The Dallas Cowboys ended their five-game losing streak with a thrilling 34-26 victory over the Washington Commanders in Week 12. It was a much-needed morale boost for a team that has endured a difficult season, plagued by injuries and inconsistent play.
Now sitting at 4-7, Dallas has just six games left to close out the 2024 season. Let’s break down their remaining schedule and predict how they’ll fare in each matchup.
Week 13: vs. New York Giants (Thanksgiving)
The Cowboys will face a familiar foe in the New York Giants on Thanksgiving Day. When these teams met in Week 4, Dallas secured a narrow 20-15 victory, but both squads are in very different situations now. Instead of Dak Prescott and Daniel Jones, the game will feature backups Cooper Rush and Tommy DeVito.
Playing at home with momentum from their recent win, the Cowboys should have the upper hand, earning their first win at AT&T Stadium this year.
Prediction: Cowboys 27, Giants 16
Record: 5-7
Week 14: vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Cooper Rush led Dallas to a surprise win over Cincinnati in 2022, but replicating that feat will be a tall order against Joe Burrow and the Bengals’ potent offense. While the Cowboys’ defense has shown flashes of improvement, Burrow’s aerial attack will likely prove too much to handle, halting Dallas’ momentum.
Prediction: Bengals 34, Cowboys 21
Record: 5-8
Week 15: at Carolina Panthers
Traveling to face the Carolina Panthers and rookie quarterback Bryce Young, the Cowboys should have a fighting chance. Young has shown flashes of brilliance, but the Panthers have struggled to close games. Expect Micah Parsons and DaRon Bland to deliver key defensive plays late, helping Dallas eke out a narrow victory.
Prediction: Cowboys 23, Panthers 20
Record: 6-8
Week 16: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Baker Mayfield has been electric for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, leading the league with 52 touchdowns this season. Dallas will keep it close early, but Mayfield’s precision and poise will likely be the difference, giving Tampa Bay the edge in this matchup.
Prediction: Buccaneers 26, Cowboys 19
Record: 6-9
Week 17: at Philadelphia Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles have been the class of the NFC East this season, and with Saquon Barkley leading the charge, they are nearly impossible to stop. Unfortunately for Dallas, this game looks like a mismatch, with the Eagles dominating from start to finish.
Prediction: Eagles 38, Cowboys 20
Record: 6-10
Week 18: vs. Washington Commanders
In their final game of the season, the Cowboys have the chance to play spoiler against a Commanders team likely fighting for a Wild Card spot. Dallas will rise to the occasion, and a last-second field goal by Brandon Aubrey will secure a dramatic victory to close out the season on a high note.
Prediction: Cowboys 31, Commanders 28
Record: 7-10
Final Thoughts
A 7-10 record isn’t where the Cowboys hoped to be at the start of the season, but their remaining games offer a mix of challenges and opportunities. With the playoffs likely out of reach, the focus should shift to building for the future while finishing the season strong. For fans, the highs and lows of these final six weeks will show just how much fight this team has left in them.
