Why the Cowboys Plan to Start Dak Prescott in a Meaningless Week 18 Game vs. the Giants
FRISCO, Texas — With the Dallas Cowboys officially eliminated from playoff contention, many fans expected the team to rest key starters in Week 18. Instead, all signs point to Dak Prescott starting the regular-season finale against the New York Giants, a decision that has sparked confusion, debate, and concern across Cowboys Nation.
At first glance, the logic seems questionable. Dallas enters Week 18 with nothing tangible to gain in the standings. The game won’t impact playoff seeding, and draft position could actually improve with a loss. So why risk your franchise quarterback in a game that appears meaningless on paper?
According to team insiders and league analysts, the decision is far more calculated than it appears.
Momentum Matters — Even Without Playoffs
One of the primary reasons the Cowboys are leaning toward starting Prescott is momentum. After a disappointing season that fell short of expectations, the organization does not want to end the year with a whimper.
Head coach Mike McCarthy has repeatedly emphasized the importance of “finishing the right way.” For a locker room that has endured injuries, inconsistency, and intense scrutiny, ending the season with a competitive performance carries symbolic weight.
“We’re not in the business of quitting,” McCarthy said earlier this week. “Every game matters to how we build going forward.”
A strong Week 18 performance from Prescott could help stabilize morale and prevent the offseason narrative from spiraling further out of control.
Dak Prescott’s Leadership Role
Prescott himself has reportedly been vocal about wanting to play.
As the undisputed leader of the Cowboys, Dak understands that sitting out could send the wrong message to teammates—especially younger players fighting for roster spots. Starting the finale reinforces accountability and professionalism, two traits Prescott has consistently embodied throughout his career.
For a team that prides itself on culture, allowing the quarterback to lead one final time matters internally, even if it doesn’t move the standings.
Ending the Season on Dak’s Terms
Another critical factor: Dak Prescott needs this game, too.
The 2025 season has been turbulent for Prescott, marked by uneven performances and constant debate about his future with the franchise. A strong showing against the Giants gives him an opportunity to close the year on a positive note and quiet critics—at least temporarily.
Statistics matter. Confidence matters. And for a quarterback who has faced relentless scrutiny, one final solid performance can shape how the offseason conversation begins.
Prescott finishing the season healthy and productive also reinforces the team’s belief that he remains the right long-term answer under center.
Avoiding a Dangerous Precedent
From an organizational standpoint, resting starters simply because a game is “meaningless” sets a precedent the Cowboys want to avoid.
NFL teams worry deeply about culture erosion. If players begin to view late-season games as optional, that mindset can carry over into future seasons. Dallas wants to reinforce the idea that wearing the star means competing every week—regardless of circumstances.
Starting Prescott sends a message: the standard doesn’t change just because the season didn’t go as planned.
Evaluating the Supporting Cast
Week 18 also provides valuable film for the coaching staff.
With Prescott on the field, the Cowboys can better evaluate younger receivers, offensive linemen, and running backs in real-game situations. Backup quarterbacks don’t provide the same level of consistency or decision-making, which can distort evaluations.
Having Dak run the offense allows coaches to see who can truly execute within the system—information that will be crucial when roster decisions are made in the spring.
The Injury Risk Debate
Of course, the biggest concern is obvious: injury risk.
Cowboys fans vividly remember past seasons where meaningless games led to devastating injuries. Critics argue that risking Prescott’s health for pride or momentum is reckless, especially given his injury history.
The Cowboys are aware of that risk. Sources suggest the team may use a modified game plan, emphasizing quicker throws, limited designed runs, and an early exit if the game gets out of hand.
In other words, Prescott may start—but that doesn’t mean he’ll play the entire game.
Draft Position Isn’t the Priority
Some fans have questioned why Dallas wouldn’t prioritize draft position. The reality is simple: the Cowboys are not a rebuilding team.
They view themselves as a contender that fell short—not a franchise looking to tank. One or two draft slots are not worth compromising leadership, culture, or player evaluation.
Dallas believes winning habits matter more than marginal draft movement.
A Message to the Locker Room and the League
Starting Dak Prescott in Week 18 is about more than one game. It’s a message—to players, fans, and the rest of the NFL—that the Cowboys refuse to coast, even in disappointment.
For Prescott, it’s another opportunity to lead. For Dallas, it’s a chance to control the narrative heading into a critical offseason filled with questions about coaching, roster construction, and long-term direction.
The game may be meaningless in the standings—but inside the building, it clearly isn’t.
And when Dak Prescott takes the field against the Giants, it won’t be about Week 18. It will be about what comes next.
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