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The Dallas Cowboys missed the playoffs for a second straight season in 2025, going 7-9-1 in Brian Schottenheimer’s first year as head coach. But that doesn’t stop FOX Sports NFL analyst Mark Schlereth from being optimistic about the Cowboys heading into the 2026 season.
Schlereth not only thinks Dallas can eclipse its projected win total of 9.5, but he wouldn’t be surprised if the Cowboys usurp the Philadelphia Eagles and win the NFC East.
“I think they have a lot of talent. I think they’re a football team that can dominate both lines of scrimmage,” Schlereth said on “The Herd.” “That, to me, means the Dallas Cowboys are the favorites to win their division.”
While the Cowboys have invested in a heavy defensive roster, which includes No. 11 overall pick Caleb Downs and No. 23 overall pick Malachi Lawrence, Dallas has also spent time rethinking the look of its offensive line. Already, the foundation of the offensive line is set with Tyler Guyton, Tyler Smith, Cooper Beebe, Tyler Booker and Terrance Steele as projected starters. However, their depth appears to be a game changer in their performance this year with fourth round picks Drew Shelton and TJ Bass.
On the other side of the ball, the front seven has emerged as a major storyline for the Cowboys this offseason. After last year’s blockbuster trade between Micah Parsons and the Green Bay Packers, Dallas struggled and finished last in yards allowed per game. Now anchored by Edge Rushers Quinnen Williams and Kenny Clark, their offseason additions — Edge Rushers Rashan Gary from the Packers and Lawrence — make the Cowboys’ front seven dangerous ahead of a tough 2026 schedule.
Schlereth stressed the importance of being talented at the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball and said it would be a turning point for the Cowboys’ success this season.
“You control both lines of scrimmage in the National Football League, you’re going to win a lot of football games. That’s the thing that jumps out at me more than CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens,” Schlerth said.
Receivers CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens were two of the NFL’s best at their position in 2025 when they caught passes from quarterback Dak Prescott. Pickens finished third in the NFL in receiving yards with 1,429 and Lamb finished 11th with 1,077 despite his injuries.
As the Cowboys revamped their roster in a major way this offseason, their projected win total has climbed at some sportsbooks. FanDuel Sportsbook has Dallas’ win total set at 9.5 wins.
Although that mark is one of the highest projected win totals in the league, Schlereth believes the Cowboys will easily cross the 9.5 win mark.
“I would hammer the top,” Schlereth said. “One thing I will say about the Dallas Cowboys is…where they have invested is a young offensive line that can pound people, they can beat people, and now they have invested defensively in their front seven.”
