After a challenging phase in their schedule, the Dallas Cowboys are confronted with a stark reality regarding their playoff aspirations. Following a loss to the Detroit Lions, the Cowboys now hold a mere 9% chance of reaching the postseason, with only a 4% likelihood of clinching the NFC East title, according to The Athletic playoff predictor.
The Cowboys fell 44-30 at Ford Field in Detroit on December 4, 2025. A victory would have significantly improved their postseason chances to 39%, considering they had four games remaining. With a three-day break following their Thursday night defeat, the Cowboys must grapple with the possibility that their path to the playoffs might rely on a complete collapse by the Philadelphia Eagles. The Eagles” upcoming schedule includes matchups against the Los Angeles Chargers and Buffalo Bills, both of whom currently have winning records.
Despite the Eagles facing the struggling Washington Commanders twice in the final month of the season, they are still expected to be in a favorable position. Had the Cowboys secured a win against the Lions, it would have marked their fourth consecutive victory, providing them with much-needed momentum.
Currently at 6-6-1, the Cowboys are at a disadvantage in tie-breaking scenarios against teams like Detroit, Chicago, and Carolina, making a wild-card playoff berth increasingly difficult. However, the return of rookie cornerback Shavon Revel and linebacker DeMarvion Overshown from injury offers some optimism for the team.
Quarterback Dak Prescott is enjoying one of the best seasons of his career in Year 10, frequently mentioned in MVP discussions. Yet, given the precarious situation surrounding the team, his most attainable honor might be the Comeback Player of the Year.
In response to questions about whether the recent stretch of games had taken a toll on the team, head coach Brian Schottenheimer asserted, “Yeah, I don”t think so. That”s not the reason that we put the ball in the ground, that”s not the reason we didn”t get stops in the red zone. I just think we didn”t execute very well, and that starts with me and the staff. We”ve got to take a hard look at ourselves.”
While achieving a 3-1 record over the past 18 days is commendable, the Cowboys” poor start to the season, with losses against teams like Arizona, Chicago, Carolina, and a missed chance against Philadelphia, has come back to haunt them. As they move forward, the players must face the emotional toll of a season that seems to be slipping away.
“Again, we keep playing,” Schottenheimer noted. “We”re ready. We”ll play anybody, anywhere. It doesn”t change because you lose to the Detroit Lions when you don”t play very good.”
In the loss to the Lions, the Cowboys committed three turnovers, including two interceptions thrown by Prescott and a fumble by tight end Jake Ferguson. The offense struggled to find its rhythm, with receiver George Pickens catching only five passes for 37 yards, marking one of his lowest outputs of the season. Defensively, the team allowed an average of 7.2 yards per play and could not contain the Lions in the red zone, where Detroit converted four of five opportunities.
Prescott faced relentless pressure, being sacked five times and hit 11 times during the game. The Cowboys now have a weekend off, returning to their facility on Monday to address their shortcomings against the Lions and hope for an Eagles collapse. “We”ll be right back at this team meeting Monday,” Prescott said. “It”s important for guys to rest their bodies. Like I said, I know I”ll be sore. It”s just part of the business. So, you sign up for it. Now it”s on us to be pros, take care of our bodies the right way, and make sure we come back Monday ready to give this everything we”ve got.”
This is my 15th year covering the Dallas Cowboys. I”ve witnessed the team under four head coaches, starting with Bill Parcells” final season when Tony Romo took over in 2006. Now, I find myself in the midst of the Dak Prescott/Micah Parsons era.
