Are the Cowboys out of the playoffs? Yes, Dallas eliminated for second straight year on Christmas with two meaningless games left to play

Are the Cowboys out of the playoffs? Yes, Dallas has been officially eliminated for the second straight year. The Philadelphia Eagles mathematically ended their playoff hopes on December 20 with a 29-18 victory over Washington, leaving the Cowboys with two meaningless games remaining in Week 17 and beyond.

How Dallas Lost Its Playoff Path

The Dallas offense looked promising early in the season with standout performances. The team even made a three-game run that kept playoff hopes alive heading into the final three weeks.

Then came consecutive losses that proved devastating. A 34-17 defeat to the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 16 left the Cowboys with mathematical elimination possibilities. Hours later, the Eagles‘ decisive 29-18 win sealed the fate completely.

With just two games remaining, Dallas cannot reach the 14-team playoff format. Even a perfect finish couldn’t change the mathematical reality that eliminated them from postseason contention on Christmas week.

What Changed From 2021-2023 Success

The Cowboys made three consecutive playoff appearances from 2021 through 2023, establishing themselves as NFC East contenders. That streak ended last season and continues to haunt the organization now.

Schottenheimer took over in 2025 but failed to stabilize a defensive unit allowing 30.3 points per game, the second-worst in the NFL. Key roster issues, including the trade of pass rusher Micah Parsons to Green Bay, weakened an already struggling defensive line.

Prescott performed as a Pro Bowl candidate, earning that honor along with receiver George Pickens. His individual excellence couldn’t prevent team-wide inconsistency throughout the regular season.

Playoff Picture: Where Dallas Stands Today

Team Status	Standing
Dallas Cowboys Record	6-8-1, Eliminated
NFC East Leader	Philadelphia Eagles (10-5)
Games Remaining	2 (Meaningless)
Playoff Drought	Consecutive Years (2024-2025)

What Christmas Day Brings for Dallas on Netflix

Instead of chasing playoff seeding, Dallas takes on the Washington Commanders in a Week 17 Netflix Christmas broadcast. Both NFC East rivals have been eliminated, turning prime-time television into a meaningless rivalry game.

That matchup represents everything Dallas wanted to avoid. Playing out the string with all hope gone differs drastically from fighting for postseason positioning. The Cowboys can only play spoiler against Washington while brainstorming offseason changes.

One final game remains after Christmas, but the damage is already done. Dak Prescott and the team enter 2026 needing substantial roster reconstruction after missing playoffs in consecutive seasons.

What Questions Will Leaders Face About 2025 Collapse?

Will Dallas keep Brian Schottenheimer or pursue defensive coaching changes? Should the organization reconsider the Micah Parsons trade to Green Bay that sent an elite pass rusher away? Can Dak Prescott stay healthy and motivated after back-to-back playoff misses despite Pro Bowl caliber performances?

These questions loom as Jerry Jones and Dallas executives prepare for a complete evaluation. The once-promising season spiraled during a stretch when the Eagles‘ dominance became undeniable, forcing the organization to admit defeat weeks before the regular season ends.

Sources

• USA Today – Cowboys playoff elimination coverage December 25, 2025
• NFL.com – Official elimination announcement and playoff picture
• New York Times Athletic – Eagles victory eliminates Cowboys analysis