It is hard to quantify just how badly the tables have turned for the Dallas Cowboys. Even as management, and by management we mean owner and general manager Jerry Jones, tried to insist that the Micah Parsons trade would make them better, the proof has been in the pudding so far.
Starting the season 3-5-1, their defense has been among the worst units in the league, leading to particularly brutal showings, such as the one they had against the Arizona Cardinals on Monday Night Football in Week 9. After their second consecutive loss, is there a way for the team to make it to the postseason? Let’s dive in.
Do the Cowboys Still Have a Chance?
Mathematically, yes. But that shouldn’t be enough for a franchise that was hoping this could be a bounce-back season after a disappointing 2024. While it was easy to pinpoint the pitfalls of that year in losing Dak Prescott, this season is in their hands.
After trading Parsons, the defense has ranked as the fourth-worst unit on PFSN’s Defense Impact. Any opposing quarterback has been able to have their best game of the season against Dallas, as they offer virtually no resistance.
That has led to some humiliating losses, like the one to the Denver Broncos last week, when they were blown out 44-24. As a result, any chances of control are slipping from them.
But thanks to an underwhelming year for the NFC East outside of the Philadelphia Eagles, they remain the second seed in the division. However, it is looking increasingly likely that they could turn out to be the division that sends only one team forward to the playoffs.
According to the latest odds from PFSN’s Playoff Predictor, the Cowboys have a miniscule 4.70% chance of making the playoffs. That represents a 6.80% drop from their odds entering the game, suggesting they may need to focus on the 2026 NFL Draft rather than the playoffs.
The offense, which had been the one thing the team had going for it all year, finally took a step back against Arizona. Managing just 17 points, it was a particularly rough showing from Dak Prescott, who had just 250 yards and a touchdown on the night, while giving up an interception.
With the trade deadline right around the corner, it will be interesting to see if they engage in some trades to add more help on the defensive side of the football. However, as things currently stand, it isn’t easy to envision a scenario where they make the playoffs with their current roster.