Dallas Cowboys: What they need to make the NFL Playoffs

The Dallas Cowboys are officially in danger zone territory. Sitting at 5–5–1, Dallas is on the wrong side of the NFC playoff picture and running out of chances to prove it belongs anywhere near the postseason.

But it ain’t over ‘til it’s over. And if they fix the problems that have been dragging them down, they do have a chance to sneak into the NFC’s final Wild Card spot. The path is rough, but it’s not impossible.

Why the Cowboys are on the bubble

Inconsistency has been the Cowboys’ biggest enemy. One week, the offense looks capable of dropping 30 points on any opponent. The next, they’re dropping passes, stalling out on third down, or watching special-teams errors put them in an early hole.

Even in their Week 12 comeback win over the Eagles, Dallas made the kind of mistakes that have defined their up-and-down season, including costly drops, penalties, and failure to close out drives. The victory kept their playoff hopes alive, but it didn’t erase the issues that have put them in this position. And when you’re up against NFC teams like the Lions, 49ers, Panthers, and Packers, you can’t afford to make those mistakes.

Remaining schedule: The real test

Dallas doesn’t have an easy path going forward. Several upcoming games are against teams either holding playoff spots or fighting for them.

The good news (?) is that the Cowboys often play their best football when their backs are against the wall. And that’s exactly where they are now.

Here are the Cowboys’ final six games:

• Week 13: Thu, Nov 27 vs Kansas City Chiefs
• Week 14: Thu, Dec 4 @ Detroit Lions
• Week 15: Sun, Dec 14 vs Minnesota Vikings
• Week 16: Sun, Dec 21 vs Los Angeles Chargers
• Week 17: Thu, Dec 25 @ Washington Commanders
• Week 18: Sun, Jan 4, 2026 @ New York Giants

What must happen for Dallas to make the playoffs

1. CeeDee Lamb’s drop problem must end

There’s no sugarcoating it. Lamb’s drops have been costly. He’s too important to this offense to leave points on the field. If Lamb locks back in, the Cowboys will instantly become far more dangerous.

2. Dak Prescott needs help

Prescott has been solid, even under relentless pressure, but he can’t do it alone. The offensive line needs to protect better, and the run game has to show up consistently.

3. The defense must return to form

Dallas’ defense has improved since the start of the season, but they still have stretches where they just seem to disappear. The Cowboys don’t need perfection, but they do need timely stops and fewer explosive plays allowed.

4. Win the close ones

This season has been defined by late-game mistakes. If the Cowboys tighten up situational football, they can flip their entire postseason trajectory.

Right now, Dallas needs:

• A couple of teams ahead of them to slip (Lions, Panthers, maybe even the 49ers)
• A strong final stretch
• No more self-inflicted wounds

They’re not favored, but they’re still alive. If the Cowboys go on even a mild run, finishing 9–7–1 could land them the last Wild Card spot.

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