This week's Power Rankings focuses on the 10 remaining games on the Cowboys schedule. Everyone loves a good Top 10 list and with 10 games to go, why not try and rank what's left on the schedule.
The staff writers of DallasCowboys.com weighed in with their opinions, formulating this Top 10 list, ending with the toughest game they predict that awaits the Cowboys in the regular season.
At 3-3-1, obviously, the Cowboys will have their work cut out for them in every game with every opponent on the list.
10. Raiders - This will be the first regular-season game ever played in Las Vegas for the Cowboys, who did have a preseason game there two seasons ago. But it's the first time in a game that counts and expect not only the Raiders fans to be lively, but expect a healthy amount of Cowboys fans to find "another reason" to go to Las Vegas. The Cowboys should feed off the electricity and potentially outscore the Raiders, who are second-to-last in scoring at 14.7 per game while the Cowboys are second in the NFL at 31.7.
9. Cardinals - Understanding that the Cowboys always have some crazy games with the Cardinals and most recently have struggled to beat Arizona, this still should be a winnable one for Dallas. The Cardinals have been tough to figure out this year and have played a lot of close games. The Monday Night game for the Cowboys before the bye week shouldn't be a distraction against the Cardinals, who are in the middle of the pack on both offense and defense.
8. NY Giants - The two players leading the charge for the Giants are a couple of rookies that weren't starting back in Week 2. Now, running back Cam Skateboo did have an impact but he's more of a starter now and of course, Jaxson Dart is the QB. The Cowboys were fortunate to win that game in overtime and the season finale could be difficult, but it's hard to gauge just what either team will be playing for - playoffs or draft status.
7. Minnesota- Seems rather low on the list, but that just goes to show how many quality opponents the Cowboys have yet to play. The Vikings have had injuries at quarterback but with Justin Jefferson, they always have playmakers who can hurt you. That'll be a Sunday Night game at AT&T Stadium but the Cowboys will have 10 days of rest having playing a Thursday game the week before.
6. Washington- Sure, the Cowboys just doubled up on Washington by 22 points last week. And yes, they've won in Washington as much as any other road team in recent years. But it's Christmas Day, it'll be a short week and one that could have a lot of distractions. Plus, we all know the Commanders were down some of their key playmakers. If they're back, with both teams seemingly having something to play for, it's going to be another wild game just like it was the last time Dallas played up there.
5. Chargers - You can't ever truly know which version of the Chargers will show up on any given week, but if it's the one that sees Justin Herbert doing what he did to the very same Chiefs and Broncos that are mentioned on this list, then hold on to your hats. Lesser quarterbacks have proven to be a challenge to the Cowboys' defense, and Herbert is definitely not that. Jim Harbaugh will have his team ready to play when they arrive at AT&T Stadium, and noon games usually lend to slow starts for the Cowboys, to boot.
4. Broncos - The new-look Broncos, headlined by head coach Sean Payton, will never say die. All you need to do is look at how the Giants were choking them with a 19-0 score before Denver got up off of the mat and dropped 33 points in the fourth quarter to win that contest. The Cowboys also haven't fared well in Mile High over the years, or against the Broncos at all, the last victory coming by way of a 31-21 score … in 1995. Needless to say, Dallas needs to end this seven-game losing streak, but it'll be one hell of a challenge to do so.
3. Chiefs - Two words: Patrick Mahomes. The prodigal son returns to his home state of Texas for a showdown set to happen on Thanksgiving, for all the world to see. Mahomes and the Chiefs got off to a slow start at 3-3 but have since turned on the jets offensively, and their defense continues to be one of the best in the league. Mobile, crafty and led by a familiar enemy named Andy Reid, there is simply no way to avoid labeling this game as one of the biggest on the Cowboys' calendar.
2. Eagles - Close only matters in horseshoes. The fact the Cowboys had the Eagles on the ropes in Week 1 was impressive, but not as impressive as it would've been if they'd landed the upset on the road against the defending champs. And with Philly now sitting atop the division yet again, the rematch in Arlington has a chance to send shockwaves throughout the NFC East, but only if the Cowboys can finish the job this time around.
1. Lions - The last time the Cowboys faced the Lions, things got ugly for Dallas. It was a 47-9 manhandling at AT&T Stadium last October, and Detroit hasn't weakened since that game, despite losing Ben Johnson to the Bears. Their 5-2 record is tied for best in the NFC, and their stable of weapons will give the Cowboys defense all it can handle and more. Dak Prescott has a stable of weapons of his own though, but unless Dallas wants a shootout, they have to figure out how to stop what's coming.
