Dallas Cowboys QB Dak Prescott explains mindset in playing final three games despite slim playoff odds

The NFL playoff odds currently give the Dallas Cowboys less than 1% chance of making it in. Those will rise on Sunday with a win against the Los Angeles Chargers, going all the way up to 2%. Point being, making the playoffs will require a borderline miracle for the Cowboys.

Shutting down key players would be easy, especially someone like quarterback Dak Prescott. But Prescott plans to play vs. Los Angeles and in the following two games in Washington and New York. He explained his mindset with the decision, saying he will always choose to play the sport he loves.

“Being a professional, this is my job,” Prescott said via Jon Machota of The Athletic. “This is what I love to do. Sitting out last year and the times before, you don’t take this game for granted. You play every game to win. You play every game with a chance to go to the playoffs and play in the Super Bowl. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. If that’s not the case when we take the field or whatever it may be, I’m thankful for the opportunity to play this game and I’m not going to ever pass it up.”

Prescott is someone who has missed plenty of games due to injury in his career. After a long-term absence in 2024, Prescott found himself healthy throughout the entire season to this point. Playing a full 17-game schedule would be a huge accomplishment for the quarterback.

His numbers are going to wind up looking pretty good as well. To this point, Prescott has thrown for 3,931 yards, 26 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. His play with CeeDee Lamb and the addition of George Pickens continues to be incredible. Having a run game with Javonte Williams certainly helps.

Those are the type of stats you might expect a quarterback to have when heading to the playoffs. Instead, the Cowboys need to win out, while bitter NFC East rivals, the Philadelphia Eagles, need to lose out in order to win the division.

So, yes, there is still a mathematical way to get into the dance. However, the writing is on the wall for everyone in Dallas.

Kickoff from AT&T Stadium for the Chargers game is scheduled for noon CT. Prescott will once again lead the offense on the field at some point in the first quarter, as he has in the previous 14 games.