Dallas Cowboys’ Playoff Aspirations Dashed by Vikings Defeat
The Dallas Cowboys’ chances of securing a spot in the NFL playoffs took a significant hit on Sunday night after a disheartening home loss to the Minnesota Vikings. With the defeat, the Cowboys now face the grim reality that one more loss will officially end their season, prompting a swift transition to NFL Draft preparations.
Draft Prospects on the Horizon
As the team shifts its focus, the upcoming draft presents an intriguing opportunity for the Cowboys. Armed with two first-round picks, Dallas finds itself in a position to address numerous gaps within its roster. The outcome of Sunday’s games across the league saw the Cowboys’ draft position improve, landing them back in the top 15 and top 25, particularly benefiting from the Green Bay Packers’ unexpected loss to the Denver Broncos.
If the draft were to take place today, the Cowboys would hold the No. 14 and No. 23 overall selections. This positioning allows for strategic maneuvering as the team contemplates its next moves.
Current NFL Draft Landscape
Meanwhile, the division-rival New York Giants currently sit at the top of the draft order, holding the No. 1 overall pick with just three weeks remaining in the regular season. The shifting dynamics among teams vying for top draft positions are crucial as the Cowboys evaluate their path forward.
Here’s a look at the current projected 2026 NFL Draft order following the Week 15 games:
New York Giants
Las Vegas Raiders
Tennessee Titans
Cleveland Browns
New York Jets
Arizona Cardinals
New Orleans Saints
Washington Commanders
Cincinnati Bengals
Los Angeles Rams (via Falcons)
Kansas City Chiefs
Minnesota Vikings
Miami Dolphins
Dallas Cowboys
Baltimore Ravens
Carolina Panthers
Detroit Lions
New York Jets (via Colts)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Pittsburgh Steelers
Philadelphia Eagles
Houston Texans
Dallas Cowboys (via Packers)
Buffalo Bills
Chicago Bears
Los Angeles Chargers
San Francisco 49ers
Cleveland Browns (via Jaguars)
New England Patriots
Seattle Seahawks
Los Angeles Rams
Denver Broncos
The 2026 NFL Draft is set to take place in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, from April 23 to April 25.
Looking Ahead
As fans grapple with the disappointing result against the Vikings, the Cowboys’ organizational decisions will come under scrutiny. With the draft looming, the focus will not only be on the players they can acquire but also on the broader implications for the future of the franchise. The remnants of this season will linger, but for Cowboys fans, the potential for renewal and growth lies just ahead as they prepare for the next chapter.
