Cowboys' record after Week 10 bye weeks comes with alarming footnote

The Dallas Cowboys had a much-needed week off in Week 10 of the NFL season, as the team looks to regroup after a rocky start and an eventful trade deadline that revamped the team's roster.

Dallas returns to action in Week 11 in primetime with their second Monday Night Football showdown in three weeks when the team heads to Sin City for a meeting with the Las Vegas Raiders.

It will be interesting to see how new defensive stars Quinnen Williams and Logan Wilson integrate into the lineup, but what does history say about Dallas' chances of coming away with a win? Like the Cowboys' season, it's been hit or miss.

MORE: Cowboys add ‘electric’ edge, ‘consistent’ corner in recent 2026 mock draft

InsideTheStar.com noted that all four times the Cowboys have observed a Week 10 bye week, they return to action on the road. In the three previous instances, the Cowboys are a modest 2-1.

Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer looks on in the first half against the Arizona Cardinals at AT&T Stadium. | Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

"Dallas lost to the Colts in 2002 and then defeated the Redskins in 2008," the article states. "They beat the Vikings in 2020."

While the record is nothing to be concerned about, there is an interesting footnote that Cowboys fans won't want to hear. While it seems like a foregone conclusion at this point, it's still tough to accept.

MORE: Former Cowboys defensive star painfully reminds Dallas fans what team let walk

In every season that the Cowboys have observed a bye week in Week 10, they have failed to reach the postseason.

This season, the Cowboys enter Week 11 at 3-5-1, and have only a 7 percent chance at reaching the postseason, so it looks like history could very well repeat itself. We will find out in one week.

Cowboys vs Raiders, Week 11 TV & viewing info

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott warms up before the game against the Arizona Cardinals at AT&T Stadium. | Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Date: Monday, November 17, 2025
Start Time: 8:15 p.m. ET
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
Venue: Allegiant Stadium
TV Channel: ABC, ESPN

Betting Odds: Cowboys -3.5 | O/U: 49.5 (odds via FanDuel Sportsbook)

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.

Your best bet for watching Monday Night Football is through ESPN+, which offers a monthly subscription at $11.99 per month or an annual fee of $119.99. You can also subscribe to the ESPN+, Disney+, and Hulu bundle for $16.99 per month. ESPN+ subscribers can stream on up to five devices at the same time for most content, and two devices for UFC PPV events. ESPN+ is available on the ESPN app on Apple, Android, Amazon Fire, Roku, and Samsung Smart TV devices.

— Sign up for the Cowboys Daily Digest newsletter for more free coverage from Dallas Cowboys on SI —

3 Dallas Cowboys players with the most to prove after bye week reset

3 Cowboys who deserve more snaps in the second half of the season

Cowboys midseason report card justifies NFL trade deadline activity

Updated NFC playoff picture shows just how much ground Cowboys must cover

Updated 2026 NFL draft order entering Cowboys' Week 10 bye week

Meet Kleine Powell: Star of Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader Netflix docuseries