Key Highlights
- This prompted Jerry Jones to trade for so many much-needed additions on that side of the ball.
- Since acquiring defensive tackle Quinnen Williams from the Jets and linebacker Logan Wilson from the Bengals, the defense has shown real improvement. The Cowboys won three consecutive games after their bye and were aiming for a fourth in a Thursday Night Football showdown against the Lions in Detroit, but fell 44-30. Here is more on whether the Cowboys can make the 2025-26 postseason after falling to Detroit. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementMORE WEEK 14 NFL:NFL power rankings for Week 14NFL Week 14 picks, predictionsNFL Week 14 picks against the spreadCowboys playoff pictureAs it stands after Thursday Night Football, the Cowboys are two games back from the Philadelphia Eagles for the NFC East title, with a tie also on Dallas' record. That is likely Dallas's best way of clinching a playoff spot, especially after dropping to 6-6-1 and losing to the Lions.
- However, the Wild Card is still available for the Cowboys to sneak their way in, but they'd likely have to win out and get help. After falling to another wild card contender in Detroit, Dallas is the third team on the bubble behind the Lions and Carolina Panthers.
- The Athletic's playoff simulator now gives the Cowboys a 9% chance of making the playoffs, with a 5% chance of getting a wild-card spot and 4% chance to win the NFC East. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe loss to Detroit severely hurt Dallas' playoff chances despite a recent win streak.
- Still, the Cowboys are not letting the loss get their spirits down, and aren't going to focus on the fact the analytics say they have less than a 10% chance to make the postseason.