The Indianapolis Colts and Dallas Cowboys will meet Sunday, with playoff implications running rampant.
Both sit atop their respective divisions, but the Cowboys are desperate to end their playoff drought, and a win would not only secure the division, but give their veterans an opportunity to rest in Week 17.
It's rare that a team sitting in the division lead has its back against the wall, but Dallas could put themselves in an unfavorable position entering the playoffs if they don't give their key players time to heal.
The Colts are playing for seeding, and Andrew Luck's place in statistical history.
Here's what you need to know:
DeMarco's impact
The most successful running back in the league this season has a broken hand, and even though he'll likely play, his effectiveness will be up for debate.
Murray broke the fourth metacarpal bone in his left hand and was seen in practice with it wrapped and padded. It's reportedly a matter of pain tolerance, and Murray is determined to play, but the impact of the hand on a running back with a history of fumbling issues is worrisome.
Accounting for 47% of the Cowboys' offensive plays this season, Murray is the last true workhorse running back in the league, and replacing his production would be hard to do on the spot. The Cowboys may be forced to rely on Tony Romo's arm and a creative screen game to win - a prospect that could result in several turnovers and an offensive stall.
What are the Colts playing for?
The Colts are in the midst of a classic NFL scenario. With their division secured, they could win a first-round bye if they win out, but they're dealing with significant injuries to some veteran stars.
Since it's likely the Colts will settle into that third playoff spot, you may see key performers like Reggie Wayne and T.Y. Hilton limited, or even on the sidelines, in this game. It's potentially far more beneficial to the Colts to have members of their passing attack available in the playoffs than to play for a just-out-of-reach bye week.
"We've talked about a lot of guys," Colts head coach Chuck Pagano said this week. "We'll look at guys that are on the injury list that are dealing with nagging injuries and if it's best for them and best for the team then we'll do obviously what's right in all those cases."
If the Colts decide to take their foot off the gas, it could leave the door open for a desperate Cowboys team to steal a win.
Andrew Luck and statistical greatness
By season's end, Andrew Luck could own one of the most impressive passing campaigns in NFL history. With two games remaining, Luck has a chance to pass for more than 5,000 yards and 40-plus touchdowns. Only Dan Marino, Tom Brady, Peyton Manning and Drew Brees have done that.
He has 4,492 yards passing and 38 touchdowns with two games remaining.
All that being said, Luck hasn't taken care of the ball in the last half of the season. The Colts have rallied against poor teams week after week to overcome early turnovers and offensive ineptitude, but how long can that last?
The Cowboys are a team that wants to run it down their opponent's throat, and if Luck turns the ball over early they may do just that. See last week's early thumping of the Philadelphia Eagles.
