Turning Point: Cowboys’ season rests on outcome vs Commanders

Victory Sparks a Playoff Push

If the Cowboys manage to win this game (something they should do given Washington’s decimated offense) it could serve as a turning point.

The Commanders will be without their top two receivers, which should allow the Dallas defense to regain some confidence after a string of poor performances.

A win would place the Cowboys back into the thick of the NFC playoff race and give the front office justification to make meaningful moves before the trade deadline.

Dallas flirted with the idea of going “all-in” last season but never truly pulled the trigger. This time, a victory should inspire them to actually make a push.

The most obvious needs remain at linebacker, EDGE, and cornerback.

With rookie DeMarvion Overshown expected to return soon, the linebacker room could see an immediate boost in athleticism and playmaking ability.

Meanwhile, third-round rookie CB Shavon Revel is nearing his debut, which could add depth to a secondary that’s been torched too often this year.

The most realistic move would be for the Cowboys to trade for a veteran pass rusher to “replace” Micah Parsons and ease the burden on a defense struggling to generate pressure.

A victory could also spark front-office discussions about extending WR George Pickens to a long-term deal, avoiding the distraction of a looming franchise tag in 2026.

In short, a win gives the Cowboys the chance to reestablish momentum and build a legitimate playoff contender.

Defeat Shifts Focus to 2026

If the Cowboys lose to this undermanned Washington team, the implications are severe.

Dropping to 2-4-1 in a conference packed with emerging wild-card contenders would all but extinguish their playoff hopes.

The defense has already proven unreliable, and a loss today would signal that even a dynamic offense led by Dak Prescott isn’t enough to overcome the team’s glaring weaknesses.

In that scenario, Dallas might as well punt on the season.

Any trade deadline activity would likely cease, and instead of adding talent, the Cowboys could shift focus toward maintaining flexibility for the future.

They would be wise to hang on to all their draft capital, begin working on early contract extensions for cornerstone players, and start planning for a major offseason retooling aimed at a stronger playoff push in 2026.

Losing to a short-handed divisional rival would erase whatever confidence remains and potentially trigger a full reassessment of the roster, coaching staff, and team direction.

Today’s game isn’t just another midseason matchup; it’s a fork in the road.

Win, and the Cowboys can reignite their playoff ambitions. Lose, and they may as well start looking toward next year.