After a busy offseason, fans in Arlington, Texas, are pondering one question: are the Dallas Cowboys back? The team is coming off an underwhelming 2025 campaign despite having one of the more entertaining offenses in the NFL. The franchise hasn’t made it past the divisional round of the playoffs since 1996, but 2026 looks like a return to form for America’s Team. The roster is improved, the NFC East is down, and they have plenty of winnable games on the schedule. A multitude of NFL fans won’t like it, but Dallas is poised for a deep playoff run this season, making the Cowboys back.
Are The Dallas Cowboys Back In 2026?
The Cowboys vastly improved their defense in the off-season, which was their major flaw during 2025. The selection of prolific safety Caleb Downs during the NFL Draft made headlines, but also picking up Malachi Lawrence in the first round solidified their pass rush. In addition to their strong draft, they acquired Rashan Gary in a trade from the Packers, which improved Dallas’ ability to pressure the quarterback. Incoming free agent Cobie Durant recorded three interceptions with the Rams last season, bolstering the secondary. The Cowboys improved significantly on defense during the off-season, and that should scare the rest of the NFC with how terrifying their offense is.
A 7-9-1 record overshadowed how dominant Dallas’ offense was last season. Dak Prescott had one of the best seasons of his career, and the tandem of CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens is arguably the best receiver duo in the NFL. Javonte Williams was a revelation running the ball in 2025, with career-highs in rushing yards (1,201) and touchdowns (11). The offensive line is a big question mark this season, but the talent is there at the skill positions for the Cowboys to make a deep playoff run. The talent on both sides of the ball makes the Cowboys back in 2026.
The state of the NFC East might be a golden opportunity for America’s team to reclaim the division in 2026. After a tumultuous 2025, the Eagles still don’t know if AJ Brown will be on the roster, and they lost three defensive starters via free agency. The Commanders were uncharacteristically porous on defense last season, and Jayden Daniels had an injury-riddled campaign. John Harbaugh’s Giants are going through a full rebuild, so it’ll be at least a year before they’re serious contenders in the division. An NFC East title for Dallas could be in the cards for 2026, based on how everyone else in the division is trending downward. The weak division will allow the Cowboys back into the playoffs.
The Cowboys will be tested outside of the division, as there are multiple games with playoff implications. Early in the season, they face the Ravens, Texans, Buccaneers, and Packers all in a row. Dallas also takes on the 49ers and the Seahawks before the bye in Week 14. After the bye, the teams square off with the Rams and Jaguars in consecutive games. The schedule is daunting at different points in the season, but America’s Team has improved from last year and will have at least 12 wins in 2026. Are the Cowboys back? The final answer is yes.
