Can the Dallas Cowboys Defy the Odds and Make a Late-Season Push?

The Dallas Cowboys find themselves at a crossroads in a season that has teetered between disaster and hope. With a record that has slowly climbed from 3-7 to 5-7, a playoff berth that once seemed unattainable now glimmers faintly on the horizon. NFL legend Jimmy Johnson’s bold prediction on Thanksgiving has Cowboys fans questioning whether a miraculous turnaround is truly possible—or merely “false hope,” as he cautiously described it.

A Season of Highs and Lows

It has been a rollercoaster year for the Cowboys. Losing Dak Prescott to injury was a devastating blow, leaving fans and analysts alike wondering if the team should tank the season to secure better draft positioning. However, victories against the Washington Commanders and New York Giants in just five days have shifted the narrative. A five-game losing streak has been replaced with a glimmer of optimism as the Cowboys prepare for a stretch of games against struggling opponents.

Jimmy Johnson’s Thanksgiving Forecast

During FOX’s pregame show on Thanksgiving, Hall of Fame coach Jimmy Johnson made a surprising prediction about the Cowboys’ playoff chances.

“I’m just saying they’re gonna get on a run,” Johnson declared. “They’re gonna win today [against the Giants], they’re gonna win next week, they’re gonna win the week after that, they’re gonna get on a run and they’re gonna have a little bit of false hope.”

While Johnson acknowledged the possibility of “false hope,” his words struck a chord with fans who are eager for a reason to believe.

The Path to the Playoffs

The Cowboys’ upcoming schedule offers a golden opportunity. They face the Cincinnati Bengals (4-7), Carolina Panthers (3-8), and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-6)—all teams with losing records. With key players like Zack Martin, DeMarcus Lawrence, Micah Parsons, Trevon Diggs, and Brandin Cooks returning to full strength, the team is positioned to capitalize on this stretch.

If the Cowboys can secure victories in these games, an 8-7 record becomes a realistic possibility. However, they will also need help from other teams to secure the third and final NFC Wild Card spot.

The Competition

Currently, the Cowboys are vying for playoff contention alongside the San Francisco 49ers (5-6), Los Angeles Rams (5-6), Buccaneers, Arizona Cardinals (6-5), and Commanders (7-5). To improve their chances, they’ll need favorable outcomes from other games this weekend:

• Vikings beating the Cardinals

• Titans defeating the Commanders

• Saints taking down the Rams

• Panthers surprising the Buccaneers

• Bills overpowering the 49ers

Is the Hope Real or False?

Johnson’s prediction of a “run” for the Cowboys comes with a caveat. Even with favorable results, the team’s playoff hopes hang by a thread. Yet, for a fanbase that has endured its share of heartbreak, even the possibility of a comeback is reason enough to rally.

The next few weeks will reveal whether Johnson’s forecast was prescient or overly optimistic. Regardless of the outcome, the Cowboys’ resurgence in the wake of adversity serves as a reminder of the unpredictability—and excitement—of the NFL.