For Dallas Cowboys fans, the 2024 season has brought disappointment after three consecutive 12-win seasons. Now at 3-4, Dallas faces an uphill battle to turn things around. With the playoffs still in reach, albeit challenging, let’s dive into the Cowboys’ remaining schedule to evaluate what it will take to keep postseason hopes alive.
Weeks 9–12: The Season-Defining Stretch
Week 9: at Atlanta Falcons (5-3)
Week 10: vs. Philadelphia Eagles (5-2)
Week 11: vs. Houston Texans (6-2)
Week 12: at Washington Commanders (6-2)
The upcoming stretch could determine the season for Dallas. Winning two out of these four games may be essential to stay within the playoff picture. However, the task is daunting: two division rivals and two current division leaders. The Falcons, with a bit of luck in close games, and the Texans, battling injuries, may offer the best shot for wins in this tough series. Nonetheless, a 1-3 or worse outcome here could be the tipping point.
Weeks 13–16: A Favorable Stretch
Week 13: vs. New York Giants (2-6)
Week 14: vs. Cincinnati Bengals (3-5)
Week 15: at Carolina Panthers (1-7)
Week 16: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-4)
Dallas’ fortunes could change in this favorable stretch, where they face three teams with records under .500. Going 3-1 or even sweeping these four games could keep slim playoff hopes alive. However, the Cowboys must avoid potential “trap games” against Tampa Bay, who is battling injuries but remains competitive, and Cincinnati, who has shown they can be unpredictable.
Weeks 17–18: Division Showdowns
Week 17: at Philadelphia Eagles (5-2)
Week 18: vs. Washington Commanders (6-2)
If playoff chances remain, these final division games could be pivotal. But if Dallas finds itself out of contention, these matchups could still carry value as potential spoiler games, impacting rivals’ playoff aspirations. With NFC East pride on the line, these games could hold meaning regardless of the standings.
Prediction: Cowboys Finish 6-11
Given their current trajectory, the prediction is a 6-11 finish. The Cowboys could go 0-4 in the critical Weeks 9–12 stretch, all but dashing playoff hopes. While they might rally for a 3-1 run in Weeks 13–16, losses in the final two weeks seem likely, landing Dallas a 6-11 season record and potentially a Top 10 draft pick.
The Cowboys have shown they’re capable of impressive streaks in past seasons. But with injuries and inconsistent play plaguing their roster, Dallas may be looking toward the 2025 NFL Draft sooner rather than later.
