(Editor's Note: Who doesn't love lists? Throughout the season, 'High 5' will provide a top five list for many of the critical topics surrounding the Dallas Cowboys 2025 season.)
With four games remaining in the 2025 regular season, the Dallas Cowboys (6-6-1) have just a 10 percent chance to make the playoffs. To do so, they'd need to catch the Eagles and win the division or catch up in a crowded Wild Card race. Either way, it remains a longshot as both scenarios will likely include the Cowboys winning out at receiving help.
The entire team will be needed to make a run like that possible, but there are some individuals that carry significant weight for that likelihood to grow. Outside of the obvious answers like Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, Jake Ferguson and other former award winners on the roster, there are current starters and role players are critical for performing at a high level down the stretch.
Taking out former Pro Bowlers and former All-Pros, here are five Cowboys that will make-or-break the final month of the 2025 season:
Shavon Revel - Since making his debut with 19 snaps against the Raiders, rookie cornerback Shavon Revel has seen his snap numbers increase to 62 and 63 over the last two games. Meaning that his need is apparent, but so is the opportunity for exposure.
The expectations for Revel have been sky-high since he was drafted in the third round this past April, but coming off a major knee injury and without a full offseason to lead into his first professional season has proved to be a challenge. The 'mini bye' after the Lions game may just be the right time for Revel to see the game better and make some significant strides in his game. Both would be a welcome sight in the Cowboys secondary that has seen several rotating players throughout the season.
Javonte Williams - With a strong running game, comes a strong play action game. With a strong play action game, the Cowboys offense runs at it best as Dak Prescott continues to show he's one of the best passers out of play action in the NFL. Meaning that Javonte Williams could easily be the key to keeping the offense on the right track.
He's already eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark this season, the fourth-different running back to do so over the last four seasons in Dallas. But his real contribution has been his consistency. Williams has tallied just two games with under 50 yards rushing this season, both have come on the heels of a 100-yard performance. If he can continue this, the Dallas offense will be in good hands down the stretch.
Tyler Guyton - After spending the last few months in-and-out of the offensive line rotation due to injury, the return of Tyler Guyton needs to be a strong one. The former first-round pick has shown areas of improvement in his game this season but still has plenty to clean up after allowing 31 pressures and two sacks over 10 games and 650 snaps.
Although Guyton may not play this week vs. Minnesota with an ankle injury, his eventual return serves three purposes. First, it allows an upgrade over what Nate Thomas has shown as a backup option, solidifying the left side of the offensive line. Secondly, it gives Guyton the live reps he desperately needs after battling nagging injuries each of the last two seasons. Third, it provides a clear picture on how Guyton fits into the offensive tackle picture in the future.
Sam Williams - There have been some glimpses. Sam Williams has stood out on multiple occasions with blocked kicks, QB hits, and some key tackles for loss. However, when the team has needed a pass rusher to step up in the big moments and bring a sack, Williams has not been the guy. When the team was missing Jadeveon Clowney in Week 14 against the Lions, he missed a golden opportunity with his highest defensive snap count since Week 6. This isn't to say Williams played poorly, but to point out that opportunities will be there for him to take his production to the next level. If Dallas' defensive front wants to continue setting the pace and controlling the line of scrimmage, they'll need another edge rusher to step up. Williams has all the tools to be that guy.
George Pickens - The only surprise about Pickens being high on this list, is that he's never been named to a Pro Bowl or All-Pro team before. He's surely getting to that point this season as he sits third in receiving yards (1,179) entering Week 15 and has put together a career year in Dallas.
However, his contributions aren't over yet. With four games to play, Pickens has the chance to cement himself as one of the elite wide receivers in the game today and be a core reason as to why the Cowboys make an unprecedented push to the postseason. After being criticized by outside media following his performance against the Lions, he'll aim to rebound against the Vikings this week in a favorable matchup.
