Something very strange is happening in Dallas: longtime Cowboys analyst J Tuck actually likes what the organization is doing.

Jordan “J Tuck” Tucker of CFO Sports joins Smalls for a full 2026 Dallas Cowboys preview, covering everything from a rebuilt defense and George Pickens to Dak Prescott props, fantasy football targets and Dallas’ chances of winning a wide-open NFC East.

The Cowboys finished 2025 with an offense capable of scoring with anyone and a defense capable of making almost anyone look like an All-Pro. J Tuck looks back at a unit that lost its identity amid the Micah Parsons drama and eventually became one of the biggest reasons Dallas missed the playoffs.

But this offseason feels different. Dallas added Rashan Gary to a front featuring Kenny Clark and Quinnen Williams, landed Caleb Downs and hired Christian Parker to rebuild the defense. J Tuck explains why Parker’s youth, energy and ability to connect with modern players could unlock a secondary that still has plenty of talent.

They also talk about George Pickens, who has fully participated despite playing on the franchise tag. J Tuck loves what he has seen — with one small concern: if Pickens plays too well, Dallas may have trouble paying him.

Then Smalls and J Tuck attack the betting board. Dallas’ 9.5-win total feels more difficult than its NFC East price, especially with Philadelphia facing significant changes. J Tuck ultimately projects roughly 10–11 wins and believes Dallas should compete for the division and make the playoffs if the roster stays healthy.

Fantasy football discussion includes Javonte Williams as a potentially undervalued lead back, Ryan Flournoy as a sleeper and Jake Ferguson as another discounted target.

Finally, J Tuck hears Dak Prescott’s 27.5 passing-touchdown total and immediately wants the over, eventually calling it a “free gift.”

Follow J Tuck at @jtuck151 and find his Cowboys, NFL and draft analysis on CFO Sports.

Send questions for Ask Smalls Anything at SpeakPipe.com/StephieSmalls.

(00:00) Cowboys 2026 Preview
(00:48) J Tuck Joins Smalls
(01:34) Why Dallas Feels Different
(02:45) The 2025 Disaster
(05:59) George Pickens
(08:05) Rebuilding the Defense
(10:03) The Christian Parker Effect
(13:07) Biggest Cowboys Concerns
(16:21) Cowboys Betting Odds
(18:59) The NFC East Race
(20:49) Dallas’ Brutal Schedule
(21:31) Fantasy Football Targets
(24:59) Dak Prescott Futures
(26:29) Smalls’ Cowboys Bets
(28:31) Final Prediction
(31:24) J Tuck & CFO Sports

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