As Week 10 arrives, power rankings continue to assess where NFL teams stand, and for the Dallas Cowboys, the outlook isn’t promising. Following their Week 9 loss to the Falcons, Dallas engaged in a notable move on trade deadline day, swapping their 2025 fourth-round pick for Panthers receiver Jonathan Mingo and a 2025 seventh-rounder. The transaction sparked mixed reactions, as Dallas struggles to find footing in a challenging season.
How the Cowboys Rank Across the NFL
Dallas’s current performance has analysts questioning their potential to climb up the rankings. Here’s where the Cowboys stand according to top outlets:
NFL.com: Ranked 23 – Observers note Dallas’s season slipping as Dak Prescott deals with injury, and they question whether recent moves, including Mingo’s acquisition, will impact their odds with backup QB Cooper Rush at the helm.
ESPN: Ranked 22 – They identify the Cowboys’ Week 10 matchup against the Eagles as crucial. A loss would diminish their chances for a playoff push, while a win could spark hope for a division title.
USA Today: Ranked 26 – Reflecting a significant drop, USA Today points out that Dallas’s tough remaining schedule, combined with Prescott’s absence, leaves little room for optimism.
Yahoo Sports: Ranked 23 – With Prescott sidelined, they express doubt Dallas can reverse their current trajectory given a challenging schedule ahead.
CBS Sports: Ranked 25 – CBS is blunt, saying it’s unlikely the Cowboys will turn things around this season, especially with Prescott expected to miss multiple weeks due to injury.
Cowboys’ Struggles and a Need for Stability
This season, Dallas has dealt with repeated setbacks, from offensive line struggles to costly penalties and a lack of cohesion on defense. After starting 3-2, the Cowboys have now lost three consecutive games, casting a shadow over their playoff hopes. With Cooper Rush taking over for an injured Prescott, they face an uphill battle to remain competitive.
Jones Addresses Coaching and Discipline Issues
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones acknowledged ongoing penalty issues, stating, “You can’t win with too many penalties.” He implied that coaching adjustments might be on the horizon if the team continues to falter. Jones remains a vocal presence, emphasizing that discipline is a critical factor if the Cowboys hope to salvage their season.
Key Outlook for Dallas
Dallas’s upcoming schedule includes games against the Eagles, Commanders, and Texans. With divisional matchups and formidable opponents, the next few weeks could determine their season’s trajectory.
