The Dallas Cowboys, once the pride of the NFC, are facing a daunting challenge as they find themselves at a critical juncture in the 2024 season. After clinching the NFC East title with a commendable 12-5 record in 2023, the Cowboys have stumbled out of the gate this year, currently sitting at 3-5 through their first eight games. With the playoffs looming, the question on everyone’s mind is: can this desperate team turn things around?
The Cowboys’ latest setback came in a disappointing 27-21 loss to the Atlanta Falcons. This defeat not only pushed Dallas deeper into the standings but also resulted in injuries to key players. Quarterback Dak Prescott suffered a hamstring injury, while star receiver CeeDee Lamb went down with a shoulder injury late in the game. These injuries could prove pivotal as the Cowboys attempt to salvage their season.
As November kicks off, the Cowboys find themselves in a precarious position. They are currently 0-1 this month and sit in third place in the NFC East, trailing the Washington Commanders (7-2) and the Philadelphia Eagles (5-2). The statistics paint a grim picture: Dallas is 0-3 at home, 1-3 in conference play, and has managed just one division win against the New York Giants in Week 4. With five crucial NFC East matchups remaining in their nine-game schedule, the pressure is mounting.
Analyzing the Cowboys’ Path to the Playoffs
With the season rapidly approaching the halfway mark, the Cowboys must navigate a challenging second-half schedule. Let’s break down their upcoming games and assess their chances.
Week 10: vs. Eagles
The Cowboys are set to face their arch-rivals, the Philadelphia Eagles. With Jalen Hurts leading a potent offense under former Cowboys coordinator Kellen Moore, Dallas will need all hands on deck. If Prescott and Lamb can return to full health, they may still struggle against a formidable Eagles defense. Prediction: Loss.
Week 11: vs. Texans
A glimmer of hope emerges in Week 11 as the Cowboys host the Houston Texans. C.J. Stroud may be a rising star, but Dallas’ pass rush could exploit Houston’s shaky secondary. If Prescott and Lamb are on the field, this game could be a turning point. Prediction: Win.
Week 12: at Commanders
The Cowboys will then head to Washington, where they will face a team riding high with rookie sensation Jayden Daniels. The Commanders’ strong rushing attack could pose significant problems for Dallas, especially with their defense knowing the Cowboys’ offensive tendencies. Prediction: Loss.
Week 13: vs. Giants
The following week, the Cowboys will have a chance to sweep the season series against the New York Giants. This matchup could be a much-needed confidence booster for Dallas. Prediction: Win.
Week 14: vs. Bengals
Next up, the Cincinnati Bengals present a tough challenge. Joe Burrow will likely be a significant hurdle for the Cowboys, especially if Prescott is still recovering. This primetime matchup could tilt in favor of the Bengals. Prediction: Loss.
Week 15: at Panthers
In Week 15, the Cowboys will face the Carolina Panthers. This matchup offers a more favorable scenario for Dallas, allowing them to capitalize on a struggling opponent. Prediction: Win.
Week 16: vs. Buccaneers
A Sunday night showdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers could be pivotal. If both teams continue to struggle, this game might be flexed out. However, Dallas should feel confident facing Baker Mayfield. Prediction: Win.
Week 17: at Eagles
The Cowboys will return to Philadelphia for a crucial rematch. Given the current trends, it’s hard to envision Dallas pulling off a victory in this hostile environment. Prediction: Loss.
Week 18: vs. Commanders
Finally, the Cowboys will close out the regular season against the Commanders. Depending on playoff implications, this game could be a must-win for both teams. If Washington has already secured their playoff spot, the dynamics could shift dramatically. Prediction: Loss.
Playoff Prospects: Can the Cowboys Turn It Around?
So, what does all this mean for the Cowboys? If we tally up the predictions, Dallas is projected to finish the season with a disappointing 4-5 record in their remaining nine games, landing them at 7-10 overall. That’s three games below .500, a stark contrast to their playoff aspirations.
With the current standings in the NFC East and the competitive landscape of the conference, it’s clear that simply finishing with a losing record won’t cut it. The Cowboys will likely find themselves trailing behind the Commanders and Eagles, not to mention the strong contenders emerging from the NFC North.
Before the season began, there were whispers that the Cowboys might miss the playoffs at 8-9. Now, that prediction doesn’t seem so far-fetched and may even underestimate the challenges they face this season.
As the Cowboys gear up for the second half of the season, fans are left wondering: can this team rise from the ashes and reclaim their place among the NFC elite? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the road ahead is fraught with challenges, and every game will be critical in their quest for redemption.
