While the Dallas Cowboys 2026 season feels like it’s already over after the disastrous loss to the Arizona Cardinals, there are still nine more games on schedule. That means nine more opportunities for Brian Schottenheimer’s team to embarrass themselves and continue to be the laughingstock of the league.
The first game on the remaining slate is against the Indianapolis Colts, who are one of the worst teams in the league. The Colts have already begun selling off their roster and more moves could come. This should be a win for the Cowboys, but while nothing has proven easy for them this season, here are three reasons to love the matchup with the Colts.
Daniel Jones is still at quarterback
Daniel Jones has been the starter this season, but was replaced by Anthony Richardson in the Week
8 blowout loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Head coach Shane Steichen has said that Jones is expected to remain QB1, but there's no indication on how long the leash will be if he struggles.
That’s good news for a Dallas defense that got demolished in the second half against the Cardinals. Jones has thrown just five touchdowns and been intercepted nine times on the year, while averaging under 193 yards passing per game.
The veteran QB is also working his way back from a torn Achilles tendon injury that cost him the final four games last season, so he hasn’t been as mobile as he’s been in the past. Jones has run for just 75 yards and one score on the year.
This season has been a big step back for Jones and that should help a Cowboys defense that might be missing a few key contributors.
The good news: Caleb Downs, PJ Locke and Dee Winters were all full today and have no injury designation for Sunday. Not as good news: Joey Porter, George Pickens and DeMarvion Overshown were limited today and questionable for Sunday.
— Derek Eagleton (@derekeagleton) November 6, 2026
Dallas continues to catch a break against starting quarterback this season, but they haven’t cashed in. The Colts are another good matchup for the Cowboys’ defense.
Poor run defense
The Colts’ defense has issues stopping the run, and that was before they traded away one of their best defensive linemen in DeForest Buckner. It’s a unit that ranks 27th in the league against the run, has allowed eight rushing touchdowns, and gives up almost five yards a carry, which is 30th in the NFL.
Last week, the Colts gave up 104 yards to Bhayshul Tuten, which was the fourth time this season they’ve allowed a running back to rush for over 100 yards.
The Cowboys’ offense has had issues running the ball this season, but this could be a chance to get back on the right track. Javonte Williams had a career high 155 yards against the Philadelphia Eaglestwo weeks ago, but the rushing attack stalled against the Cards. Schottenheimer continues to harp on wanting to run the ball and the matchup against the Colts should provide a chance to win with the ground game.
Lack of passing weapons
Indianapolis’ passing game is one of only seven teams in the league that doesn’t have a wide receiver or tight end with over 350 yards receiving on the season. The QB situation hasn’t helped, but the weapons on the outside are struggling to win in the passing game.
It’s not for a lack of talent, the Colts have a total of five WRs or TEs who were drafted in the first three rounds of the draft, but injuries and ineffectiveness have limited their impact. That could change against a subpar passing defense like the Cowboys, but the Colts have trouble winning through the air.
This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Colts lack of offense is one of reasons to love the Cowboys in Week 9
