Entering their Week 10 bye, the Dallas Cowboys appeared to be dead in the water. At that point, they had a 3-5-1 record, five wins behind the NFC East-leading Philadelphia Eagles. Their defense was among the worst in the league, and their only wins had come against the New York Giants, New York Jets, and Washington Commanders.
However, after acquiring Quinnen Williams at the trade deadline, things have flipped in Jerry World. They’re 3-0 since the bye, featuring massive wins over the Eagles and Chiefs. Williams has been playing like an All-Pro, and his impact has allowed the rest of the Cowboys’ talented front to be fully unleashed.
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Everyone knows what Dallas’s offense can be, as its 29.3 points per game is the second-best mark in the NFL. Before the bye, the issue was that the offense couldn’t win games alone. Now, the defense has improved, and the offense remains its typically explosive self. Given the team’s dramatic improvement, fans have begun to wonder: Can the Cowboys make the playoffs?
Nov 27, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) and Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) greet each other after the game at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images© Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images


This idea that the Cowboys’ defense has hit its stride isn’t hyperbole. Over the last four games, this new-look unit ranks fourth in the league in pressure rate, second in non-blitz pressure rate, and fifth in rush success rate allowed, per ESPN’s Sam Hoppen.
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Quarterback Dak Prescott has joined the defense in fully rounding into form. Over the past four weeks, he leads the NFL in EPA per play, success rate, non-play-action success rate, and ranks third in pressure-to-sack rate.
Following Prescott’s lead, the rest of the offense has gone full supernova, with George Pickens looking like a potential superstar, Javonte Williams serving as the dependable bellcow, and Ceedee Lamb playing the high level of football he’s known for.
Considering how both units have played since the bye, this could be the kind of team that makes some noise in the postseason. Their 3-5-1 start certainly didn’t help their chances of getting there, but according to The Athletic’s playoff simulator, it’s far from out of the question.
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Dallas’ remaining schedule includes the Lions, Vikings, Chargers, Commanders, and Giants, ranking as ESPN’s 20th-toughest remaining strength of schedule. The Athletic estimates their playoff chances at 23%, despite this relatively easy remaining schedule. However, a win on Thursday night against the Lions would drastically change those odds, increasing their chances of reaching the postseason from 23% to 41%.
That trend continues throughout the rest of their schedule. If they can beat the Lions and lose only one game over the final four, their odds of making the postseason would be more than 50%. If they manage to win all five remaining games, they will have a 98% chance of reaching the postseason.
All of this kicks off Thursday night, though. The Lions are their toughest remaining opponent, and one of the teams Dallas is competing with for a playoff spot.
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It’s certainly not an easy path for Dallas. But if they get there, the NFC better watch out. This is a dangerous team, and if they keep playing like they have these past few weeks, they can send anyone home early.
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This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Dec 4, 2025, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.