The Dallas Cowboys aren’t done yet-not mathematically, and not in spirit. At 6-7-1, they’re clinging to a sliver of postseason hope, and while the odds are long, the path is clear: win out, and get some help from their biggest rival stumbling down the stretch.
For Dallas to sneak into the playoffs as the NFC East champ, they’ll need to handle their business over the final three weeks and hope the Philadelphia Eagles drop all three of theirs. If that scenario plays out, the Eagles would finish 9-8, while the Cowboys would edge them with a 9-7-1 record.
It’s a narrow lane, but it exists. And because of their 3-6-1 record in NFC play, the Cowboys can forget about a Wild Card berth-this is a division-or-bust situation.
Their next test? Hosting the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 16. And the Bolts are no soft landing.
The Chargers just knocked the Kansas City Chiefs out of playoff contention last week, and they’re still fighting to lock up their own postseason spot. At 10-6, LA currently holds the 5-seed in the AFC and has matchups with the Texans and Broncos still ahead. But first, they’ll try to handle a Dallas team that’s desperate and dangerous-even if inconsistent.
Let’s break down what to watch for in this high-stakes December matchup.
1. The Chargers’ Secondary Could Be a Problem for Prescott
Dak Prescott is going to have to throw-and throw a lot-if the Cowboys want to keep pace with this Chargers team. But that may play right into LA’s hands.
This Chargers secondary is playing some of its best ball of the season. Donte Jackson, Cam Hart, and Tarheeb Still have been locking down receivers in recent weeks.
Just ask Jalen Hurts, who was picked apart by this group two weeks ago, turning the ball over five times. Or the Chiefs, who saw their playoff hopes dashed in part thanks to two interceptions by the Bolts last Sunday.
Prescott has the weapons-CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens are elite-but the windows are going to be tight. LA’s defense ranks 9th in points allowed (20.3 per game) and 2nd in total yards surrendered, trailing only the Texans.
That’s not a fluke. It’s a unit that’s found its rhythm.
Expect Prescott to move the ball at times, but don’t be surprised if he’s baited into a couple of costly mistakes. Tony Jefferson already has four picks on the year, and Derwin James continues to be one of the most versatile and dangerous safeties in the league. This secondary is opportunistic, and they’re not letting up.
2. Jovonte Williams: The Lone Bright Spot on a Flawed Dallas Defense
If there’s been a consistent force on this Cowboys offense, it’s been Jovonte Williams. Quietly, he’s putting together one of the more impressive seasons among NFL running backs.
He ranks 7th in carries (230), 6th in rushing yards (1,113), and is tied for 5th in rushing touchdowns (10). He’s averaging a rock-solid 4.8 yards per carry-good for 14th in the league-and he’s scored in three straight games.
Williams has become more than just a workhorse; he’s a tone-setter. Whether it’s pounding the ball between the tackles or catching a dump-off from Prescott and making a defender miss, he’s the kind of player who can keep a struggling team in a game. And against a Chargers defense that’s been lights out, Dallas is going to need every bit of his production.
Look for the Cowboys to get him involved early and often. If there’s a crack in this LA defense, Williams has the burst and vision to find it.
3. Chargers’ Ground Game Poised for a Big Day
On the other side, the Cowboys' defense has been a glaring issue all season-especially against the run. They’re giving up 120 rushing yards per game (18th in the NFL) and a staggering 30 points per contest. That’s a recipe for trouble against a Chargers team that’s found a groove on the ground.
With Kimani Vidal and Omarion Hampton splitting duties-and Justin Herbert always a threat to tuck and run-LA brings a multi-dimensional rushing attack that’s tough to contain. Hampton’s return from injury has given the Bolts a power-speed combo they were missing, while Vidal has proven to be a reliable option both as a runner and pass protector.
In their Monday night win over the Eagles two weeks ago, the Chargers racked up 169 rushing yards. That kind of performance feels very much in reach again this Sunday.
The Cowboys have struggled to get stops when they need them, and if they can’t slow down LA’s run game, they’ll be in for a long afternoon. The Bolts don’t need to dominate time of possession to control the game-they just need to keep the chains moving and keep Prescott off the field.
The Bottom Line
The Cowboys are walking a tightrope. One more loss, and the playoff dream is over. But they’ve got playmakers on offense and just enough motivation to make this interesting.
The Chargers, meanwhile, are playing with confidence and balance on both sides of the ball. Their defense is forcing turnovers.
Their run game is clicking. And they’ve already proven they can spoil a contender’s season.
Sunday in Dallas could be a turning point for both teams. For the Cowboys, it’s about survival. For the Chargers, it’s about solidifying their playoff position-and maybe sending another team home for the winter.