Despite a weak 7-9-1 record, America’s Team saw some hefty statistical performances in the 2025 campaign. Multiple Cowboys stars emerged with lofty numbers, and as we head into a new season, their ability to replicate that production is critically important.
Specifically on the offensive side of the ball, Dallas’s top weapons played at an elite level; the overall results were just dimmed because of a historically bad defense.
In 2026, however, that D is new and improved, both in coaching and in personnel.
If these studs on offense can match or exceed their 2025 numbers, Cowboys fans will be in for a very fun year. If the opposite happens, and we see some regression, the team may be bound for another mediocre finish.
Here, we’ll play a little higher or lower to project which side of that coin three Cowboys stars will end up on this season.
1. George Pickens: Will Breakout Wide Receiver Continue Trajectory?
2025 Stats: 93 Receptions, 1,429 Yards, 15.4 YPC, 9 Touchdowns.
One of the largest looming questions in general for the 2026 Cowboys is whether George Pickens can continue to play at an All-Pro level.
Dallas didn’t move a first or second-round pick for the former Steelers wide receiver, but there were still questions at the time of the trade over whether the Cowboys were making a mistake in acquiring him.
Those questions were eliminated almost immediately, and it now looks like the steal of the century.
Here’s the issue, however, for the ultra-talented Pickens in 2026: Dallas likely won’t need to throw the ball so much, CeeDee Lamb is poised for a bounce-back, and other targets may start to emerge that lessen Pickens’ workload.
93 catches for 1,429 yards is an insane number, and it will be very hard to improve on that.
Verdict: Statistical Regression is Likely for George Pickens This Season.
2. Javonte Williams: Will Bounce-Back RB Continue New Success?
2025 Stats: 252 Carries, 1,201 Yards, 4.8 YPC, 11 Touchdowns
One of the keys to the Cowboys’ offensive success last season was the unlikely emergence of Javonte Williams as a star running back in the NFL.
The former Denver Bronco had struggled to replicate early-career success after an ACL tear, which led to Dallas landing him in free agency on a deal worth virtually nothing. Lucky for them, he found his spark and rushed for 1,201 yards on that cheap contract.
Williams was rewarded with a contract extension this offseason, only adding to the already high expectations he has as Dallas’s RB1.
(📸 via @dallascowboys)
In contrast to Pickens, though, I see even more opportunities for Williams statistically this time around.
Dallas should be running the ball more this year, and they didn’t add to the running back room at all. Barring a major improvement from Jaydon Blue, Williams will see even more touches and will face limited competition in the process.
Verdict: Javonte Williams Workload Should Increase in 2026
3. Dak Prescott: Can Star QB Push Back Against Career Trends?
2025 Stats: 67.3 Completion Percentage, 4,552 Passing Yards, 32 Touchdowns, 10 Interceptions
Dak Prescott has been the Cowboys quarterback for a decade now, and his entire career has essentially been marked by a great year, followed by a down year, trend.
Most fans know this already, but if you don’t believe me, just look at the stats: up in 2016, down in 2017; up in 2018 and 2019, injured in 2020; career highs in 2021, career worst year in 2022; nearly the league’s MVP in 2023, 11 touchdowns to 8 interceptions in 2024.
You shouldn’t need me to remind you of how great he was in 2025, and what the trends say that means for his 2026 campaign.
Here’s the good news, though: he’s improved with age, and this may just be the best supporting cast he’s had in his career, especially if Ryan Flournoy and Williams continue to improve. I’m calling my shot on this one, but I think Prescott bucks the trend in 2026.
Verdict: No Regression from Prescott, Though Drastic Improvement May be Unlikely
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