FRISCO, Texas -- The Cowboys head into Sunday afternoon's game against the Los Angeles Chargers on a two-game losing streak, looking to get back in the win column as they head into the final three games of the 2025 season.
While Dallas' playoff chances are all but erased, Brian Schottenheimer and his team have made clear that they're not interested in sitting some of their starters in order to play younger players, and want to win each and every one of the upcoming games.
The Chargers are the third team, as of now, that the Cowboys will have played this season with 10 or more wins. In their previous two games against the Bears and Broncos, Dallas has lost by a combined 37 points. Will they change that on Sunday?
Our staff writers give their predictions in this week's Gut Feeling:
Patrik: I'm thankful things at least got interesting coming out of the Cowboys' bye week, but their two-game losing streak to follow that three-game win streak has all but deflated their balloon. With a one percent chance of making the playoffs (so you're saying there's a channnnncccee?), what they should focus on doing is playing for the sake of their individual pride and to not undermine the culture Brian Schottenheimer is trying to build. That said, Justin Herbert has a stable of weapons and the Cowboys' secondary is moving in the wrong direction and, at the moment, it's unknown if Quinnen Williams will clear concussion protocol to try and stop LA's dynamic run game. I believe Dak Prescott and his arsenal will look improved over the struggles of the last two weeks, but they'd probably have to score 45 points to win this game, and I can't objectively see that happening — all things from the last two weeks being considered. By all means, prove me wrong, for pride and culture. 35-24, Chargers
Tommy: The last two games have been really, really tough for this Cowboys team that looked promising coming out of the bye week. The defense has looked more like it did earlier in the season, as teams are turning more towards the passing attack and specifically attacking the edges against Dallas' defense that is stout on the interior. I think Jim Harbaugh and company follow a similar game plan, as Justin Herbert will try to get the ball out quickly and get some of his playmakers in space. If Dallas' defense can take advantage of a struggling offensive line, however, they can quickly swing this game in their favor. Offensively, I think Dak Prescott and the offense are in for one of their tougher challenges of the season through the air. It's difficult to find secondaries that are playing better than the Chargers' right now, who allow the second-fewest yards per game total and third-fewest passing yards per game. I don't think it's a great matchup for Dallas, and I think Los Angeles comes away with this one. Chargers 31, Cowboys 20
Kyle: Last week was a tough loss to take for Dallas. A significant setback for their playoff chances and by the time the Cowboys take the field on Sunday, they could be eliminated from playoff contention. Because of that, there could be significant uncertainty around the availability of some key players in the game. Even without those questions, the Cowboys still have a thin rotation at cornerback right now, multiple players in concussion protocol and a couple of starters questionable for the game. Meaning that the red-hot Chargers come into town with more availability, more to play for, and more talent at the moment. Dallas will show plenty of fight, but the Chargers will take it, 27-17.
Nick: If there's been a common theme this year, it's been the fact that quarterbacks who have been below average (at best) have sliced and diced up this Cowboys defense all year. I went and did some research, which wasn't very fun, but I found out that of the 13 quarterbacks the Cowboys have faced this year, 10 of them finished the game with a passer rating over 100. Of those 10, half of them enjoyed either their best or second-best game of the season against the Cowboys. Russell Wilson, Bo Nix and Caleb Williams all had their best day while Jacoby Brissett and Patrick Mahomes were the second-best. Bryce Young was third if you were wondering. Soooo, Justin Herbert huh? This guy is pretty good against good defenses. That's why I just can't see a scenario where the Cowboys win this, especially considering every cornerback on the roster appears to be hurt. This isn't adding up to a win, especially if they're eliminated before it starts. There's really not a team I despise more than the Chargers so it pains me to pick it, Chargers 34, Cowboys 28.
