Other than determining where the Dallas Cowboys will be ultimately slotted in the 2026 NFL Draft, this Week 18 matchup with the New York Giants is a meaningless game anyway you choose to try to break it down. And no matter how much Brian Schottenheimer and several of the Cowboys starters say they want to go out and win this game, it may be more beneficial as far as the future is concerned to sit several of their key starters. Below are the ones we believe should absolutely sit out the season finale, even though the Cowboys are hinting they will all play.
QB Dak Prescott
Although Dak Prescott has been adamant about his plans on playing Sunday in the season finale against New York Giants, there’s absolutely zero reason for him to suit up in Week 18. We all know this is a meaningless game and putting them at risk behind a patchworked offensive line that left him battered and bruised last week against the Commanders is ill-advised. There is absolutely no reason to risk him sustaining an injury that could hinder his 2026 season before it even gets underway. Sitting him is in his best interest and the organizations.
WR CeeDee Lamb
CeeDee Lamb is another starter who should close out the season on the sideline. Right now, he’s the only wide receiver under contract who can be counted on in the future. The George Pickens situations has yet to be resolved and we all know how quickly things can go south in contract negotiations with the Cowboys, like Micah Parsons last year. That means ensuring No. 88 heads into the offseason as healthy as possible all the more important. In a meaningless game there’s no reason to place them at risk of injury, especially if Dak Prescott sits as well.
DT Quinnen Williams
Quinnen Williams may not have started the season with the Cowboys, but he finishes it as their best defensive player and is expected to be someone they can build around for next year and beyond. Williams missed the Week 16 matchup for the Chargers due to a concussion and has also been dealing with a neck injury. With nothing to play for in the season finale, Dallas would be wise to set him this week. This would allow backup DTs like Perrion Winfrey and Jay Toia to get some much-needed playing time against starting-caliber competition.
