The Dallas Cowboys’ season has been a disappointment, particularly in the first half of the campaign. They lost their starting quarterback, Dak Prescott, for the year due to a hamstring injury, they’ve been eliminated from NFC East contention, and have generally struggled on both sides of the ball. All of that being said, heading into Week 16, Dallas still somehow had a chance to make the playoffs. After Week 16’s games, is that still the case?
Let’s break down if the Cowboys’ slim postseason hopes are still alive.
What Is the Dallas Cowboys’ Current Playoff Picture?
The Cowboys (7-8) currently sit 10th in the NFC’s standings.
Dallas was already eliminated from NFC East contention, with the Philadelphia Eagles firmly in the lead and the Washington Commanders with a very slim chance to take it over as well.
That means that the Cowboys were eyeing a Wild Card spot, but unfortunately for Dallas, they were eliminated from the playoffs altogether in Week 16. In fact, they were officially eliminated before they even took the field after Jayden Daniels and the Commanders defeated the Eagles in the early slate.
At the end of the day, a Cowboys playoff appearance was highly unlikely entering Week 16. Their surprising win against the Buccaneers on Sunday Night Football did nothing but potentially save Mike McCarthy’s job and get them a worse draft pick.
This has been a season to forget for the Cowboys, who will now shift their focus to the offseason and try to right the ship for the 2025 campaign. Much to the chagrin of fans who wanted Dallas to tank for a higher pick, the Cowboys have played well as of late, winning four of their last five games.
That means not only will the Cowboys miss the playoffs, but they also won’t have a top pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. If the season ended today, Dallas would pick No. 15 overall.
Head over to PFN’s free Mock Draft Simulator so you can start getting ready for the 2025 NFL Draft.
