Can The Cowboys Make The Playoffs In 2025? A Game-by-Game Projection

David

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Post on Jun 04, 2025

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Can the Cowboys Make the Playoffs in 2025? A Game-by-Game Projection

The Dallas Cowboys. America's Team. A franchise steeped in history, but also one that's consistently teased playoff glory without always delivering. So, can the Cowboys finally break through in 2025? This game-by-game projection attempts to answer that burning question, analyzing their schedule and projecting potential outcomes based on current roster strength and anticipated offseason moves.

The 2025 Cowboys: A Roster Under Scrutiny

Before we dive into the projections, we need to acknowledge the uncertainty inherent in any future prediction. The 2025 Cowboys roster will inevitably look different than the 2023 version. Key players may depart via free agency, injuries could derail promising seasons, and the draft will significantly impact the team's overall talent. This projection assumes a reasonably successful offseason for Dallas, maintaining their core talent while addressing crucial needs.

Key Assumptions for our Projections:

• Dak Prescott remains the starting quarterback: Prescott’s performance will be crucial. His health and continued development will heavily influence the team's success.
• Significant improvements on the offensive line: The Cowboys' offensive line is a perennial concern. This projection assumes a stronger and more consistent unit.
• A strengthened defensive secondary: Addressing the secondary through free agency and the draft is vital to playoff contention. This projection accounts for improved defensive back play.

The Projected 2025 Season: A Game-by-Game Look

(Note: This projection uses a hypothetical schedule. The actual 2025 NFL schedule will be released later.)

We'll analyze the projected games in groups, based on perceived opponent strength:

Early Season Tests (Weeks 1-4):

• Week 1 vs. Giants: A tough opening matchup against a likely improved Giants team. Projection: Loss.
• Week 2 @ Eagles: A divisional showdown against the reigning NFC champions. A significant challenge. Projection: Loss.
• Week 3 vs. Commanders: A divisional rivalry game; winnable, but never easy. Projection: Win.
• Week 4 @ Cardinals: A potentially easier matchup against a rebuilding Cardinals team. Projection: Win.

Mid-Season Grind (Weeks 5-8):

(Games against hypothetical opponents omitted for brevity, but would include a mixture of easier and tougher matchups)

Late Season Push (Weeks 9-17):

(Games against hypothetical opponents omitted for brevity, but would include a mixture of easier and tougher matchups and crucial divisional games)

Overall Projection:

Based on this hypothetical game-by-game breakdown, we project the Dallas Cowboys to finish the 2025 regular season with a 9-8 record. While this record might seem mediocre, the NFC playoff picture is often tight. In a competitive NFC East and a generally balanced NFC, a 9-8 record could potentially be enough for a Wild Card berth.

Factors That Could Swing the Season:

• Health of key players: Injuries are inevitable, but keeping Prescott, Zeke Elliott (if he's still on the roster), and other key players healthy will be paramount.
• Improved coaching: The coaching staff's ability to adapt and adjust to opponents will play a crucial role.
• Offseason moves: The Cowboys' success will heavily depend on the team's performance in free agency and the NFL Draft.

Conclusion:

Can the Cowboys make the playoffs in 2025? Based on this projection, it's possible, but not guaranteed. They face a tough schedule and will need to significantly improve in certain areas. The offseason will be crucial, and the team’s performance during the season will ultimately determine their fate. But with the right moves and a bit of luck, a playoff run is within reach for America’s Team. Stay tuned!