Dallas Cowboys’ power rankings rise continues after beating Kansas City Chiefs
The Dallas Cowboys are riding a three-game winning streak that has the team back in the playoff hunt, especially as their NFC East division rival the Philadelphia Eagles have faltered with two straight losses.
Where are the Cowboys ranked on power rankings list following their latest win over the Kansas City Chiefs on Thanksgiving?
Here’s what sportswriters are saying.
Todd Archer, ESPN
X factor for final stretch: Cornerback Trevon Diggs
Diggs hasn’t played since mid-October, but he was designated for return from injured reserve Sunday. He suffered a concussion in an at-home accident and was placed on injured reserve to help right knee soreness that had developed. He was not playing at his prior Pro Bowl level before going on IR, but perhaps he can find that form in a Cowboys defense that has improved with the additions of Quinnen Williams, DeMarvion Overshown, Shavon Revel Jr. and Logan Wilson. Diggs would provide another playmaker as the Cowboys fight for a playoff spot.
Ranking: No. 15 (Prev. No. 19)
Nate Davis, USA Today
Though he’s overshadowed by the general chaos that follows this team, what a turnaround RB Javonte Williams has had − now just 45 yards shy of his first 1,000-yard year in the NFL.
Ranking: No. 14 (Prev. No. 19)
Staff, Bleacher Report
Winners in three consecutive games, the Dallas Cowboys have shown more resistance on defense, allowing an average of 21.7 points during their win streak, nearly a touchdown less than their season average of 28.5. They gave up 28 points in their last victory, but only allowed a 38 percent conversion rate on third down and sacked Patrick Mahomes three times.
Ranking: No. 18 (Prev. No. 19)
Eric Edholm, NFL.com
Fresh off the most thrilling five-day stretch of the Cowboys’ 2025 season -- during which they beat both participants in this past February’s Super Bowl -- Dallas is officially in the playoff mix. The ‘Boys probably can’t lose another game, and they now have to travel to Detroit on a short week, but perhaps they’re catching the Lions at the right time. Dak Prescott was dealing on Thanksgiving, and the defense continued its recent ascent, forcing four straight Chiefs punts and getting another big stop early in the fourth quarter.
Ranking: No. 16 (Prev. No. 18)
Ralph Vacchiano, FOX Sports
They’ve still got a lot of work to do, but wins over both of last season’s Super Bowl teams in a five-day span is a serious accomplishment. Now it’s on to Detroit.
Ranking: No. 15 (Prev. No. 17)
Frank Schwab, Yahoo Sports
The Cowboys are playing better, but that hole they dug themselves is an issue. The Seahawks, Packers, 49ers and Lions are all ahead of the Cowboys in the wild-card race and the Panthers aren’t far behind. Even if the Cowboys win at Detroit on Thursday, there’s still a long way to go to get a playoff spot.
Ranking: No. 17 (Prev. No. 18)
Mike Florio, Pro Football Talk
They’re currently the league’s most fun team to watch.
Ranking: No. 16 (Prev. No. 17)
Pete Prisco, CBS Sports
Beating the two Super Bowl teams from last season in successive weeks is an impressive feat. This offense is dynamic and just might get them into the playoffs.
Ranking: No. 13 (Prev. No. 17)
Chad Graff and Josh Kendall, The Athletic
The odds are still against them (our simulator gives them a 24 percent chance of reaching the playoffs), but with three straight wins, the Cowboys have given themselves a chance with a defense that’s suddenly playing better.
Ranking: No. 16 (Prev. No. 19)
Diante Lee, The Ringer
Every week, I log onto social media and see the NFL media behave like the kombucha girl while the Cowboys are playing. What we saw from Dallas, especially the defense, before the trade deadline still feels too recent to justify a complete reevaluation, but the version of the Cowboys we’ve seen over the past month after they added DT Quinnen Williams is clearly a different group.
Ranking: No. 13 (Prev. No. 15)
