With a potent offense and key offseason moves, the Cowboys could be poised to surge back into NFC playoff contention after two seasons on the outside.
The Dallas Cowboys always have high expectations put on them no matter what, and 2026 will be no different. The team has missed the playoffs the last two seasons, and will be hoping that they can bounce back and get back to their winning ways.
And Bleacher Report thinks they are going to do exactly that.
In a recent article by BR's Gary Davenport, he picks eight NFL teams who he believes will make the playoffs this coming season after missing them this past season. And the Cowboys are one of the teams he mentions.
"The Micah Parsons trade leaves Dallas with a pair of first-round picks—both in the top-20. The Cowboys were second in total offense and seventh in scoring offense last year," Davenport writes. "If Dallas adds some pieces defensively and new defensive coordinator Christian Parker can engineer improvement on that side of the ball, the Cowboys will make some noise in an NFC East that wasn't especially imposing in 2025."
The Cowboys ultimately finished the 2025 season 7-9-1, falling well short of playoff contention for the second straight season. Despite a potent offense led by Dak Prescott and a group of dynamic playmakers, the team’s inability to stop opposing attacks was a glaring weakness that kept them on the outside looking in.
What makes the Cowboys an intriguing comeback candidate in 2026 is the foundation already in place, as they still boast one of the more explosive offenses in the NFC. When Dallas can put points on the board in bunches, they are capable of outscoring many NFC rivals — a key ingredient for a playoff-qualifying run.
Offseason moves could be critical in shifting the Cowboys from underachievers to postseason participants. Big decisions loom, especially in free agency with impact players like wide receiver George Pickens, whose contract situation remains a priority for the franchise. Securing core offensive talent will help keep the scoring engine humming, while addressing depth and defensive needs will be equally important.
And the team made a huge step towards doing that by locking up star running back Javonte Williams.
The problem with any prediction - and that includes what some oddsmakers are saying about this being an 8.5-win over/under club?
It's not even March yet.
Eventually, though?
It won’t be easy, but with thoughtful offseason upgrades and better defensive production, Dallas could be back in the playoff mix in 2026 — exactly where the franchise and its fans believe they belong.