The Dallas Cowboys are transferring up in energy rankings as soon as extra

There are solely three weeks left within the NFL season which is extremely arduous to imagine. On some degree it appears like the whole lot simply began, however in one other method the method of the 2024 Dallas Cowboys has been a gradual and agonizing one. I believe we’re all nicely conscious of how lengthy it has been since issues felt steady with the staff everyone knows and painfully tolerate love.

We’re embarking upon maybe the best week that soccer will provide us, although. Starting Thursday there can be at the very least one NFL sport on six of the eight days to comply with it. What’s extra is that the School Soccer Playoff will start in a 12-team format for the primary time ever. Throw in different bowl video games and no matter is occurring in your yard, and it’s the football-iest time of the yr.

Earlier than we get to all of that although we now have to tie a correct bow on the week that was, one the place the Cowboys received for the third time in a month. It’s energy rankings time!

You’ll be able to view final week’s rankings proper right here.

1 – Buffalo Payments (LW: 3)

What they’ve finished this season is outstanding. I’ve by no means felt extra assured that that is lastly the yr for them.

Clearly that implies that heartbreak awaits.

2 – Philadelphia Eagles (LW: 2)

Buffalo may be the one staff standing in the way in which of our worst nightmare round right here. It’s so irritating and annoying to confess, however the Eagles are a machine. The worst half about all of it is it looks as if Nick Sirianni has lastly discovered how you can keep out of the way in which and simply do his job which helps issues all of the extra.

3 – Baltimore Ravens (LW: 5)

It’s going to be so unusual if they don’t even wind up successful their very own division.

I’d not wager towards Baltimore… until they’re enjoying Buffalo.

4 – Detroit Lions (LW: 1)

Has the bow damaged? Is the cradle falling?

Occasions appear somewhat tense across the Lions proper now and accidents are actually a really actual a part of it. Being the hunted on a weekly foundation shouldn’t be for the weary and possibly, simply possibly, it’s taking its toll on the Lions.

5 – Minnesota Vikings (LW: 7)

I’m going to say proper now that I firmly imagine that one of many Vikings or Packers are going to beat the Lions within the playoffs. Minnesota is so wildly spectacular. I’m very jealous.

6 – Pittsburgh Steelers (LW: 4)

One loss hardly looks as if a purpose to panic right here.

Pittsburgh can be nice and can nonetheless probably win the AFC North as famous. Large sport Saturday!

7 – Kansas Metropolis Chiefs (LW: 6)

It feels so unusual and fairly actually silly to have them this low given their document, however I have no idea how anybody can really feel like they’re strong in the mean time.

We have now stated all season lengthy that if anybody deserves the advantage of the doubt it’s them and that actually holds true, however their repute is doing many of the work.

8 – Inexperienced Bay Packers (LW: 8)

By no means am I making an attempt to make up for the Cowboys’ playoff loss final yr. It was the worst.

However the Packers look like a really elite staff. Isn’t that context essential?

9 – Washington Commanders (LW: 9)

Reaching the playoffs within the first yr of Dan Quinn can be celebrated.

It must be. What they’re doing is spectacular.

10 – Denver Broncos (LW: 10)

Whereas it actually took a minute, the fact is that Sean Payton in Denver might wind up being one thing fairly fascinating. He has them enjoying so good and hitting the entire proper notes.

11 – Los Angeles Rams (LW: 12)

On some degree I believe they are often considered as essentially the most shocking division winner of the yr, assuming they take it house.

Sean McVay’s most interesting teaching has all come after the Rams received the Tremendous Bowl.

12 – Tampa Bay Buccaneers (LW: 13)

We’ll see you on Sunday evening.

13 – Houston Texans (LW: 15)

They really feel just like the Chiefs in that there’s a lot extra that we wish to see from a staff of their place. Houston has already clinched their division and is probably going set on the #4 spot within the convention.

Humorous that they play Kansas Metropolis on Saturday.

14 – Seattle Seahawks (LW: 11)

The wheels could also be falling off. It’s unlucky. They’ve been enjoyable to look at.

15 – Los Angeles Chargers (LW: 14)

In all chance that is nonetheless a playoff staff.

However that no person made a giant deal about them getting embarrassed by the Buccaneers is fairly consultant of how little juice the Chargers finally have, even with Jim Harbaugh.

16 – Cincinnati Bengals (LW: 17)

Their followers are going to look again on the early a part of this season and be so annoyed that issues acquired to the purpose that they did.

17 – Arizona Cardinals (LW: 19)

Don’t look now, however my Cardinals have a shot!

18 – Dallas Cowboys (LW: 21)

They’re winners of three of their final 4. Clearly how they acquired there issues.

However they don’t seem to be going out with a whimper and that’s commendable.

19 – Atlanta Falcons (LW: 24)

Congratulations on successful on Monday evening. It was finished in actually the least spectacular method potential.

20 – San Francisco 49ers (LW: 16)

On one hand there was a participant who actually give up the staff throughout their newest outing.

Alternatively there was a mutiny from the locker room towards that participant.

Both method… there may be fairly the mess occurring right here.

