This year has been a wild one for theDallas Cowboys− from theirbreakup with former coach Mike McCarthyin January, to thehiring of Brian Schottenheimeras his replacement, to the tradesfor George Pickensand,later, Quinnen Williamsand theinfamous divorce from Micah Parsons. On the field, they've shownhighly promising flashesand, alternately,extremely disappointing stretches− the net effect being a team that's consistently hovered around .500 and entersWeek 16with a 6-7-1 record.
Week 16 could alsomark the end of Dallas' postseason viability. Here's what's at stake for theCowboysthis weekend and, potentially, for the remainder of the 2025 regular season:
Week 5: Buffalo Bills wide receiver Curtis Samuel makes a catch against the New England Patriots at Highmark Stadium. The Bills wore their new "Rivalries" uniform for the "Sunday Night Football" game, which the Patriots won, 23-20." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
Week 5: Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield awaits the snap against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. Both teams wore throwback uniforms in the Buccaneers' 38-35 win. The Buccaneers and Seahawks entered the NFL together as expansion teams in 1976." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
Week 4: Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (10) hands the ball off to running back J.K. Dobbins during the "Monday Night Football" game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Empower Field at Mile High. The Broncos wore their "Midnight Navy" uniforms for the 28-3 win." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
Week 4: Miami Dolphins running back De'von Achane rushes the ball against the New York Jets during a 27-21 win on "Monday Night Football" at Hard Rock Stadium. The Dolphins wore their new their Nike "Rivalries" uniforms – the team version dubbed "Dark Waters."" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
Week 4: The Arizona Cardinals defense tackles Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tory Horton (15) during the first quarter of a "Thursday Night Football" game at State Farm Stadium. The Cardinals became the first NFL team to wear the new Nike "Rivalries" uniform in a game. The Seahawks won the game, 23-20." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
Week 3: New Orleans Saints running back Kendre Miller (5) stiff arms Seattle Seahawks linebacker Tyrice Knight (48) during the second quarter at Lumen Field. The Saints wore their all-white uniform and helmet combo for the first time in the 44-13 loss." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
Week 3: San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey carries the ball against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half at Levi's Stadium. The 49ers wore throwback jerseys - an homage to the team's 1950s look, as well as its 1994 Super Bowl-winning season - in the 16-15 win against the Cardinals." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
Week 2: Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) runs the ball against the Atlanta Falcons at U.S. Bank Stadium. Sporting "The Vikings Classic" throwback uniform inspired by the team's look during the 1960s and '70s, Minnesota was defeated, 22-6." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season
Can the Cowboys be eliminated in Week 16?
Yep, and that outcome can occur with two basic results ... and a remote one:
Eagles beat Commanders on Saturday OR
Cowboys lose to Chargers on Sunday OR
Eagles and Cowboys both tie
Can the Cowboys still make the 2025 playoffs?
Yes ... but the path couldn't be more narrow. For Dallas to win the NFC East − "America's Team" has no wild-card path − it must:
▶ Win its three remaining gamesANDPhiladelphia must lose its final three games
When did Cowboys last make the playoffs?
Under McCarthy, Dallas went 12-5 in the regular season in 2021, 2022 and 2023, winning two NFC East crowns over that stretch and a wild card (2022). The Cowboys are 13-17-1 since.
When did Cowboys last reach the Super Bowl?
A franchise that's won five Lombardi Trophies hasn't reached Super Sunday in 30 years. The club that won Super Bowl 30 with Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith, Michael Irvin and Deion Sanders is also the last one to even make the NFC championship game.
All NFL news on and off the field.Sign upfor USA TODAY's 4th and Monday newsletter.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Cowboys' playoff elimination scenarios: What has to happen in Week 16?
