As we continue evaluating what a realistic finish to the Cowboys’ 2025 season looks like, it’s important to acknowledge just how turbulent the journey has already been.
Dallas entered the bye week searching for answers, then dove headfirst into the unforgiving Thanksgiving gauntlet; three games in 11 days that tested their depth, coaching, and mental toughness.
They emerged bruised, inconsistent, but still alive in the NFC playoff chase.
If you haven’t read Part 1, which examines that pivotal three-game stretch, make sure to check it out before diving into this section.
Part 2 shifts to the next phase of the schedule, where the grind doesn’t let up. Dallas must now face two NFC North challengers followed by a deceptive AFC West opponent.
Once again, we break down each matchup with realistic expectations and predictions based on how this chaotic season has unfolded.
Halftime Report: The Cowboys look out of sync, Lions lead 6-3
Week 14 (Thursday Night Football): at Detroit Lions (6-3)
Just when you think the Cowboys might finally get a breather, the NFL reminds everyone that schedule relief is not part of the 2025 script.
Instead of the usual 10-day break after Thanksgiving, Dallas must play again just seven days later (on the road) against a Detroit team dealing with the same brutal turnaround.
Both teams will be battered, both will be exhausted, and this will be the fourth game in an 18-day span.
What does that usually mean? Offense. Lots and lots of offense.
Jared Goff thrives in controlled environments like Ford Field, and with Detroit’s full arsenal of weapons, this matchup has shootout potential that rivals the Cowboys’ tie with the Packers earlier in the year.
Dak Prescott will counter with CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens, Jake Ferguson, and a running game that’s been steady when healthy.
Add in the national stage and two desperate teams, and this has all the ingredients for one of those controversial, chaotic, Dan-Campbell-screaming, 38-35-type classics.
Prediction: Both teams clear 30 points, but Detroit scores last. Lions win a thriller.
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Week 15 (Sunday Night Football): vs Minnesota Vikings (4-5)
After two straight road games and an exhausting month of travel, Dallas finally returns home just in time for Primetime.
AT&T Stadium has long been where Dak Prescott does some of his best work, and this matchup sets up perfectly for another offensive showcase.
Minnesota, however, is no pushover.
With sophomore QB JJ McCarthy returning from injury, the Vikings’ offense becomes significantly more dangerous.
Justin Jefferson is still one of the league’s elite receivers, Jordan Addison continues to ascend, and TE T.J. Hockenson is a mismatch nightmare.
Add in Aaron Jones, who has tormented Dallas throughout his career, and it’s easy to see why this game has shootout potential as well.
Here’s where the Cowboys finally catch a break: the defense.
Something about this matchup, being home, facing a young quarterback, and having their pass rush intact, suggests Dallas can force mistakes, and once the offense starts rolling, this game has the chance to break open.
Prediction: Dallas puts together its most complete performance of the year, dominating in all phases for a statement win.
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott during a game.
Week 16: vs Los Angeles Chargers (7-3)
The Chargers might be the most unpredictable team in football.
Justin Herbert and company have impressive wins over Minnesota, Kansas City, Denver, and Pittsburgh, but they’ve also dropped head-scratchers to New York and Washington, leaving fans and analysts unsure which version will show up on any given Sunday.
Fortunately for Dallas, this one is at home, where both sides of the ball perform significantly better.
Herbert will make plays, but the Cowboys should be able to counter with enough explosives on offense and just enough disruption on defense.
Prediction: In a tight game decided by a handful of big moments, Dallas protects home field and moves to 7-7-1, remaining firmly in the NFC Wild Card race.
Stay tuned for Part 3, where we break down the final two games of the Cowboys’ 2025 season and determine whether this roller-coaster campaign ends in the playoffs, or another year of “what if.”
Mario Herrera Jr. is a husband, a father of three, and he has been a Dallas Cowboys fan since 1991. He's a stats guy, although stats don't always tell the whole story. Writing about the Dallas Cowboys is his passion. Dak Prescott apologist.
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Dallas Cowboys football player running with the ball on the field during a game.
Running back carrying football during NFL game between Dallas Cowboys and Washington Commanders.
Football players from the Cowboys and Jets during a game, with a focus on a Cowboy wearing jersey number 97.
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Dallas Cowboys player celebrating on the field, wearing helmet and jersey with number 4, during an NFL game, showing enthusiasm and team spirit.