Redskins 27, Cowboys 6

LANDOVER, Md. -- From disarray to dominance, the Washington Redskins will enter the playoffs as the hottest team in the NFC.

And with the hottest quarterback in the conference. And maybe the hottest running back. And with a defense coming off a game in which it allowed one yard rushing.

The Redskins reached the postseason with a 27-6 victory over the archrival Dallas Cowboys, capping an emotional renaissance to a season that appeared lost less than a month ago. Coach Joe Gibbs received warm embraces from players and assistants as the final seconds ticked away.

The Redskins (9-7) did it by beating Dallas (13-3), which rested anyone who was questionable with an injury because it had clinched home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.

Washington is 4-0 since the funeral for safety Sean Taylor, who was fatally shot in his home.

Quoteworthy: “To think four weeks ago, where we were, and where we are tonight, it was a great experience and a great ride.” -- Joe Gibbs, Redskins coach