Can the Cowboys Realistically Make the Playoffs?

With a record of 3-5-1, the Dallas Cowboys find themselves in a win-now position for the rest of the year in hopes of making the postseason. By losing winnable games, the Cowboys now need to go on a streak versus some of the league's best teams lined up after their Monday night game against the Raiders. The NFC hinders the Cowboys, because even if the Cowboys win all their games, a playoff spot isn't guaranteed. With all being said, is it realistic for the Cowboys to still make the playoffs?

The most obvious point to acknowledge is that Dallas has to win out or only lose one of their remaining games to even have a chance of making the playoffs this year. They go on a stretch of playing four former playoff teams from a year ago, with notable games against the Chiefs on Thanksgiving and the Eagles next week. They have some favorable matchups to end the year, like against Washington and the Giants, but the way the season has been playing out, no wins are guaranteed. The losses to the Panthers and Bears may impact their chances in head-to-head tiebreakers for the last playoff spot in the NFC.  

Is it realistic for the Cowboys to make the playoffs? The defense, which has been overhauled with new and returning talent, should aim to perform at least at an average level for the rest of the season to effectively support the offense. They need to find a way to contain the offenses of the Philadelphia Eagles, Detroit Lions, and Kansas City Chiefs, which is a significant challenge at this point in the season. The Cowboys faced a similar situation in 2018, where, after the trade for Amari Cooper from the then Oakland Raiders, they ended the season 7-2 with him on the roster. The Cowboys need to end the season 11-5-1 or 10-6-1 to even have a shot at the playoffs, which is as optimistic as a fan can be. Will the Cowboys make the playoffs? Probably not, but can a fan dream after trading for some elite talent? Sure, they can.