The Dallas Cowboys will win the NFC East if they can beat the Washington Commanders in Week 18. However, without their two start guards, Dak Prescott and the Cowboys could be in trouble.

Dallas has ruled out both Zack Martin and Tyler Smith, via Ari Meirov of The 33rd Team. Martin is dealing with an illness while Smith is battling through a foot injury.

Offensive line has not been one of the Cowboys' strengths in 2023. Heading into Week 18, Prescott has been sacked 39 times this season. While Dallas is in the middle of the pack in terms of total sacks allowed, Prescott is tied with Chicago Bears QB Justin Fields for taken the fifth-most sacks this season.

Losing both Martin and Smith will be a massive blow to the Cowboys. They've earned solid Pro Football Focus grades of 69.8 and 72.9 respectably. Furthermore, they're trusted Prescott protectors who understand how to block in Dallas' scheme.

The Cowboys' saving grace is the fact that they have already clinched their spot in the playoffs at 11-5. Defeating the Commanders in Week 18 just means that the Cowboys would be NFC East champions and secure the No. 2 seed for the playoffs.

That certainly isn't nothing and is an accolade Dallas wants to achieve. However, Dak Prescott and company will have to learn how to play with a depleted offensive line on the fly.

When the Cowboys played the Commanders earlier in the season, Dallas came away with a 45-10 lead. With the NFC East hanging in the balance – guards or no guards – the Cowboys are hoping for a similar outcome.