The Dallas Cowboys are entering the 2025 season with renewed hope after a disappointing 2024, which ended with a 7-10 record and the firing of head coach Mike McCarthy.
With a new coach in Brian Schottenheimer, the team is optimistic about turning things around. However, Pro Football Focus (PFF) isn’t as convinced.
The site’s projected win totals suggest the Cowboys will only secure 8 victories in the upcoming season, a low number for a team with considerable talent on paper.
PFF’s projection factors in the Cowboys‘ tough strength of schedule (SOS). Ranked as having the ninth-hardest schedule in the NFL, the Cowboys face a challenging set of opponents in 2025, including the Washington Commanders, Philadelphia Eagles, Detroit Lions, Kansas City Chiefs, and Minnesota Vikings.
This brutal slate of games will make it difficult for Dallas to gain momentum, especially with matchups against some of the top teams in the league.
The Cowboys will need to overcome tough early-season games, including a Thanksgiving matchup against the Chiefs, as well as road trips to Detroit and Minnesota. With so many difficult games on their calendar, the Cowboys will need to hit the ground running to stay competitive.
Despite their talented roster, including quarterback Dak Prescott and star defensive player Micah Parsons, the Cowboys have their work cut out for them. Dallas has also experienced a few key departures, including the retirement of veteran guard Zack Martin and the loss of defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence, both of which leave holes in crucial areas of the team.
What the Cowboys have going for them
Even with the tough schedule and roster challenges, Dallas does have reasons for optimism. They still possess one of the NFL’s most potent offensive units when healthy. Prescott is a proven quarterback, and the addition of dynamic wide receiver George Pickens could give the passing game a boost.
The team also has solid defensive pieces, including Parsons, who continues to be one of the most disruptive edge rushers in the league.
Dallas will also benefit from Schottenheimer’s experience. He has been part of the team’s coaching staff since 2021 and will bring system continuity, which could help improve the offense’s consistency this season. The addition of rookie offensive lineman Tyler Booker could also add some much-needed depth to the Cowboys’ line.
Despite these advantages, it will be an uphill battle for Dallas. The team’s schedule, combined with injuries and a revamped coaching staff, makes the outlook for 2025 uncertain.
While the Cowboys have the talent to exceed PFF’s projected win total, their tough schedule and some key player departures could hold them back. The season could go either way, but if the Cowboys fail to perform consistently, another underwhelming year could be in the cards.
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