Former NFL player makes bold prediction for Dallas Cowboys' playoff hopes

After Dak Prescott's Week 1 injury suffered against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, many expected the Dallas Cowboys to have a worse ending to 2022 than last year.

However, nearing the mid-season point, one NFL analyst and former player claimed the team could go further than it has in almost 30 years. Speaking on "Slow News Day," Marcus Spears explained why the Cowboys could be set for a great campaign:

"I think the Cowboys can make it to the NFC championship. I really believe that. And then once you get to that point... But I think the NFC championship should be a realistic possibility.

"Dak was rusty. ... Dak is going to continue to get better and this offense is going to get more explosive as the season goes along."

Dak Prescott seems fired up https://t.co/ByNUJaYqOc

He went on to claim that the team has a winning formula which will aid their aspirations:

"Dallas runs the football, they're physical at the line of scrimmage on the offensive line, the offensive line [has] got a lot better and they play elite level defense and they take the football away. That's a good formula. That was the formula that led them to 12-5 last year."

How have the Dallas Cowboys played in 2022?

At 5-2, the Dallas Cowboys are trailing the 6-1 New York Giants and the 6-0 Philadelphia Eagles. The Cooper Rush layover is in the rearview mirror and quarterback Dak Prescott has played his first full game since returning to the lineup.

In terms of the total offense, the team is ranked 29th overall, according to ESPN.

While the offense has been on unstable ground, the defense has been the star of the show. The unit is ranked sixth overall in terms of yards per game. In terms of points per game, the Cowboys are ranked second overall behind the Buffalo Bills.

With Prescott back in the lineup, fans will be hoping that the offense can catch back up to the defense.

Last time the Chicago Bears visited the Dallas Cowboys it was the first home win for the Cowboys in the Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott era.

📷: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports https://t.co/Qb0bkmWXTH

The team will hope for a breakout win against this week's opponent, the Chicago Bears.