If it hadn’t been clear yet, fans at the MetLife Stadium spelled it out for the league on Sunday — “M-V-P! M-V-P! M-V-P!” the chants echoed as Dak Prescott made his way to the locker room after the game. Ten years in, and somehow, he’d never looked more in control. Not even his 2023 version could hold a one-up.

On a team with arguably the NFL’s weakest defense, Prescott’s brilliance has kept the Cowboys afloat in the NFC East’s top 3. Ranking second in passing yards with 1,356 and tying for third with 10 touchdowns — all while tossing just three interceptions — the QB has led Dallas to two wins and a tie with the Packers. Yet that’s also what hurts his MVP talk.

“The award usually goes to a player on one of the league’s top teams,” Cowboys insider Jon Machota pointed out. “At the very least, the Cowboys would have to make the playoffs for Prescott to have any chance at the award. As currently constructed, Dallas looks more like a middle-of-the-pack group than one that will be playing meaningful games in January.”

Prescott is having yet another MVP campaign after a 2023 that saw him finish as a runner-up despite having better stats than fellow QB Lamar Jackson. He’s sitting third in QBR at 76.5 and completing a smooth 71.3 percent of his throws. But more importantly, he’s doing it with a crippled roster.

In their last game against the Jets, the Cowboys entered the field with four offensive linemen missing in action. Then there were wide receivers CeeDee Lamb and KaVontae Turpin sidelined due to ankle and foot injuries, respectively. Yet, Prescott completed 18-of-29 passes for 237 yards with four touchdowns and no interceptions. That marked his 12th game with at least four touchdown passes. What solidified the QB’s case for fans is that he is around, being a leader, helping his teammates look good.

After his linemen were sidelined, he walked up to the young replacements to motivate and encourage them. “There’s nothing that he can’t handle,” HC Brian Schottenheimer says. But his MVP case is going to need some work from the entire team.

The Cowboys’ 2-2-1 record screams inconsistent moving into Week 5. They possess a top 10 run game with a solid 30.2-point average (ranks fourth) but rank last in defense statistically. To add to it, in the injury report shared by Mochota on Wednesday, 18 of the Cowboys were added to the list. That’s not a good sign for a team set to face one of the quirkiest schedules in the league.

Starting in Week 12, Dallas will face Eagles, Chiefs, Lions and Vikings in consecutive games– they have all won 14 or more games in the last season. But it doesn’t end there. Chargers and Commanders — 11-win teams in 2024 — follow right behind.

Now, the Cowboys aim to make the playoffs this season, better yet, the Super Bowl. In fact, that is all Prescott has spoken about, even when his MVP case was brought up. But in order to at least make it to the postseason, Dallas needs a minimum of 10 wins. The six-week stretch ahead isn’t offering much hope, but they have a rather advantageous run next: Carolina Panthers, followed by Washington.

Dallas has defeated the Panthers two consecutive times in the past two meetings, and are predicted to come out as victors if they just take care of the ball while Prescott continues to be himself. If they lose this one, the Cowboys might as well forget overcoming the six-week stretch and the QB, his MVP title.

Hardly any player has won the honor after their team recorded nine or less wins. In 1997 Detroit Lions went 9-7 and had league co-MVP Barry Sanders, while O.J.Simpson’s Bills finished 9–5 in 1973 when he won the title. Not a lot more crowd up the list. So maybe it’s time the Cowboys really step up for their QB who faces the competition in Baker Mayfield, Josh Allen, Puka Nacua, and Sam Darnold. If not, Prescott has hinted he has a few more good years left in him.

Dak Prescott wants to play into his 40s

Dak Prescott, 32 and in his 10th season with America’s Team, has a plan regarding his retirement. “Forties would be a good number,” Prescott said, via Todd Archer of ESPN. “Obviously, I’ve been through some injuries; played very physical in college, so if I can get to 40 playing at the standard that I want, yeah, that would be awesome.” However, the road won’t be easy.

For context, Cowboys legends like Troy Aikman and Tony Romo both called it a career at 34 and 37, respectively, after their own injury battles. Even Roger Staubach only made it to 37. Prescott, signed through 2028 when he’ll be 35, has missed 26 games in five seasons. Yet, quarterbacks today are lasting longer. Just look at Aaron Rodgers at 42 or Joe Flacco still spinning it at 40.

Prescott knows that longevity takes passion. ” [My perspective] has definitely changed,” he admitted. “I can see it more realistically now. Just as much as anything, the fun and the peace this game still gives me 10 years in is going to be hard [to replace]. You can’t supplement it. As long as I can do this at a level that I’m proud and happy with, I’ll keep trying.” However, he did impress everyone.

And he’s got records to chase before he hangs it up. He’s only 150 passing yards away from surpassing Aikman (32,942) for second all-time in Cowboys history. One more win breaks his tie with Romo, giving him 79 career victories — trailing only Aikman (94) and Staubach (85). He’s already the all-time leader in completions (2,919) and ranks second in both attempts (4,354) and touchdown passes (223). So, let’s see how many records Dak can crush before he finally hangs his cleats.