After going 12-5 for three straight seasons, the Cowboys are in danger of suffering their fifth loss in just eight games this year. To say the 2024 season hasn’t gone according to plan for Dallas would be an understatement. The team still hasn’t won a game at home this year, and frankly the games haven’t been particularly close at home. The team is riddled with injuries, with CB Daron Bland yet to make his season debut, DE Micah Parsons being out for several weeks, and DE DeMarcus Lawrence out as well. Those are just the biggest names who have been unavailable for the team, as they have been without several key role players for several weeks as well, such as CB Caelen Carson, DE Marshawn Kneeland, and WR Brandin Cooks.

Looking at the NFC East, the Cowboys are currently in third place. The Washington Commanders are first in the division, to the surprise of many, with a 6-2 record. The Philadelphia Eagles are in second place with a 5-3 record. Currently sitting at 3-4, the Cowboys can’t afford to keep losing games if they want any chance at potentially making a run in the division.

When asked by ESPN’s Todd Archer, QB Dak Prescott acknowledged this week’s matchup against the Atlanta Falcons is a “must-win” for the team.

It’s a tough situation for the Cowboys, as they essentially have to beat the Falcons to confidently feel like they can still remain competitive this season and they’ll have to do it without many of their key players.

The Falcons currently sit atop the NFC South with a 5-3 record, and have looked very good this season. The Cowboys defense will have its hands full against their high-powered offense.

If Dallas hopes to get back to .500 with a win against Atlanta on Sunday, they will need a big performance from Dak Prescott, who has thrown two interceptions in each of his last three games.