IRVING, Texas --- Tony Romo crisply guided Dallas to touchdowns on its first three drives and points on the first four, then turned the early surge into a 34-9 victory over the Seattle Seahawks on Thursday.

The Cowboys won their third in a row, matching their best roll of the season, all coming since Romo returned from a broken right pinkie. Dallas is 8-4 and back near the top of the NFC playoff race. Now comes the hard part -- staying there.

The Cowboys' next three games are against Pittsburgh, the New York Giants and Baltimore.

"It will be a challenge to get into the playoffs, but we feel very confident in our ability to win football games," Romo said. "I like our chances."

The Seahawks lost their fifth in a row and fell to 2-10. It matches the most losses outgoing coach Mike Holmgren has had in a season in his 17 years in the NFL, and there are four games left.

Seattle was within a touchdown of winning its past three games, but this one was never close after former Dallas running back Julius Jones fumbled on the Seahawks' first possession. The Cowboys wound up driving for a touchdown that made it 14-0 on the way to 24-3 midway through the second quarter.

Seattle's Matt Hasselbeck was sacked seven times, the most by Dallas since having nine on Nov. 9, 1997.

With the defense playing like that and the offense scoring in the 30s in consecutive weeks, the Cowboys are playing they way they need to be down the stretch. They might get another boost with suspended cornerback-punt returner Adam "Pacman" Jones eligible to play again starting against the Steelers.

Whatever giddiness Cowboys fans might be feeling must be tempered by the caliber of their next three foes.

"I think everyone knows the importance of these last games down the stretch," said receiver Terrell Owens, who had five catches for 98 yards and a touchdown. "There's really not a whole lot to be said, just go out and play."

Romo finished 22 of 33 for 331 yards and three touchdowns with an interception.

"T.O. will tell you I'm playing at a ridiculously high level," Romo said, smirking.

Tight end Jason Witten was a big part of the offense for the first time since breaking a rib, catching nine passes for 115 yards and a score.