‘Got me concerned’ – Stephen A. Smith shares his Dallas Cowboys prediction for 2026
· Yahoo Sports
The Dallas Cowboys kick off their 2026 season on Sunday against the New York Giants and Stephen A. Smith has already shared his prediction.
Visit playerbros.org for more information.
Smith is notorious for rooting against the Cowboys, but he has admitted there is something different about this year’s team.
Jerry Jones always has high expectations for his Cowboys and this season is no different as Brian Schottenheimer prepares for his second year in charge.
The 2025 season was seriously underwhelming in Dallas, but it has been a strong offseason for the Cowboys both on and off the field.
Although Smith is predicting the Cowboys to make it to the playoffs, the NFL analyst is still predicting his usual fall off for Jones’ team.
Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty ImagesStephen A. Smith drops his prediction for the 2026 Dallas Cowboys
Schottenheimer only has a 7-9-1 record to improve on from last year, with the Cowboys have made some promising offseason additions to their defence.
These acquisitions are enough for Smith to believe the Cowboys could even win the NFC East, but he is still expecting them to struggle in the postseason.
“You already got me concerned, because the way you’re sticking your chest out about them Dallas Cowboys right now, I got to tell you, it ain’t wise. It ain’t wise at all. You’re sticking your chest out too much, Big Shay [Marus Spears],” said Smith on First Take.
“Now, let me tell you something right now: those Cowboys are going to the playoffs. I’m going to tell y’all that right now, Shay. I’m going to tell you right now, they’re going to the playoffs. Okay, they might even win the NFC East. Okay, they might even pull that off, I’m not going to rule that out. Matter of fact, I’m here to predict to you, they’re going to win the NFC East. They’re going to be right up in there.
“But last time I checked, those Detroit Lions got an offense that you’ve got to behold. Last time I checked, the Seattle Seahawks are reigning division champions with an elite defense. Last time I checked, the Los Angeles Rams will be better (don’t get caught up in what happened, don’t worry about that). And oh, the San Francisco 49ers…”
The Cowboys signed one of the most exciting defensive rookies from the draft in Caleb Downs, who has been mightily impressive this offseason.
Dak Prescott is excited about his offence once again following an impressive 2025 season on that side of the ball.
However, the proof will be in the pudding when it comes to the Cowboys.
For many years, the Cowboys have promised to be one of the real forces in the NFC, yet have massively underwhelmed when it mattered most.
Expectations may be high for this Cowboys roster, but they will face some seriously good teams in the postseason from across the NFC if they do make it to the playoffs.
Read more: