Dak Prescott: Making The Playoffs Is 'Minimum' Goal In 2026

Dak Prescott and the Dallas Cowboys missed the playoffs in 2025. Prescott is hoping that'll change in 2026.

The Cowboys, who made several big moves this offseason, adding to their defense with the selection of Caleb Downs and bringing George Pickens back on offense, will hope to contend at the top of the NFC in 2026.

Dallas will be fighting in a tough division, featuring the Eagles, Commanders and Giants, but expectations are always high.

The Cowboys, who are 14-19-1 over the past two seasons, are looking to bounce back in a big way this year.

"It (stinks), definitely," Prescott said last week, via Tommy Yarrish of the team website, "but we're pushing. That's our goal. That's a minimum. When you have a team like this, and they've done everything they have in the offseason, obviously we've got to push and get better on offense, but when we know we're already improving on defense, that's the minimum. That's everybody's goal in here."

The Cowboys know they need to be better

Dallas has some players like Quinnen Williams who have never been to the postseason.

"To hear [Williams] say he's never been to the playoffs, that's what you want to do it for," Prescott said. "And that's what I told him. I said, "‘I'll get you the playoffs. I'm going to need you to go help us win it.'"

Will it change this year?

We'll find out this fall.

The Cowboys are scheduled to open the year on Sunday Night Football against the New York Giants.

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This story was originally published June 22, 2026 at 11:00 PM.