Let me give a shout out to Tom Landy. Not that he needs one, but I thought I should mention this.
Back in 1987 when the Cowboys would not be playing in the playoffs going into the last game of the season, the Cardinals came into Dallas looking to secure a wildcard. Dallas had nothing to play for, but don't tell Landy that. If the Cards win, they're in. If Dallas wins, the Vikings take the last spot. Well, Dallas played their butts off and won.
I remember thinking back then I hoped Dallas would win because I thought the Vikings had so much more potential. And as we all know, they went on to stomp the 12-3 Saints followed by the 13-2 49ers. Then lost a really good game to the Commanders in the Championship game. All this because coach Landry took the game seriously.