again.
Their recent victory against the Las Vegas Raiders was the highlight of their winning streak because it signified that the Chiefs are back.
After that game, Mahomes became the third quarterback in NFL history to have three games with 400 yards and five touchdowns.
Darrel Williams is also picking up the slack from the backfield while Clyde Edwards-Helaire is still injured.
35/50.
406 yards.
5 TDs.Statement performance. @PatrickMahomes pic.twitter.com/dMGwPZZARG
— NFL (@NFL) November 15, 2021
More importantly, their defensive intensity elevated when Melvin Ingram joined the team.
The much-maligned Daniel Sorensen got an interception off Derek Carr while Derrick Nnadi and Jarran Reed got a sack each.
What To Expect From This Showdown?
Both the Cowboys and the Chiefs will unleash all their weapons to get a statement win.
Therefore, it won’t be a surprise if this clash ends up being a high-scoring affair.
A win by Kansas City gives them more breathing room in their quest for a sixth straight division title.
Their division rivals (Raiders, Los Angeles Chargers, Denver Broncos) are just a game behind with five wins each.
Gettin' hype for the weekend 😎@TarellBasham | #FridayFeeling pic.twitter.com/0o1dUCVvQX
— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) November 19, 2021
On the other hand, a victory by Dallas widens the distance between them and the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC East.
While it’s still early to tell, a four-game lead with seven games left might be enough to secure the division and a playoff spot.
Expect both teams to fight for every yard and give their best on every snap with much at stake.
NEXT: Cardinals Fans Once Again Reminded About Great Personnel Decision