21 – Indianapolis Colts (LW: 18)

Generally you are able to do an excessive amount of. The Colts are an instance of that.

22 – Miami Dolphins (LW: 20)’

I’ve stated all season lengthy… is anyone going to carry Mike McDaniel accountable for this mess?

Or will we proceed to only assume he’s cool due to his footwear and the occasional quote in a press convention?

23 – Cleveland Browns (LW: 22)

Spherical and spherical they go.

24 – New Orleans Saints (LW: 29)

It’s spectacular how in addition they have discovered a option to stand tall regardless of issues going so south.

They misplaced final week, nevertheless it was not for lack of effort.

25 – Carolina Panthers (LW: 23)

The journey again all the way down to earth could be a lonely one.

26 – Chicago Bears (LW: 25)

My goodness. Will it ever not be dangerous right here?

27 – Jacksonville Jaguars (LW: 26)

Contemplate that since 2011 they’ve misplaced double-digit video games all however 3 instances.

Two different situations noticed them come shut with 8 losses.

It could all the time be worse.

28 – Tennessee Titans (LW: 27)

I believe I’ve determined that they’re essentially the most boring staff within the NFL.

29 – New York Jets (LW: 31)

Hey! A win! That’s nice publicity for Aaron Rodgers’ Netflix documentary.

30 – New England Patriots (LW: 28)

With regards to boring… it’s a little startling to see the Patriots so mundane and uninteresting. Clearly this has been the case earlier than, however for the numerous majority of this century they’ve been the staff. Now they only… exist.

31 – Las Vegas Raiders (LW: 30)

Shedeur time.

32 – New York Giants (LW: 32)

Time for actually the rest.

NFL.com: 21 (LW: 22)

Just a little bump up.

Whenever you take a look at the Cowboys, what do you see? Do you see a staff that has received three of its previous 4 video games, displaying some psychological and bodily toughness over the previous month? Or do you see the massive image, with the Cowboys clinging to hopeless playoff possibilities in a misplaced season? There have been parts of each groups within the win at Carolina. Rico Dowdle continued his late-season ascent with one other robust efficiency, and the Cowboys confirmed some grit in a brief week on the highway, coming off a brutal loss to the Bengals. Dallas’ protection continued to point out some life, producing six sacks and 4 turnovers — the Cowboys now have 10 takeaways over their previous 4 video games. There’s solely a lot to get enthusiastic about right here, although, particularly realizing there’s a likelihood Dallas might win out and nonetheless miss the postseason, with Week 14’s catastrophe being a giant purpose why.

ESPN: 21 (LW: 23)

They included the most important enchancment for every staff as nicely.

Largest enchancment: Takeaways

The improved run protection might simply be the choose right here, however takeaways are extra essential. Beneath Dan Quinn for 3 seasons, the Cowboys have been the most effective within the league at taking the ball away (93 from 2021 to 2023). However within the first seven video games underneath coordinator Mike Zimmer this season, the protection created simply 5 (4 interceptions and one fumble restoration). Prior to now seven contests, the Cowboys have 14 takeaways, together with eight interceptions and 6 fumble recoveries. They’ve intercepted at the very least one go in six straight video games. — Todd Archer

USA Right now: 20 (LW: 26)

Fairly the leap!

Although it’s been broadly prompt for many of the season that they will’t run the ball, if truth be told, they only weren’t utilizing RB Rico Dowdle sufficiently. After posting his first three 100-yard dashing video games over the previous three weeks, he’s now on tempo for greater than 1,300 yards from scrimmage and has set himself up for a pleasant payday in 2025.

Yahoo: 20 (LW: 23)

It is a well-liked vary.

Say what you’ll in regards to the Cowboys and Mike McCarthy this season, however as we see many dropping groups flip in dreadful performances, Dallas has received three of 4 since a 3-7 begin. The Cowboys deserve credit score for not packing it in at their low level.

CBS Sports activities: 22 (LW: 26)

A point out of the phrase playoffs!

They confirmed some struggle in beating up on the Panthers. The protection performed rather well as Dallas’ slim playoff hopes stay alive.

The Athletic: 19 (LW: 22)

Another person has the Cowboys inside the highest 19!

Lamb is getting 27.3 % of Dallas’ passing targets this season, which ranks sixth within the league. On Sunday, he had 9 catches for 116 yards. It was simply his second 100-yard sport of the season, however defensive finish Micah Parsons hasn’t had fairly a ok season to unseat Lamb though Parsons is fourth in strain proportion amongst gamers with greater than 100 go rush snaps, based on TruMedia.

Sports activities Illustrated: 21 (LW: 22)

Not fairly right here.

In watching again Rico Dowdle’s greatest runs from Sunday, I used to be struck with how most of the 10-plus yard carries necessitated a number of backfield cuts to get himself into house. This wasn’t a kind of video games the place his stats have been propped up by one 60-yarder that was extra a credit score to good window dressing. Dowdle earned these yards and regarded good doing it.

Dallas Cowboys Motion Week To Week

Each week (per strategies from you fantastic BTBers) we are going to replace this graph to notice how the Cowboys moved in energy rankings based on every of the shops that we curate.