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Stephen A. Smith Doubles Down On 2025 Cowboys Prediction

Originally posted on The Spun | By Andrew Gould | Last updated Apr 7, 2025 3:15 PM ET

It's a day ending in a Y, so Stephen A. Smith found time to discuss the Dallas Cowboys on First Take.

On Friday, Smith and Dan Orlovsky debated the Cowboys' 2025 outlook. While Orlovsky anticipates a "much better" team with a healthy Dak Prescott, Smith stayed true to his anti-Dallas gimmick. They continued the conversation on Monday.

Orlovsky again argued that Dallas can contend for the playoffs next season. When Smith dismissed his colleague's optimism, the former quarterback asked if Smith thinks the Cowboys have "no shot" to make the postseason.

"Yeah," Smith bluntly replied. "That's about right."

Smith explained his one reason for that proclamation, even though it wouldn't necessarily block Dallas from the playoffs.

"I don't see them being any better than third place in the NFC East. That's why," Smith said. "Now, if you're going to tell me that three teams are going to come out of the NFC East to go to the playoffs, I'm all ears."

Of course, three teams can make the playoffs from the same division. The NFC North sent three representatives to the last postseason, but Smith doesn't believe the Cowboys can surpass the Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers, or Minnesota Vikings for a wild-card spot after finishing behind the Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Commanders in the NFC East.

Smith also likes the San Francisco 49ers more than the Cowboys because he trusts head coach Kyle Shanahan while having little confidence in first-year head coach Brian Schottenheimer. He and Shannon Sharpe weren't deterred by Orlovsky noting how much talent San Francisco has lost this offseason.

The Cowboys went 12-5 in three straight seasons before going 7-10 in a 2024 campaign decimated by injuries. Along with Prescott playing just eight games, Micah Parsons, DeMarcus Lawrence, DaRon Bland, and Trevon Diggs all missed time for a defense that plummeted from fifth to 28th.

A bitter bill of health could vault the Cowboys back into the playoff picture, but they face more competition inside the NFC. They also haven't assuaged Smith and other skeptics by adding a notable secondary wide receiver this offseason.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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