The Cowboys gained playoff hope after key wins, mourned Marshawn Kneeland’s death, and improved draft position.

The Dallas Cowboys, at 3-5-1, gained playoff momentum during their Week 10 bye as four teams ahead of them lost, narrowing the gap in the NFC standings. A tragic loss occurred when defensive end Marshawn Kneeland died days after scoring his first NFL touchdown, prompting league-wide mourning. The team also improved its 2026 draft position after the Green Bay Packers’ collapse, with the Cowboys now projected to hold the No. 12 and No. 21 picks—both from the Micah Parsons trade—boosting their draft value. Despite injuries and a tough schedule, a win over the Raiders in Week 11 could energize their playoff hopes, though securing a postseason berth remains challenging.