Season at a Crossroads: NFL Ready to Push Dallas Into Prime Time as the Playoff Race Heats Up

Dallas — The Dallas Cowboys are entering the most critical stretch of the 2025 NFL season, where every game not only shapes their playoff fate but could also redefine how the entire country watches them.

At 6-6-1, the Cowboys sit second in the NFC East and remain firmly in the thick of a highly competitive NFC Wild Card race. Their Week 15 home matchup against the Minnesota Vikings

on Sunday night is widely viewed as a must-win game for Dallas to keep its postseason hopes alive.

A Boost in Firepower — and Lingering Questions

The good news for the Cowboys is that

CeeDee Lamb is progressing well in his recovery from a concussion and is expected to return right when Dallas needs him most. The presence of the team’s top offensive weapon provides a significant lift to an offense that has faced mounting pressure in recent weeks.

Still, the Cowboys’ injury concerns are far from resolved. Jake Ferguson is dealing with a calf injury, and several other key contributors are less than 100 percent. Those uncertainties could directly impact Dallas’ ability to execute in critical late-game moments.

A Major Decision From the NFL

While Dallas battles on the field, the NFL has made it clear that the Cowboys’ late-season games are firmly on the league’s radar. Under the league’s

flex scheduling policy, the NFL can move games with major playoff implications into national broadcast windows such as Sunday Night Football, Monday Night Football, or holiday matchups.

For Dallas, that spotlight could shine brightest in Week 17 on Christmas Day, as well as Week 18 games against the Washington Commanders and New York Giants. If the playoff race remains tight, those matchups are prime candidates to be flexed into prime time, turning the Cowboys into a national focal point during the season’s final weeks.

Pressure, Opportunity, and the Bright Lights

Consistent appearances in prime-time windows bring immense pressure — but also a chance for the Cowboys to assert themselves on the biggest stage. In a fiercely competitive

NFC East, where every win can reshape the standings, Dallas’ games are no longer just internal battles, but key chapters in the broader NFL playoff narrative.

Looking Ahead

Before any official scheduling changes are announced, the Cowboys know exactly what matters most:

beating the Vikings in Week 15. A win would strengthen Dallas’ playoff positioning and increase the likelihood they remain under the national spotlight as the season winds down.

With flex scheduling in play and the postseason race intensifying, the message from the NFL is clear:

the Dallas Cowboys remain must-see television as the 2025 season enters its decisive final stretch.