The Dallas Cowboys took care of business on Monday night against the Las Vegas Raiders and as a result people are feeling pretty good about them for the first time in a while. We all understand that Monday night was just one game and that this team still has a very tough path to the playoffs. We are simply just taking the wins as they come and Monday night’s was objectively impressive.
It would seem that a majority of the internet believes this as well. The Cowboys rose in our power rankings as well as those from across the world wide web following Week 11’s action.
Let’s get to them.
1 – New England Patriots (LW: 3)
They have all the reason in the world to feel excited right now.
2 – Los Angeles Rams (LW: 4)
There is zero doubt that they are good enough to win it all. They have everything that they need.
3 – Buffalo Bills (LW: 6)
It appears that they are awake once more.
4 – Philadelphia Eagles (LW: 5)
How do they keep finding a way? It is so annoying.
5 – Seattle Seahawks (LW: 1)
There is no need to freak out here. A season is a marathon.
6 – Detroit Lions (LW: 2)
You could say the same here, although Dan Campbell was quite suspect on Sunday night.
7 – Indianapolis Colts (LW: 8)
Welcome back.
8 – Denver Broncos (LW: 10)
It is hard to say how impressive beating the Chiefs is nowadays, but they have earned the right to be taken very seriously.
9 – Chicago Bears (LW: 12)
As have they.
10 – Tampa Bay Buccaneers (LW: 9)
It would appear that they are taking on water, no pun intended. Tampa is fun, but they may not be able to go that deep. Shoot, they may not win their division.
11 – Baltimore Ravens (LW: 13)
We all assumed that they were back and going to win the AFC North. That looks on track.
12 – San Francisco 49ers (LW: 16)
Brock Purdy delivered in his return.
13 – Kansas City Chiefs (LW: 7)
It would be absurd to claim that they would miss the playoffs. They have all benefit of the doubt. But there is zero question that they have dug quite the hole.
14 – Carolina Panthers (LW: 18)
We know that the Cowboys should have beaten them, but wow they might be very impressive nonetheless.
15 – Los Angeles Chargers (LW: 11)
Everyone always doubts them when they have success because of these games.
16 – Green Bay Packers (LW: 14)
A win is a win, but the Packers have looked pretty pedestrian as of late.
17 – Jacksonville Jaguars (LW: 20)
I’m not ready to fully believe here yet, but the Jaguars are definitely intriguing.
18 – Houston Texans (LW: 19)
The Texans are right there, though.
19 – Dallas Cowboys (LW: 23)
Monday night was impressive. Sunday will be a tall task.
20 – Pittsburgh Steelers (LW: 15)
This team without Aaron Rodgers will be a tough scene.
21 – Minnesota Vikings (LW: 17)
This season has been quite awkward here.
22 – Miami Dolphins (LW: 26)
Hala Dolphins!
23 – Atlanta Falcons (LW: 22)
Everything about what is happening here is dull and boring.
24 – Arizona Cardinals (LW: 22)
The Cardinals have lost 7 of their last 8 games. Their lone win? You know it, baby.
25 – New Orleans Saints (LW: 24)
Welcome back, I guess.
26 – Cleveland Browns (LW: 25)
It is amazing how they are always so unwatchable.
27 – New York Giants (LW: 27)
Who do we think their next coach will be?
28 – Cincinnati Bengals (LW: 28)
Remember that Thursday night win they had? Everything since then has been gross.
29 – Las Vegas Raiders (LW: 30)
They are indeed… that bad.
30 – New York Jets (LW: 29)
Tyrod Taylor time.
31 – Washington Commanders (LW: 31)
Yuck.
32 – Tennessee Titans (LW: 32)
More of that.
ESPN: 21 (LW: 21)
No movement.
Who’s under the most pressure: Defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus
Eberflus could essentially have a new defense in the second half of the season. The first nine games didn’t go so well with the Cowboys 31st in yards (414.8) and points allowed per game (30.8). But at the trade deadline, they acquired All-Pro defensive tackle Quinnen Williams and linebacker Logan Wilson. They also welcomed back linebacker DeMarvion Overshown and third-round cornerback Shavon Revel Jr. in Week 11. Starting safeties Malik Hooker and Donovan Wilson returned, too. If the Cowboys can improve over the final eight games, then Eberflus’ job security improves. If not, then the Cowboys could be looking for their fourth defensive coordinator in four years. — Todd Archer
A slight bump up.
The Cowboys needed Monday’s convincing win over the Raiders after two straight losses, but it naturally came with drama, in the form of first-series benchings of CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens. That at least made the game interesting. Dak Prescott threw for four TDs, including one each to the aforementioned doghouse receivers. Dallas’ defense showed some spunk, even factoring in the matchup against an offense that ranked 30th in the NFL coming into the game. Quinnen Williams wasted no time making his impact felt, providing 1.5 sacks and several pressures, and it seemed to rub off on the entire defensive front. What a way to honor the late Marshawn Kneeland. The meat of Dallas’ schedule lies ahead, with several rough games coming up, but the ‘Boys turned in a good overall effort Monday after a slow start. That’s something.
USA Today: 22 (LW: 23)
Another little nudge.
It was doubtless a blessing that their emotional return to work occurred against the Raiders … because the next two weeks serve up last season’s Super Bowl teams.
Yahoo: 21 (LW: 22)
And yet another.
Defensive tackle Quinnen Williams made a big impact in his Cowboys debut, with 1.5 sacks and five quarterback hits. Dallas played what was likely their best defensive game of the season. The Cowboys paid a lot to get Williams, but they got a very good defensive lineman from the Jets.
CBS Sports: 20 (LW: 25)
A slightly larger little jump.
Dak Prescott was on fire in the victory over the Raiders to keep their slim playoff hopes alive. The defense also looked much better with Quinnen Williams playing for the first time. Now here come the Eagles this week.
The Athletic: 20 (LW: 21)
This is a popular spot.
A suggestion: Bench CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens more often
The Cowboys’ top two receivers did not play on the first series because of a coach’s decision. Dak Prescott then went out and threw for 268 yards and four touchdowns. Pickens had nine catches for 144 yards, and Lamb added five catches for 66 yards. Four different Dallas players caught touchdown passes.
Sports Illustrated: 19 (LW: 23)
And there you have it.
One advantage to the Brian Schottenheimer hire is that the dude is obviously beloved by that locker room. What other NFL coach could punish—for at least one drive—two players at the game’s most mercurial position…and then do this?
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