For the first time in the Dak Prescott era, Vegas sportsbooks are laying odds that the Dallas Cowboys won’t make the playoffs this season. Betting markets currently list Dallas at around -220 on “Missing the Playoffs,” meaning if you bet they won’t reach January football, you're the favorite; meanwhile, their odds to make the postseason sit at approximately +175 to +210 - implying just a 32-33% chance of sneaking in.
That’s quite the fall from grace for a franchise used to playoff chatter. Coming off a disappointing 7-10 finish in 2024, the Cowboys saw unprecedented turnover - Mike McCarthy exited, Dak suffered a season‑ending injury, and the offense sputtered.
At the same time, sportsbooks set Dallas’s win total at 7.5 games, one of the lowest across the league, signaling low expectations despite the return of Prescott and the addition of talent like George Pickens and Javonte Williams.
🎙 What’s Driving the Skepticism?
New leadership: Brian Schottenheimer is calling the shots as head coach for the first time - and Vegas odds suggest bettors aren’t convinced he’s ready to steer a turnaround.
Offensive questions: A young O‑line, the loss of veteran depth, and doubts about supporting Prescott in the run game add layers to the skepticism.
Tough division: The Eagles and Commanders are still favored to win the NFC East, leaving Dallas as the underdog in a familiar division gauntlet.
Yet optimism still exists among analysts: with Prescott healthy, key offseason adds, and a softer portion of the schedule - some betting voices peg them as the best underdog bet to make the playoffs thanks to potential upside if things click.
Bottom line for KRLD listeners?
The betting world is giving Dallas a real uphill climb - if you bet they won’t make the playoffs, you're the favorite. But if you’re banking on bounce-back swagger under Dak and a revamped offense, those plus‑money odds may just be worth it.
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