Jerry Jones has every reason to believe in Cowboys' playoff potential after latest NFL predictions

Jerry Jones’ Dallas Cowboys’ postseason struggle is nothing new. The franchise has not reached the Super Bowl since the 1994 season, and the team has also failed to qualify for the playoffs in each of the past two years.

However, expectations are beginning to rise ahead of the 2026 season. ESPN analyst Mike Clay ranked Dallas as having the ninth-best roster in the NFL, identifying the Cowboys as one of the teams capable of making noise in the NFC playoff race.

“Quarterback Dak Prescott has a solid offensive line in front of him, as well as an elite wide receiver duo in CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens,” Clay wrote. 

While the Cowboys boasted one of the NFL's most explosive offenses in 2025, questions remain on the other side of the ball. They finished fifth in the league in scoring, averaging 27.7 points per game, but their defense struggled throughout the season, surrendering an NFL-worst 30.1 points per contest.

The Cowboys have since made significant changes in hopes of improving that unit. Christian Parker was brought in as the team's new defensive coordinator, and Clay believes the personnel upgrades could also help transform the defense.

“Rashan Gary, Dee Winters, Cobie Durant and Jalen Thompson were savvy additions, while first-round rookies Malachi Lawrence and Caleb Downs should also be big factors,” Clay wrote. “Along with Quinnen Williams, Kenny Clark, Donovan Ezeiruaku, DeMarvion Overshown, Bland and Malik Hooker, you suddenly have what looks like a solid unit.

“With a productive offense and serviceable defense, Dallas should be squarely in the NFC playoff mix.”

Clay also cautioned that the team's relatively inexperienced cornerback room could ultimately determine how far Dallas goes. After the defensive struggles of last season, improvement at that position will be essential if the Cowboys hope to return to the postseason for the first time since the 2023 campaign.

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