Chargers vs. Cowboys: Three Bold Predictions for a Must-Win Week 16 Clash in Dallas
The Dallas Cowboys aren’t out of the playoff picture just yet - not mathematically, at least. Sitting at 6-7-1 with three games to go, Dallas still has a narrow path to the NFC East crown.
It’s a long shot, but it’s alive. For it to happen, the Cowboys need to win out and hope the Philadelphia Eagles drop their final three games.
If that scenario plays out, Dallas would finish 9-7-1, just edging out a 9-8 Philadelphia squad for the division title and the NFC’s No. 4 seed.
A Wild Card berth? That’s off the table - the Cowboys’ 3-6-1 conference record has already shut that door. So it’s division or bust.
And it starts this Sunday with a showdown against the 10-6 Los Angeles Chargers, who just knocked the Kansas City Chiefs out of playoff contention. The Bolts are riding high, sitting in the AFC’s 5-seed and still pushing to lock in their postseason spot. This isn’t just another game for either team - it’s survival mode for Dallas and playoff jockeying for LA.
Let’s break down three bold predictions for what could be a pivotal Week 16 battle in Arlington.
1. Chargers’ Secondary Will Force Dak Prescott Into Risky Business
CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens are as dynamic a receiving duo as you’ll find in the league right now. But they’re about to face one of the toughest secondaries in football. The Chargers’ defensive backfield has been playing lights-out, and they’ve made life miserable for opposing quarterbacks over the past few weeks.
Donte Jackson, Cam Hart, and Tarheeb Still are locking down passing lanes with confidence and consistency. Just two weeks ago, they forced Jalen Hurts into five turnovers.
Then they followed that up by picking off the Chiefs twice in Sunday’s win. This group is peaking at the right time.
Dak Prescott is going to have to throw - a lot. That’s just the nature of this Cowboys offense.
But with the way LA’s secondary is playing, he’ll be threading needles all afternoon. Expect at least two interceptions from Prescott in this one.
Tony Jefferson has already snagged four picks this year, and Derwin James continues to be one of the most versatile and disruptive safeties in the game.
Yes, Prescott will get his yards - and probably some points - but don’t be surprised if he also gives the ball away in critical moments.
2. Javonte Williams Keeps Rolling with Another Trip to the End Zone
One of the few bright spots in Dallas this season has been the emergence of Javonte Williams. The Cowboys back has quietly put together a standout year, ranking 7th in carries (230), 6th in rushing yards (1,113), and tied for 5th in rushing touchdowns (10). He’s averaging 4.8 yards per carry - good for 14th in the league - and has scored in three straight games.
Even with the Chargers boasting a top-tier defense - 9th in points allowed (20.3 per game) and 2nd in total yards given up - Williams is too important to the Cowboys’ offensive rhythm to be left out of the action. Whether it’s on a designed run or a check-down from Prescott, expect Williams to find the end zone again this Sunday.
Dallas will need every ounce of his production if they’re going to keep pace with a Chargers team that knows how to control tempo and capitalize on turnovers.
3. Chargers Ground Game Will Gash the Cowboys’ Defense
If there’s one area where the Chargers can really take over this game, it’s on the ground. Between Kimani Vidal and Omarion Hampton, LA has a backfield that’s both versatile and explosive. Since Hampton’s return from injury, the Bolts have been able to rotate their backs effectively, keeping defenses off balance and creating mismatches in both the run and pass game.
Vidal in particular has been a Swiss army knife - a capable runner, a reliable pass-catcher, and an excellent pass protector. That versatility earns him extra snaps, and he’s made the most of them, especially while filling in for the injured Najee Harris earlier in the season.
The Cowboys' defense, meanwhile, has struggled all year to contain the run. They're giving up 120 rushing yards per game - 18th in the league - and allowing 30 points per contest. That’s not a winning formula, especially against a Chargers offense that just ran for 169 yards against the Eagles on Monday Night Football.
Justin Herbert may even get in on the action with his legs - don’t be surprised to see the Bolts dial up some designed QB runs or scrambles to keep the Dallas defense guessing.
If LA can establish the run early, they’ll control the clock, keep Prescott off the field, and force Dallas into a one-dimensional attack - exactly what this opportunistic Chargers defense wants.
Bottom Line
The stakes couldn’t be higher for the Cowboys, who are hanging onto playoff hopes by a thread. But they’re running into a Chargers team that’s hitting its stride at the right time - with a suffocating defense, a dangerous ground game, and a quarterback who can take over when needed.
Dallas has the offensive firepower to make this a game, but unless their defense steps up in a big way, the Bolts could dictate the pace from start to finish.
Sunday in Dallas might not be a playoff game by name, but for the Cowboys, it may as well be.