Jay Gruden: Hard to root for Cowboys despite Redskins' interest

The Washington Redskins’ playoff hopes could hinge on the outcome of Monday night’s game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Detroit Lions.

With a Cowboys win, the Redskins can control their playoff destiny in Week 17, needing only a win against the Giants to clinch a wild-card spot (barring the unlikely event of a tie between the Packers and Lions in Week 17).

So that requires Redskins fans to do the unthinkable tonight: Root for the NFC East-rival Cowboys. A win by the Lions would make the Redskins’ road to the playoffs more complicated.

Even knowing the stakes, Washington head coach Jay Gruden isn’t so sure about it.

“It’s hard to root for Dallas,” Gruden said Monday.

Lighten up, Jay. This is the time of year when plenty of fans resort to cheering for whatever scenario helps their team out most. No one is asking Gruden to don a Ezekiel Elliott jersey or paint his face silver, but no in Washington D.C. should fault Gruden for rooting for his own best interest.

Follow Lindsay H. Jones on Twitter @bylindsayhjones.

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