As the Dallas Cowboys prepare for the 2026 NFL season, they are ranked 11th in ESPN's Football Power Index (FPI), suggesting they are on the cusp of playoff contention. Despite significant defensive changes aimed at improving last season's poor performance, the Cowboys face a challenging schedule, rated as the fourth-toughest in the league. ESPN's FPI indicates that Dallas is likely to finish second in the NFC East, trailing the Philadelphia Eagles, who are among the six NFC teams ranked above them. The Cowboys' Super Bowl odds sit at 2.6%, ranking them 16th overall. The team's fortunes will largely depend on the effectiveness of their revamped defense, which struggled last season. If they can elevate their defensive performance to at least average while maintaining a strong offense, playoff aspirations could become a reality. However, a repeat of last year's defensive shortcomings could lead to another disappointing season without postseason play.