0 of 5

Tony Gutierrez/Associated Press

The Dallas Cowboys should have been a playoff contender last season. The team was coming off a 12-win campaign and playing in the wide-open NFC East. Unfortunately, injuries to key players such as quarterback Tony Romo and wide receiver Dez Bryant derailed Dallas' 2015 season.

Instead of battling for a division crown or a first-round playoff bye, the Cowboys found themselves vying for a top-five draft pick.

It's safe to say that Dallas' 2015 season didn't go as planned.

However, the good news is that the Cowboys are primed to jump right back into the playoff mix this season. It won't be easy, of course—winning in the NFL never is—but if the Cowboys can accomplish a few goals before and during the regular season, they can get on track for a division title and a postseason push.

Here are five keys to Dallas returning to the postseason in 2016.