Dallas Cowboys running back Rod Smith, center, scores a touchdown between Oakland Raiders linebacker NaVorro Bowman (53) and strong safety Keith McGill II (39) during the first half of an NFL football game in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, Dec. 17, 2017. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg)

By Jeremy Kahn

OAKLAND–With their playoff lives on the line, the Oakland Raiders saw their hopes take a big hit with the help of an index card. Dan Bailey kicked a 19-yard field goal with 1:44 remaining in the game and the Dallas Cowboys escaped with a 20-17 win at O.co Coliseum Sunday night.

Dak Prescott looked short of the first down on a fourth-and-one play with about five minutes remaining in the game. However, it was so close the chains were brought out and it still looked short. Instead of giving the Raiders the ball on downs, referee Gene Steratore folded an index card, and despite the fact that it was still short, the official gave the Cowboys the first down.

Prescott found Dez Bryant for a 40-yard pass down deep into Raiders territory and then Bailey kicked a 19-yard field goal with 1:44 remaining to give the Cowboys the lead.

“Didn’t use the card to make the final decision. The final decision was made visually. The card was nothing more than a reaffirmation of what was visually done. My decision was visually done based on the looked from the pole,” said Steratore.

Following Bailey’s field goal, the Raiders got the ball and on fourth-and-10 deep into their territory, Derek Carr threw a long pass to Michael Crabtree, but the pass fell to the ground that would have given the Cowboys the ball on downs. However, Cowboys rookie cornerback Jourdan Lewis was called for pass interference, and after the 43-yard penalty, the Raiders were still in business.

Carr drove the Raiders down to the Cowboys’ eight-yard line, and scrambled for what looked like a possible game-winning touchdown. Carr then fumbled the ball through the end zone and the Cowboys got the ball back.

The last play was changed, as Carr was without Crabtree on the final possession of the game after he was sent into the tent for concussion protocol.

“I guess it was the officials. They took me out of the game and the last paly. They took me out and made me go into the tent,” said Crabtree.

Prescott kneeled for a one-yard loss and the Cowboys escaped with a three-point victory (20-17) on the road.

With the win, the Cowboys are in a three-way tie for seventh place in the NFC playoff picture and a half-game behind the Atlanta Falcons. The Falcons hold the tiebreaker with the Cowboys after defeating them 27-7 earlier this season. The Falcons play the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on Monday Night.

As for the Raiders, their playoff hopes are on life support, as they need a lot of help just to get into the postseason. Presently, the Raiders are in ninth place in the AFC and the top six teams go to the playoffs.

The Cowboys pulled off the play of the game in the third quarter, as they faked a punt on fourth-and-11, and Punter Chris Jones scampered down the field for a 24-yard gain.

Prescott ended the drive, as he scored from five yards out to give the Cowboys a 17-10 late in the third quarter.

Carr and Crabtree tied up the game, as they hooked up for the second time in the game, when Carr found Crabtree from two yards out.

On the night, Carr ended 21-for-38 for 171 yards passing and two touchdowns. Carr also added 47 yards on the ground on four carries.

Crabtree caught seven passes for 39 yards and two touchdowns.

Prescott went 18-for-27 with 212 yards passing and two interceptions. It was the first multi-interception game of the season for the Raiders.

Marshawn Lynch led the Raiders with 16 carries for 76 yards.

NOTES: With the home season now done, the Raiders head out on the road to face the Philadelphia Eagles on Christmas night.

UP NEXT: The Cowboys return to AT&T Stadium to host the Seattle Seahawks, who are coming off a 42-7 loss to the Los Angeles Rams at Century Link Field, on Sunday, December 24 at 1:25 pm PT.