The Dallas Cowboys will get a little extra rest coming off their bye week when they face the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday Night Football. With all eyes on two teams that have struggled to this point, a win will go a long way towards relevance this season for Dallas. What’s at stake, who’s going to play, and how will this shake out?
This game will likely be the point of no return for the loser as the Raiders risk falling to 2-8, whereas the Cowboys need to string every possible win from here on out to stay competitive in the NFC. With the last pair of Philadelphia Eagles wins, the Cowboys are losing sight of the NFC East, but remain within spitting distance of a wild-card spot.
Where The Raiders Stand
The Raiders returned TE Brock Bowers following their bye week, immediately giving an extra spark to an offense that couldn’t find its way without him. This catapulted the Raiders to the 4th-best offense in Week 9, according to PFSN’s Offensive Impact Score (84.2). Even if he was quiet the following week in a loss to Denver, he’ll be the x-factor for an offense trying to find some momentum.
However, Las Vegas lost promising interior lineman Jackson Powers-Johnson to injury last week, further compromising their already weakened offensive line, which was already missing tackle Kolton Miller. Their struggles along the offensive line have made life difficult for QB Geno Smith and first-round pick RB Ashton Jeanty. Along with the decision to sell WR Jakobi Meyers at the trade deadline, the Raiders have further focused their attack around Jeanty and Bowers.
Where The Cowboys Stand
Dallas was also active at the deadline, though on the opposite side as a buyer. Jerry Jones made waves at the deadline by making a pair of trades, the first for LB Logan Wilson from Cincinnati, and then the blockbuster by adding DT Quinnen Williams from the Jets. The trades came in part of an effort to replace pass rusher Micah Parsons, who has contributed to the Dallas defense’s steep regression in 2025, ranking 31st in PFSN’s Defensive Impact metric.
Not only will the Cowboys add a pair of new defenders, but the bye week should be fruitful in returning ailing players. Dallas is tracking to return a handful of players, including DB Donovan Wilson, CB Shavon Revel, and LB DeMarvion Overshown, who had all missed time prior to the bye week.
Offensively, the Cowboys should be near full strength. OC Cooper Beebe returned to the lineup in Week 9Â and found plenty of success, ranking 9th in PFSN’s OL Impact Metric. RT Terrance Steele was questionable for their last game, but ended up playing 71.6% of snaps.
The Dallas Cowboys will win if:
They can limit the damage done by Brock Bowers. Geno Smith and this offense shouldn’t be able to keep up with Dak Prescott; thus, limiting their best weapon should be enough to secure a win. That’ll be easier said than done.
Even if Bowers has a day, the Cowboys offense has more than enough firepower to go blow-for-blow. Javonte Williams and the run game getting ahead of the clock and controlling it would further put the Raiders in a tough spot. If this comes down to an uncomfortably close shootout, then you simply have to hope Prescott has the ball last.
The Dallas Cowboys will lose if:
They allow Ashton Jeanty to take over. This isn’t something the Raiders have been able to do much, but we have seen Jeanty make an impact if he can get downfield. The Cowboys, meanwhile, have been quite susceptible to opposing rushing attacks.
If Jeanty can gash the Dallas defense, not only will it further open up the passing attack, but it’ll also allow them to control the ball and keep it out of Prescott’s hands. It’s no secret that the Cowboys have a porous defense, so getting ahead early and dictating the pace of the game is critical for both sides.
Prediction:
31-24 Cowboys.
