Get an email when the Dallas Cowboys PFM Team Score changes or a new PFM Reporter update is added.
Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb can still control a game with timing throws and route adjustments. The defense has a pass rusher who changes protections before the snap in Quinnen Williams. Dallas stays in the lower half because the defense is thin inside and Brian Schottenheimer is still installing a new offensive structure.
See how the PFM category ratings shape Dallas.
Dallas' identity starts with a spread passing offense built around Dak Prescott’s timing and CeeDee Lamb’s ability to win at every level.
Brian Schottenheimer is the swing factor. The staff has to solve defensive depth, especially outside, and a coaching operation that still has to earn trust. Dallas continued reshaping the defensive front after losing veteran interior help.
Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb give Dallas the cleaner path to points. The 12.1-point edge over the defense means the offense has to finish drives while the interior depth and new coaching operation find their footing.
This is not a roster with nothing to work with. The missing piece is proof, especially when the game moves away from the preferred script. The formula is simple: protect Prescott, feed Lamb and let the offense control the game.
The Cowboys win by protecting Prescott, feeding the supporting cast and letting the offense control the game.
The Cowboys are most exposed in physical games where Dallas cannot stop the run or has to protect Prescott in obvious passing situations. Those games put a spotlight on defensive depth, especially outside, and a coaching operation that still has to earn trust.
Dallas ranks No. 12 in schedule difficulty, with an average opponent PFM Score of 81.1 and 6 games against current top-10 teams. Four of those top-10 matchups are away, while the next 5 opponents average 79.3.
Toughest remaining opponent: 
Seattle Seahawks at 91.3 PFM.
These are the two closest on-field builds in the PFM ratings. The similarities matter, but so do the differences.
The Bengals are the closest match because both teams need chunk plays to change the game. The Cowboys lean on a spread passing offense, while the Bengals lean on a pass-first offense. The Bengals have the better answer at quarterback.
The Commanders are another close match because both teams trust the quarterback to set the weekly ceiling. The Cowboys get there through a spread passing offense; the Commanders are built around a spread and RPO offense. Coaching is where the Commanders create the separation.
Will George Pickens be a distraction at camp? The star WR arrived without a contract and will play this season on a franchise tag. This could potentially hurt the Cowboys' offense if Pickens is not locked in.
Philadelphia remains the strongest NFC East obstacle. A spread passing plan gives Dallas enough to stay in the race. The remaining problem is defensive depth, especially outside, and a coaching operation that still has to earn trust.
Dallas is 5–3 in the Super Bowl and last won in Super Bowl XXX in 1996.
