Jerry Jones has every reason to believe in Cowboys' playoff potential after latest NFL predictions

Jerry Jones, owner of the Dallas Cowboys, is optimistic about the team's playoff prospects for the 2026 season based on recent NFL predictions. The franchise has not won the Super Bowl since the 1994 season and has failed to qualify for the playoffs in each of the past two years. However, ESPN analyst Mike Clay has ranked Dallas as having one of the nine best rosters in the NFL, indicating the team's potential to make a significant impact in the NFC playoff race.

Clay cites several factors contributing to the Cowboys' strong position, including their quarterback Dak Prescott, who benefits from a solid offensive line and an elite wide receiver duo of CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens. Despite having one of the most explosive offenses in the league during the 2025 season, averaging 27.7 points per game, Clay acknowledges that the Cowboys' defense struggled throughout the year, allowing an NFL-worst 30.1 points per contest.

However, the team has made significant changes in hopes of improving their defensive unit. New defensive coordinator Christian Parker, along with additions like Rashan Gary, Dee Winters, Cobie Durant, and Jalen Thompson, are expected to bolster the defense. First-round rookies Malachi Lawrence and Caleb Downs are also anticipated to be significant contributors.

While Clay believes the Cowboys have a solid combination of a productive offense and a serviceable defense, he cautions that the team's relatively inexperienced cornerback room could be a determining factor in how far Dallas goes. Improvement at that position following last season's defensive struggles will be crucial for the Cowboys' return to the postseason for the first time since the 2023 campaign.