Dallas Cowboys are true Super Bowl contenders in 2026; plus, three paper tigers

Key Takeaways

• Dak Prescott has emerged as a top quarterback, leading in completions in two of the past three years and throwing a league-high 36 touchdown passes in 2023, with four 4,000-plus yard seasons since 2019 and a strong TD-to-INT ratio across the last three seasons.
• Offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer helped Prescott thrive, with the quarterback’s accuracy, anticipation, and audibles creating a diverse, efficient passing attack that stresses defenses from all levels of the field.
• The 2025 Cowboys offense featured George Pickens (93 receptions, 1,429 yards, 9 TD) alongside CeeDee Lamb and Jake Ferguson, forming a high‑volume trio that stretches defenses and sustains big plays through catch-and-run concepts.
• The rushing attack, led by Javonte Williams behind a physical interior line with Tyler Smith and Tyler Booker, supports a ‘three yards and a cloud of dust’ approach that can control games and set up play-action and aerial shots.
• Defensively, Dallas added Von Miller and Rashan Gary and retained interior disruptors Quinnen Williams and Kenny Clark, supported by a versatile secondary with Caleb Downs, Cobie Durant, and Jalen Thompson to improve pre-snap looks and ball disruption.
• New defensive coordinator Joe Parker, a Vic Fangio-aligned coach, will deploy varied fronts, sim pressures, and movement at the line to test opposing quarterbacks while leveraging veteran instincts for disruptions and turnover opportunities.
• Three rival teams are viewed as potential overruns: Green Bay, with Matt LaFleur and Jordan Love facing questions at right guard and WR1; Los Angeles Chargers, where Justin Herbert’s playoff performance remains under scrutiny despite flashy offenses; and Buffalo, where Joe Brady must balance Josh Allen and integrating DJ Moore amid a revamped defense, all under high expectations.