Dak Prescott has built a solid career as the face of the Dallas Cowboys since 2016. From winning Offensive Rookie of the Year to multiple playoff appearances, he’s been one of the league’s most scrutinized quarterbacks. But one stat in particular continues to divide fans and analysts: how Dak performs against quality competition.
This article dives into every regular-season game Prescott has played against winning teams — defined by SportsAndFitnessDigest.com as teams that finished the season with a .500 record or better. The result? A data-driven look at how well he handles the NFL’s toughest opponents.
Table of Contents
Dak Prescott’s Record vs Winning Teams
Through the 2024 regular season, Dak Prescott holds a career record of 19–38 (.333) against teams that finished with a record of .500 or better.
This includes only regular-season games where:
- Prescott was the starting quarterback
- The opposing team finished the season .500 or better
Here’s how that breaks down by year:
| Season | Record | Notable Wins | Notable Losses |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 5–3 | Packers, Steelers, Ravens | Giants (2x), Eagles |
| 2017 | 2–5 | Chiefs, Redskins | Falcons, Seahawks, Rams |
| 2018 | 1–5 | Eagles | Panthers, Seahawks, Titans, Colts |
| 2019 | 1–6 | Eagles | Saints, Vikings, Patriots |
| 2020 | 0–2 | — | Rams, Browns |
| 2021 | 3–5 | Patriots, Eagles, Chargers | Chiefs, Broncos, Cardinals |
| 2022 | 3–4 | Eagles, Giants, Vikings | Packers, Jaguars |
| 2023 | 2–4 | Eagles, Seahawks | Bills, 49ers, Dolphins |
| 2024 | 2–4 | Lions, Bengals | Ravens, Eagles, Steelers, Texans |
Total: 19 Wins – 38 Losses (.333)
Visual Breakdown
Context Matters
Prescott’s record against stronger teams has long been a topic of debate, especially because the Cowboys regularly make headlines and carry playoff expectations. Unlike Mahomes or Burrow, Dak hasn’t consistently delivered wins against top competition, especially in prime-time or late-season showdowns.
That said, it’s not all bad. He has picked up signature wins over teams like the Steelers, Packers, and Patriots. And in several of those seasons, Dallas’ defense and offensive line struggled with injuries, which affected the team’s overall ceiling.
What the Numbers Say
Let’s be clear: a 19–38 record doesn’t mean Prescott can’t play at a high level. It just shows a trend where he and the Cowboys haven’t consistently overcome playoff-caliber opponents. He’s shown the ability to put up big numbers, especially at home, but many of those performances come against weaker teams.
The 2016 season remains a bright spot, and 2021 was solid as well. But in too many other years, the Cowboys came up short in games that could have defined the season.
Comparison with Other QBs
How does Prescott compare with other current starters?
- Patrick Mahomes: 41–20 (.672)
- Josh Allen: ~.550 (estimated)
- Joe Burrow: ~.600+ (estimated)
- Aaron Rodgers: Just under .500 in recent seasons
Prescott lags behind here, especially compared to his peers in the MVP and playoff conversation.
Compare the full QB leaderboard here: QB Records vs Winning Teams
External References
- Dak Prescott Career Stats – Pro Football Reference
- Dallas Cowboys Team Stats – ESPN
- QB Analysis – RBSDM.com
The Bigger Picture
Dak’s story isn’t finished yet. While his record vs winning teams leaves room for improvement, he’s still rewriting his legacy. He’s had seasons derailed by injuries, coaching changes, and inconsistency in the supporting cast.
Yet he’s also shown leadership, grit, and moments of brilliance. The challenge now is stringing those moments together when the lights are brightest.
For Prescott to elevate into the top-tier QB conversation, this stat will need to change. That means converting those close losses into wins and proving he can go toe-to-toe with elite competition consistently.
Final Thoughts
Dak Prescott’s 19–38 record against teams that finish the season .500 or better may not impress on paper, but it doesn’t tell the whole story. He’s had standout performances, clutch drives, and unforgettable moments. The consistency, however, remains elusive.
With every season, the expectations in Dallas remain sky-high. If Dak wants to silence the critics once and for all, it starts with flipping this stat around.
