The NFL has released the Dallas Cowboys' 2026 schedule, revealing a challenging start with tough matchups. However, there is a favorable stretch in the middle that could provide the team with an opportunity to regroup.
Key points
NFL released the full 2026 schedule for the Dallas Cowboys.
The Cowboys have a tough start to the season.
There are two challenging stretches in the schedule.
A favorable middle stretch could help the Cowboys reset.
Dallas CowboysNFL
5 Top storylines from Cowboys' 2026 schedule includes a gooey middle
The NFL released the full 2026 schedule on Thursday, and the Dallas Cowboys finally got to see what their slate of games would look like. The opponents have been known for months, but the time and date of the matchups werenât set until now.
The Cowboys appeared to have a tough road to ttravel even before the order was known, and that hasnât changed. There are two stretches of the schedule that will be particularly challenging,, but there is also a soft spot that could help the Cowboys reset. Here is what's in store for the Cowboys on the 2026 schedule.
Rough first two months
The first seven weeks might tell fans everything about these Cowboys., Theyâll face a stretch of games that will test their endurance before the team even gets to November.
Once again, the Cowboys' season starts against the New York Giants, then they'll return to play their first home game against the Washington Commanders. Neither opponent was great last year, but divisional games are rarely easy and both teams look like they're much improved from last season. After those NFC East battles, stiffer tests await.
Starting in Week 3 with a matchup in Brazil against the Baltimore Ravens, Dallas will play three games in 12 days. After their international contest, the team will fly home before going on the road to play one of the more physical teams in the league in the instate rival . Four days later, the Cowboys host the on Thursday Night Football.
Q&A
What are the key challenges in the Cowboys' 2026 schedule?
The Cowboys face a tough first two months with challenging matchups that could impact their performance.
What is the significance of the 'gooey middle' in the Cowboys' schedule?
The 'gooey middle' refers to a softer stretch in the schedule that may allow the Cowboys to reset and improve their standing.
When was the full NFL schedule for 2026 released?
The full NFL schedule for 2026 was released on Thursday, May 14, 2026.
Who are the Dallas Cowboys' opponents in the 2026 season?
While the opponents were known for months, the specific dates and times of the matchups were only confirmed with the schedule release.
Related Articles
Sports·Recap
A'ja Wilson's 45-point night propels Aces over Suns
A'ja Wilson's 45-point game leads Aces to victory over Suns
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
Sports·Recap
Jacksonville Waves fall in debut game of UpShot League
Jacksonville Waves fall short in their first UpShot League game against Charlotte Crowns, 103-95.
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
NBA·Recap
Jalen Duren bounces back after struggling in Game 5 to keep Pistons' season alive
Jalen Duren bounces back with 15 points to keep Pistons alive, forcing Game 7!
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
MLB·Recap
Pozo's hit in 11th lifts Cardinals over Royals, setting off celebration among shirtless fans
Yohel Pozo's clutch hit secures 5-4 win for Cardinals over Royals!
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
Sports
These women are training to represent the US in an Olympic sport they'd never heard of
Meet the women training to represent the U.S. in handball, an Olympic sport they just discovered!
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
Sports
Royals drop fifth straight in 11 innings, 5-4
Royals drop fifth straight game, losing 5-4 to White Sox in 11 innings.
Thatâs a lot for a three-week stretch, but itâs only part of the first seven game gauntlet that will test the Cowboys. From Week 4 to Week 7, the team will play three playoff teams from last season; theyâll be at the Texans in Week 4, head to Lambeau Field in Week 6, and host the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 7 on Monday Night Football.
A team may not be able to secure a playoff spot in September and October, but the Cowboys could lose one if they donât play well early on.
Primetime favorites
No matter who tries to pry the title away, the Cowboys are still Americaâs Team and the schedule proves it. Much to Jerry Jonesâ delight, his squad will play six primetime contests: one on Thursday night, three Sunday nights, and two Monday Night Football games, as well as a seventh standalone game on Thanksgiving.
That number is tied for tops in the NFL with the Los Angeles Rams.
Among the oddities of the schedule, the Cowboys will play three straight primetime games in Weeks 5-7, against the Buccaneers, Eagles and Green Bay Packers. Then they wonât have another primetime matchup until Week 13 when they travel to play the Super Bowl Champion Seattle Seahawks on MNF, before ending their standalone slate by hosting the Jacksonville Jaguars on SNF in Week 16.
8 games against playoff teams
Each season is different, but the Cowboys will have eight games against teams who made the playoffs last year. Five of those contests will come on the road, including two away games against the NFC championship participants from last year, and the team will play four straight games against playoff teams from 2025.
That gauntlet begins with the Eagles on Thanksgiving in Week 12 and ends with the Jaguars in Week 16. Luckily for Dallas, they do have their bye week sandwiched in between those four matchups.
If one includes the Buccaneers and Ravens, who were both in contention for a playoff spot in Week 18 of last year, itâs 10 playoff-caliber teams on the schedule.
Soft middle, late bye
After the road matchup with the Eagles in Week 7, the Cowboys have possibly their easiest string of games. Starting on November 1, from Week 8 through Week 11, Dallas plays three teams that had losing records and also arenât expected to be contenders this year. This includes two games against teams who had just three wins in 2025, the Arizona Cardinals and Tennessee Titans.
The only difficult game in that stretch is the Week 10 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers.
If Dallas can survive a difficult start to the season, the schedule eases up and gives them a chance to get healthy in the middle of the campaign before a tough ending.
Another benefit to the schedule for the Cowboys is their late bye week. The Week 14 off week is the latest for the team since 1990 and is the last bye week given by the NFL. Getting extra rest late in the season could help a late season surge.
Start, and end, season on the road, again
For the third time in four seasons, the Cowboys will start and finish their schedule on the road. Ironically, in 2023, Dallas began their season on Sunday Night Football against the Giants and ended it on the road against the Commanders, just like they do this year. Itâs also the last time the Cowboys went to the postseason, so perhaps itâs good omen for the 2026 season.
Week 1: at New York Giants - Sunday, Sept. 13 (8:20 p.m. ET)
Week 2: vs Washington Commanders - Sunday, Sept. 20 (4:25 p.m. ET)
Week 3: vs Baltimore Ravens - Sunday Sept. 27 (4:25 p.m. ET) at Maracana Stadium, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
Week 4: at Houston Texans - Sunday, October 3 (1 p.m. ET)
Week 5: vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Thursday, October 8 (8:15 p.m. ET)
Week 6: at Green Bay Packers - Sunday October 18 (8:20 p.m. ET)
Week 7: at Philadelphia Eagles, October 26, MNF, (8:15 p.m.) ET
Week 8: vs Arizona Cardinals, November 1 (1 p.m. ET)
Week 9: at Indianapolis Colts, November 8 (1 p.m. ET)
Week 10: vs San Francisco 49ers, November 15 (4:25 p.m. ET)
Week 11: vs Tennessee Titans, November 22 (1 p.m. ET)
Week 12: vs. Philadelphia Eagles, November 26 (4:30 p.m. ET)
Inside the 7 most intriguing weeks on the Cowboys' 2026 schedule
Week 15: at Los Angeles Rams, December 20 (4:25 p.m. ET)
15 / 16
Cowboys 2026 Schedule
Week 16: vs Jacksonville Jaguars, December 27, SNF (8:20 p.m. ET)
16 / 16
Cowboys 2026 Schedule
Week 17: vs New York Giants, January 3, 2027 (1 p.m. ET)
You can chat with or follow Ben on twitter @BenTalksCowboys and be sure to follow Cowboys Wire on Facebook to join in on the conversation with fellow fans!
