DALLAS (Oct. 5, 2025) – The Dallas Cowboys return to the field on Sunday after an exhausting 40-40 overtime tie with the Green Bay Packers, looking to regain momentum and deliver their first home victory of the season against the winless New York Jets. Despite several offensive starters missing practice this week, oddsmakers have installed Dallas as the favorite in what promises to be a pivotal matchup for both sides.

Cowboys Still Searching for Consistency

Dallas enters Week 5 with a record of 1-2-1, a reflection of both offensive firepower and defensive struggles. Quarterback Dak Prescott has been steady, completing 72 percent of his passes for 1,119 yards with six touchdowns and three interceptions through the first four games. His Week 4 performance against Green Bay was one of his sharpest of the season: 31-of-40 passing for 319 yards, three touchdowns, and a rushing score.

The Cowboys piled up 436 yards of total offense in that game, including 117 on the ground, showing balance and rhythm for long stretches. However, discipline remains a concern. Dallas committed 11 penalties for 95 yards against the Packers, repeatedly stalling drives and keeping Green Bay within striking distance. Cleaning up those mental mistakes will be a top priority against the Jets.

Jets Still Winless Under Fields

The New York Jets with an 0-4 record and plenty of frustration. Their transition to Justin Fields at quarterback has injected mobility and athleticism into the offense, but wins have yet to follow. Fields’ ability to extend plays with his legs poses a unique challenge for a Cowboys defense that has struggled with mobile quarterbacks in recent seasons.

The Jets’ offensive line has been inconsistent, forcing Fields into improvisation mode more often than head coach Robert Saleh would like. Still, Dallas must prepare for broken plays and extended drives sparked by Fields’ scrambling ability.

Dallas Defense Under Pressure

The Cowboys’ defense, once considered the strength of the roster, has been anything but steady in 2025. A lack of consistent pass rush and breakdowns in coverage have led to big plays, including three long touchdown drives surrendered to the Packers in last week’s tie.

Containing Fields will require discipline from Dallas’ front seven. Linebackers will be tasked with keeping him in the pocket, while the secondary must limit yards after the catch against a Jets receiving corps still trying to establish an identity without a true No. 1 target.

With key starters on offense banged up, the defense will face added responsibility to keep the game manageable. Coordinator Brian Schottenheimer emphasized tackling fundamentals during the week, hoping to prevent the type of missed assignments that fueled Green Bay’s late scoring flurries.

Keys to the Game

For Dallas, the formula is simple: let Prescott continue to dictate tempo while cutting down on penalties and negative plays. Running back James Cook, who contributed 117 rushing yards last week, will again play a central role in keeping the offense balanced and limiting pressure on Prescott.

For the Jets, success hinges on Fields’ ability to extend possessions. If New York can capitalize on Dallas’ defensive lapses and avoid turnovers, the visitors could finally break into the win column. However, the Jets’ lack of consistency in finishing drives has been a season-long Achilles’ heel.

What’s at Stake

The Cowboys are looking to establish momentum in the NFC East before their schedule tightens. A victory would push them back toward .500 and silence doubts about whether their offense can function with several starters on the injury report.

For the Jets, Sunday represents desperation mode. Another loss would drop them to 0-5, effectively ending playoff hopes before midseason. Saleh’s team will be measured by whether they can compete in a hostile environment and find a way to finish.

Prediction

Expect a physical contest defined by whether Dallas’ defense can keep Fields under control. Prescott’s efficiency and experience give the Cowboys the edge, especially at home, but the Jets’ quarterback has the potential to turn the game into a fourth-quarter battle.

Projected Score: Cowboys 27, Jets 20