Dallas Cowboys 2025 Season Prediction: Will They Dig Themselves Into a 0-3 Hole?
As the 2025 NFL season quickly approaches, the Dallas Cowboys enter the new year with a mix of optimism and uncertainty. With several changes to the coaching staff and roster, the Cowboys have the potential to contend for a playoff spot, but also face significant obstacles that could derail their season from the start. According to SI.com’s Connor Orr, Dallas could find themselves in a massive 0-3 hole to begin the year, and while they may ultimately finish with a winning record, the season will likely be filled with unpredictable ups and downs.
A New Look for the Cowboys
The Cowboys have made several key changes to their roster and coaching staff, which could either work out in their favor or backfire. On paper, these changes should improve the team, but there are significant questions surrounding the team’s ability to gel.
First and foremost, the team is relying on Dak Prescott to stay healthy, as the quarterback’s health will likely be the determining factor for the Cowboys’ success. Prescott, while talented, has struggled with injuries in recent seasons, and his ability to stay on the field will be crucial. Dallas added some competition at the running back position, and they also bolstered their receiving corps by bringing in George Pickens, a promising playmaker who should give Prescott another weapon to work with.
While these moves are encouraging, there are still plenty of reasons for concern, starting with the secondary. The Cowboys’ defensive backfield is currently banged up, and there’s uncertainty about how well they can hold up throughout the season. Without a fully healthy secondary, the Cowboys could be vulnerable to explosive offenses, particularly against some of the high-powered teams they’ll face in the NFC.
Coaching Uncertainty
Another major question mark for the Cowboys in 2025 is the coaching staff. The addition of Brian Schottenheimer as head coach is a gamble. While Schottenheimer has experience in the league, he is stepping into a big role with a franchise that has high expectations. The pressure will be on him to manage the team, implement a successful strategy, and deliver results. If Schottenheimer struggles early, it could put the Cowboys in a hole that’s difficult to climb out of.
Division Rivals in the NFC
The Cowboys play in a highly competitive division, with the defending NFC champions in their own backyard. The Philadelphia Eagles and the Dallas Cowboys are perennial rivals, and the New York Giants and Washington Commanders are both teams that have shown potential to disrupt the NFC East standings. Given the strength of the division, the Cowboys will need to hit the ground running and avoid slipping into a bad start, as every loss in the division could prove to be costly.
One of the biggest challenges for the Cowboys could be their head-to-head matchups against the Eagles and other NFC contenders. As Orr pointed out, the Cowboys are in the same division as the two teams that faced off in the NFC Championship Game in 2024. With these tough divisional games on the horizon, Dallas will need to perform at a high level week in and week out.
Micah Parsons Holdout Drama
Perhaps the most intriguing storyline surrounding the Cowboys heading into the 2025 season is the situation with star defensive player Micah Parsons. Parsons, one of the league’s best defenders, has expressed frustration over his contract situation, and a potential holdout could throw a wrench into the Cowboys’ plans.
Orr speculates that a holdout by Parsons could lead to a tough start for the Cowboys, with the team potentially falling into a 0-3 hole. While this is speculative, it’s certainly not out of the realm of possibility. Parsons’ absence would weaken a defense that is already dealing with depth concerns, and the uncertainty around his situation could create tension within the locker room.
As Orr noted, the scenario of a star player holding out, combined with the pressure on team owner Jerry Jones to get a deal done, could create chaos within the organization early in the season. The Cowboys may find themselves distracted by internal issues when they need to focus on playing football. However, if the situation is resolved quickly, Dallas could turn things around.
A Tough Schedule Awaits
The Cowboys’ 2025 schedule doesn’t do them any favors. They open the season against some of the toughest teams in the NFC, and the road ahead is filled with challenging matchups. Given their inconsistent performance in 2024 — including a 3-5 record with Prescott healthy — it’s hard to confidently say that Dallas will be able to live up to expectations in 2025. While they have the talent to win games, they’ve shown a tendency to underperform in critical moments, particularly in games that could define their season.
Orr’s prediction of a 9-8 finish for the Cowboys in 2025 suggests that the team’s fortunes will be a mixed bag. There will be big wins, but also frustrating losses that could leave fans and analysts scratching their heads. The Cowboys have the talent to compete with any team in the league, but consistency will be their biggest hurdle.
Can the Cowboys Prove the Doubters Wrong?
Despite the skepticism surrounding the Cowboys’ 2025 season, they still have the talent to prove the doubters wrong. CeeDee Lamb is one of the league’s top receivers, and the defense — if healthy — is stacked with talent, including Parsons, who can change the course of a game with his playmaking ability. The team will also need to rely on key additions like Pickens to provide the offense with a boost.
However, if the Cowboys are to have any chance of success, they’ll need to stay healthy, avoid internal distractions, and find a way to play consistently week in and week out. A 0-3 start would be a huge blow to their playoff hopes, but if they can weather the storm early, they could still make a run.
Conclusion
The 2025 season for the Dallas Cowboys is filled with potential, but also uncertainty. With key questions surrounding their coaching staff, player injuries, and internal contract disputes, the team could dig themselves into a deep hole early in the season. Whether they can overcome these challenges and find success remains to be seen. However, if they can address their issues early, the Cowboys still have a chance to prove that they are contenders in the NFC.
Cowboys fans, as always, will be hoping for the best, but they should prepare for a rollercoaster ride as the season unfolds.
