As we reach the final installment of this three-part series on realistic predictions for the remainder of the Dallas Cowboys’ 2025 season, the stakes have never been higher.
After navigating a brutal midseason stretch and clawing their way back to a 7-7-1 record, the Cowboys now stand on the razor’s edge of the NFC playoff race.
Only two games remain; both on the road, both against division rivals, and both carrying must-win implications.
With trips to Washington on Christmas Day and New York in Week 18, Dallas must deliver under pressure if they hope to sneak in as a wildcard and extend their season into January.
To catch up on the full prediction, utilize these links for Part 1 and Part 2.
Week 17 (Christmas Day): at Washington Commanders (3-7)
Holiday football is never simple, and for Dallas, playing on Christmas at Washington on just four days’ rest, fresh off a cross-country trip from Los Angeles, compounds the challenge.
Division games always carry emotional weight, but the Cowboys’ late-season approach has typically been one of composure and execution, especially when quarterback Dak Prescott is at the helm.
Given their current 7-7-1 mark, a road win in D.C. is mandatory if they hope to stay on the playoff path.
Dallas needs both steadiness and explosion: the offense must impose its will, and the defense must tighten in key moments.
If they hit those notes, I see them edging past Washington, improving to 8-7-1 with their fate still very much alive entering the final game.
Prediction: The Cowboys’ offensive attack is too much for Washington and they leave the Capitol with a victory.
Week 18: at New York Giants (2-8)
If the Cowboys arrive in Week 18 with a win under their belt, they’ll likely be in a “win and you’re in” scenario.
The Giants, struggling in a losing season, may lack the motivation or continuity to mount a serious challenge, even if they still field full strength.
History and habit favor Dallas in this setup: Prescott doesn’t often lose to division rivals when the playoff stakes are on the line.
A victory would bring the Cowboys’ record to 9-7-1.
Whether that record is enough to earn a wildcard berth depends on tiebreakers and the rest of the NFC’s chaos, but a team with Prescott, one of the league’s most potent attacks, has every opportunity to sneak in and make noise.
Prediction: Dallas takes care of business to finish 9-7-1, and hopeful for a playoff berth.
Final Thoughts
The margin for error is razor-thin.
With the schedule and travel hurdles stacked against them, Dallas must treat these final two games like elimination rounds.
Beat Washington and New York, and they give themselves a shot; 9-7-1 could be enough. Fail, and the season ends quietly.
If the Cowboys punch their ticket, you know they’ll believe it starts here, because a team with their offense and a battle-tested quarterback always has a chance.
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