The Dallas Cowboys have been one of the hottest teams in the NFL since the trade deadline. Trading for Quinnen Williams helped their defense go from giving up over 150 rushing yards per game to just under 70. They’re undefeated in the Williams era, and with a 6-5-1 record, they could still take down the Philadelphia Eagles atop the NFC East.
First-year head coach Brian Schottenheimer had the Cowboys’ offense firing on all cylinders. Now, with DeMarvion Overshown and Shavon Revel Jr. Making their season debuts, plus the arrivals of Logan Wilson and Williams, this team looks well-rounded and like a legitimate contender.
With that in mind, Dak Prescott admitted that, after watching the NFC standings and the playoff picture, he loves his team’s chances:
Dak Prescott is confident in the Cowboys’ playoff chances
“It's about us controlling what we control, winning the games in front of us…I think if we just win and handle our business, we'll put ourselves in a great spot,” Prescott said, per Cowboys insider Ed Werner.
The Cowboys will meet with the Detroit Lions for a high-flying Thursday Night Football matchup. A win over Dan Campbell’s team would boost their playoff chances from 23% to 41%, according to The Athletic’s playoff simulator. A loss, however, would drop their chances to 9%.
Schottenheimer’s team will then close out the season with games against the Minnesota Vikings, Los Angeles Chargers, Washington Commanders, and New York Giants. That strength of schedule ranks 20th, per ESPN’s metrics. So, while it won’t be easy, they have a strong chance to win out and make the playoffs at 11-5-1.
Not many people thought the Cowboys would be a legitimate playoff contender this season. They were rolling with a first-year head coach with no previous head-coaching experience and had just traded away their best player.
But after watching the way this team has turned the page upon Quinnen Williams’ arrival and the way Jerry Jones was able to flip some of the assets of the Micah Parsons’ trade, his vision becomes much clearer.
Dak Prescott still needs to prove himself in big moments and the playoffs, which has been arguably the main stain in his résumé so far. But with George Pickens and CeeDee Lamb wreaking havoc on the open field, Javonte Williams having a career year, and the defense finally coming together, this team might finally get the monkey off its back.