Now at 4-5-1, the Dallas Cowboys are very much in the thick of the NFL playoff race, and while they do not control their own destiny and surely need a bit of help to get it, it's certainly not impossible. Dallas played an inspired game against the Raiders for obvious reasons.
It was such a strong, complete performance that sets the stage for a run here down the stretch. It's not going to be easy, but there are reasons why Dallas can sneak into the postseason. Many of these players and coaches on the roster and staff have experienced a playoff push before, so this isn't some uncharted territory.
In fact, there are three clear-cut reasons why the Dallas Cowboys are going to shock the NFL world and make the playoffs in the 2025 NFL Season.
The Dallas Cowboys can make the playoffs in the 2025 NFL Season, and here's why...
Dak Prescott
Let's not overthink this - Dak Prescott is an excellent QB and has been a top-5 passer across the NFL this year. When teams get this late into a season, games are increasingly decided by which team has the better QB, and fortunately for the Cowboys, Prescott is better than most. He's now thrown 21 touchdown passes this year and has 130 first downs throwing the ball, which ranks first in the league. Prescott has this funny trend where he tends to play extremely well coming off a major injury or a down year in play the season prior. Prescott's excellence can help lead Dallas to the postseason.
The run game is still strong
The Dallas Cowboys have outgained their opponents on the ground in six games this year. They've rushed for at least 108 yards in every game but one this year and have one of the league's most efficient running backs in Javonte Williams, who is now averaging nearly 81 yards per game. Establishing the run has been one of the foundational parts of a winning NFL team, and now that we're into the colder months, the run game becomes that much more important.
Javonte Williams already has eight touchdowns on the ground and is averaging a healthy five yards per carry. This efficient run game can give Dallas a boost down the stretch and will also help them win the time of possession, which also goes a long way in winning a game.
Healthier and much-improved defense
The Dallas Cowboys swung two major defensive trades at the deadline and also saw some key players return to the lineup. Just about half of the defense was changed over the break, and the early returns were awesome against the Raiders. They held Las Vegas to 236 total yards and just 27 yards on the ground.
You'd also have to think that guys like Quinnen Williams and Logan Wilson, along with the other key players on defense, will get more comfortable with the entire unit as the season goes on. Dallas still has seven games left, so there is plenty of runway for this unit to get to an average spot, which is really all they need to do given how good the offense is.
There is absolutely a path for the defense to play well enough to round-out this team and allow Dallas to sneak into the playoffs with nine or 10 wins in 2025.