Jon Beason: 'Dallas Cowboys match is must-win'

New York Giants linebacker Jon Beason has expressed his belief that the loser of Sunday's match against the Dallas Cowboys will be out of the NFL playoff race.

The Giants have overcome a terrible start to the season, winning their last four games after losing their first six, including an opening-day 36-31 loss to the Cowboys.

Their recent form has brought them to within one win of the second-place Cowboys in the NFC East, and Beason believes that Sunday's showdown could be a winner-takes-all encounter.

"We know the motivation is going to be there. It's the Cowboys. The winner's going to go on and still have a chance, and the loser is probably done," ESPN quotes Beason as saying.

Both sides currently trail the Philadelphia Eagles in the division, with Chip Kelly's team leading the way with a 6-5 record.