The Dallas Cowboys put on a show in their Sunday night thriller, battling the Green Bay Packers to a heart-pounding 40-40 tie. Despite playing their best game of the 2025 season, the Cowboys couldn’t secure the win, leaving them with a 1-2-1 record. Now, as they head into Week 5, Dallas faces a golden opportunity to notch their second victory against the struggling New York Jets (0-4). But don’t let the Jets’ record fool you—this road game could be a trap for a Cowboys team battered by injuries and facing a desperate opponent.
The Cowboys are limping into MetLife Stadium with a depleted roster. Star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, sidelined by an ankle injury, will miss his second straight game, leaving quarterback Dak Prescott without his top target. As if that weren’t enough, the offensive line—often the backbone of any successful team—is in shambles. Left tackle Tyler Guyton (concussion), guard Tyler Smith (knee), and guard Tyler Booker (ankle) all missed Wednesday’s practice, casting serious doubt on their availability for Sunday. Booker, who sat out the Packers game, is the only one with a chance to return, but the odds aren’t looking good for the trio of “tanks” who protect Prescott.
With these injuries piling up, Prescott, who’s already been sacked a staggering 11 times this season, could be in for a long day. Despite the pressure, he’s found reliable weapons in wide receiver George Pickens and tight end Jake Ferguson, who’ve stepped up in Lamb’s absence. The running game, led by the surprising Javonte Williams, has also shown flashes of brilliance. But without a healthy offensive line, Dallas’ ground attack could stall against a Jets defense hungry to turn their season around.
The New York Jets, winless at 0-4, have been a disappointment on defense despite their talent and the brilliant defensive mind of coordinator Aaron Glenn. Yet, hope isn’t lost for New York. Defensive tackle Quinnen Williams remains a game-wrecker, capable of dominating the line of scrimmage, while edge rusher Will McDonald IV has flashed explosive potential early in the season. If the Jets can exploit Dallas’ weakened offensive line, they could make life miserable for Prescott and force the Cowboys into mistakes.
Offensively, the Jets are likely to lean on their running game to control the clock and keep Dallas’ offense off the field. The Cowboys’ defense, already plagued by injuries, has struggled to stop the run consistently, giving New York a clear path to dictate the game’s tempo. If the Jets capitalize on this mismatch, they could keep this game closer than the oddsmakers expect.
For the Jets, this matchup is a chance to seize their first win of the season against a vulnerable Cowboys squad. With Dallas’ offensive line in tatters and Prescott missing his star receiver, New York’s defense has a prime opportunity to disrupt the passing game and stifle the run. On the flip side, the Cowboys need to make the most of their limited chances. If they can’t protect Prescott or establish the run, the injuries up front could be the nail in the coffin.
This Week 5 clash is shaping up to be a battle of attrition. Will the Jets finally break through, or can the Cowboys overcome their injuries to dominate a winless team? One thing’s for sure—Sunday’s showdown will be a test of resilience for both sides.