The Dallas Cowboys have taken a hit in the latest NFL power rankings roundup after watching their playoff hopes plummet in Week 15.

Let's take a look at three bold predictions for this Chargers-Cowboys Week 16 clash in Dallas as both teams still eye the postseason.

Yes, the Dallas Cowboys technically still have a path to make the playoffs after back-to-back losses to the Detroit Lions and the Minnesota Vikings. But, according to ESPN, it’s down to 1%. With the loss to the Vikings, the Cowboys were eliminated from the NFC Wild Card hunt, but they can still win the NFC East division.

There were some bright spots for the Dallas Cowboys despite an ugly defeat to the Minnesota Vikings, with five players standing above the rest with their PFF ratings.

The Dallas Cowboys already entered their Sunday night NFL matchup against the Minnesota Vikings on the outside looking in to claim the NFC East and a spot in the playoffs. This meant that the Week 15 clash with Minnesota was always going to have huge implications for the slim playoff hopes that the Cowboys

Dallas dropped to 6-7-1 with the loss and can still technically make the playoffs, but it would take a lot. The Cowboys would need the 9-5 Philadelphia Eagles, who are in first place in the NFC East, to lose their final three games, while Dallas would need to win against the Los Angeles Chargers, Washington Commanders and New York Giants.

The Dallas Cowboys needed a win badly on Sunday night against the Minnesota Vikings, who were mathematically knocked out of the NFL playoffs. The Vikings played

The Minnesota Vikings severely damaged the Dallas Cowboys playoff hopes with a 34-26 win in Arlington on "Sunday Night Football." J.J. McCarthy now has back-to-back games with three total touchdowns,

Not only has Reichard been flawless on kicks inside of 50 yards, he’s also an impressive 9 of 11 on kicks 50 yards and beyond.

The Cowboys spent an NFL-low $20.47 million in free agency in 2024, per OverTheCap.com, and they went bargain bin shopping in 2025. They struck oil with running back Javonte Williams, but most of their additions didn't move the needle. Dallas needs more from its front office in free agency in order to build a more competent defense in 2026.