Podcast Summary: Locked On Cowboys – LAST CHANCE: Cowboys and Giants Vie for Higher Draft Picks While Dak Prescott Seeks Division Sweep!

Hosts: Marcus Mosher (Locked On Cowboys), Patricia Traina (Locked On Giants)
Date: January 1, 2026
Network: Locked On Podcast Network
Episode Focus: Both the Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants wrap up difficult seasons with their Week 18 matchup. With playoff hopes long gone, this game’s stakes center on draft position, pride, coaching futures, and franchise direction.

Main Theme

Both the Cowboys and Giants enter the final week of the 2025 NFL season with little to play for beyond pride and, crucially, significant draft implications. The episode breaks down what’s at stake, explores each team’s likely approach to lineups and play-calling, and considers the knock-on effects for coaching staffs, front offices, and the 2026 NFL Draft.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. What’s at Stake? – Draft Picks, Pride, and Franchise Futures

• Draft Implications:

  • Cowboys could pick as high as #11 or #12 with a loss, as low as #18 with a win (02:36).
    • “With a win…the Cowboys could theoretically draft at 18…But with a loss, they could go up as high as 11 or pick 12. In terms of value…it’s a much different quality of player at pick 11 or 12 than at 18.” – Marcus Mosher (02:51)
  • Giants' best shot at the #1 overall pick lost after a win last week. Now in a race with the Raiders; likely to wind up with #2 (04:00).
    • “Now, the scenario…is a two horse race between the Giants and the Raiders for the number one pick…But I think it’s probably a long shot, to be honest with you.” – Patricia Traina (04:13)
  • Both fanbases have a segment rooting for losses to improve draft position, while players/coaches involved insist on playing to win (03:55, 19:21).

• Organization Directions:

  • Cowboys looking for a fresh start, especially on defense, with likely changes coming for defensive coordinator (08:30).
  • Giants expected to overhaul their coaching staff post-game, waiting on potential postseason coach candidates (07:26).

2. Quarterbacks, Key Players, and Likely Lineups

• Cowboys

  • Dak Prescott expected to start, aiming to maintain his dominant record over Giants (02:36, 05:35).

  • Anticipation of rotation with Joe Milton (newer QB acquired via trade) getting playing time (11:40, 13:02).

  • Key offensive pieces (Jake Ferguson, Javonte Williams) are likely out due to injury. Expect to see young talent, including RB Jaden Blue and possible rotation/rest for offensive linemen (12:56).

  • “This is going to be a makeshift offense for the Cowboys. I wouldn’t even be surprised if they pull a couple of offensive line starters.” – Marcus (12:38)

• Giants

  • Jackson Dart, rookie QB, continues development. Team will play all healthy starters, but fanbase wary of a meaningless win (05:53).
  • WR Wan’Dale Robinson (over 1,000 yards) is the main threat; injuries and lack of depth in other skill positions (20:04).
  • Defense: Pass rush improved after coaching change, but secondary battling injuries (Cordale Flott, Deonte Banks, Javon Holland) (14:07, 13:08).
    • “The Giants pass rush of late has been pretty active…that’s going to be something I’m going to be looking for from this game.” – Patricia (13:08)

3. Matchups and Expected Game Flow

• On-Field Expectations:

  • Both teams likely to feature “funky,” experimental lineups, giving snaps to backups/youth and resting injured starters (11:40-13:08).
  • Predict a conservative, run-heavy approach from Cowboys; both coaches expected to avoid risks, especially on defense (14:40).
    • “Maybe this game gets over fast because both teams are trying to run the ball and get the season over with.” – Marcus (14:40)
  • Giants offensive line weakened by injuries; Cowboys’ depleted pass rush may struggle to capitalize (17:59).
    • “I wouldn’t be surprised if this is one of the games where Jackson Dart has the most time in the pocket…I would be shocked if the Cowboys got any [edge pressure] this week.” – Marcus (17:59)

• Motivation & Culture:

  • Despite draft implications, players are playing for pride, incentives, or contract opportunities. Coaches may temper lineups for strategic losses, but on-field personnel have every reason to perform (19:21, 20:04).

4. Coaching Carousel and Franchise “Reset”

• Giants:

  • Transition to a new coaching staff looming; several candidates currently in the NFL playoffs, so timeline for announcements uncertain (07:26).

• Cowboys:

  • Defensive coordinator all but certain to be dismissed after game; speculation about possible replacements, including current candidates like Brian Flores (08:30).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Nobody’s going to remember or care four weeks from now if the Cowboys beat the Giants. Like, you’re not going to build a culture and a winning program by winning a meaningless Week 18 game against the New York Giants.” – Marcus Mosher (06:54)

• “For the Giants, you know, once that…the clock reads 00… the watch is going to be on as to who the next head coach is going to be.” – Patricia Traina (07:26)

• “I think all that’s going to lead to some really bad football on Sunday afternoon.” – Marcus Mosher (07:24)

• “We’re rooting for our teams to lose for our selfish reasons…The players don’t think that. These players…don’t want to put bad tape on film.” – Marcus Mosher (19:21)

• “Wouldn’t it be a kick in the head if this ended in a tie?” – Patricia Traina (21:39)

Important Timestamps and Segments

• Draft Stakes & Storylines: 02:36–07:26
• Coaching Changes Loom: 07:26–09:01
• Cowboys Preview (Offense/Lineups): 11:40–12:56
• Giants Defensive Matchup: 13:08–14:07
• Likely Play Style/Quality: 14:40–16:35
• Key Questions/Injury Watch: 16:35–18:42
• Player Motivation vs. Front Office Motivation: 19:21–21:01
• Keys to Victory Segment: 24:50–27:43
• Risk vs. Reward of Playing Starters on Bad Turf: 28:42–29:11

Keys to Victory

Cowboys:

• Prioritize player health to avoid offseason-ruining injuries (24:50).
• Aim for clean football—limit turnovers, penalties, negative plays.
• Hope for a defensive bright spot; any takeaway or big play would be a boost.

Giants:

• Play clean (cut down pre-snap penalties, drops, miscues) (26:09).
• Pass rush must pressure Cowboys’ QBs; capitalize on Cowboys’ makeshift offense.
• Be aggressive, play for pride and evaluation, not to “tank.”

Closing Thoughts

Both hosts reflect on the frustrating seasons but maintain hope for 2026.

Final Words:
“I just hope we have some renewed optimism about our franchises when we talk in September, October…the Cowboys and Giants usually play pretty early in the season. Wouldn’t be shocked if we’re playing in week one again.” – Marcus Mosher (30:13)

Summary Takeaway

This is the anti-hype finale: two storied franchises squaring off in a largely meaningless game with heavy draft implications, battered rosters, and the specter of major coaching changes. For fans, the true “stakes” are perhaps off the field—who picks higher, who lands a coveted coordinator or young head coach, and whether the teams begin the long climb back to relevance in 2026.