The Dallas Cowboys and Carolina Panthers find themselves struggling this season, with the Cowboys holding a record of 5-8 and the Panthers at 3-10. The situation is critical for the Panthers, who face near elimination from playoff contention; a loss in their next game would seal their fate. Despite their better record, the Cowboys don’t appear to be significantly outperforming their opponents.
For the Cowboys, the chance of making it to the playoffs is slim—less than 1%. While a loss today won’t officially eliminate them, the Cowboys’ season has already been marred by injuries to key players, including quarterback Dak Prescott, who has not played since sustaining a hamstring injury in Week 9. With Cooper Rush stepping in as quarterback, the Cowboys have had a few victories, but not enough to revitalize their postseason hopes. The team recently suffered a setback, losing to the Cincinnati Bengals, another team struggling this season.
On the other hand, the Panthers seem to be finding some momentum, particularly since quarterback Bryce Young returned to the lineup. They have showcased improved performance in recent games, narrowly losing to playoff-caliber teams like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Kansas City Chiefs, and Philadelphia Eagles by six points or fewer in their last three outings. While these close calls haven’t translated into wins, they reflect a potential turning point in the Panthers’ season as they aim to regain respect within the league.
Overall, both teams have faced challenges, but the Panthers’ recent performances suggest a glimmer of hope for the future. As they continue to develop and improve, there might be more encouraging outcomes ahead.
In summary, the Cowboys are struggling with injuries and low playoff chances, while the Panthers are starting to show signs of improvement despite their disappointing record. The remainder of the season could provide opportunities for growth and new strategies that may benefit both teams in the long run.