The Dallas Cowboys will have multiple primetime games in 2026, including the first 'Sunday Night Football' matchup against the New York Giants. Last year, they had six primetime games, ranking second in the NFL.
Key points
Dallas Cowboys will have multiple primetime games in 2026
First primetime game is against the New York Giants
Cowboys had six primetime games last year, second in the NFL
Team ranked second in total offensive yards last season
Defense was the worst in the NFL at preventing scoring
Dallas CowboysNew York GiantsKansas City Chiefs
"America's Team" will be well-represented in primetime once again in 2026.
Last year, the Dallas Cowboys' six primetime games were second in the NFL – one behind the Kansas City Chiefs' seven such matchups. This year, the Cowboys are again among teams with the most primetime contests.
Even before the NFL announced the full18-week schedule for the 2026 season, Dallas knew it would get an evening game early in the season. On May 11, the league, in tandem with NBC, announced that the New York Giants would host the Cowboys in the first "Sunday Night Football" game of the season.
In addition to the benefits of extra eyes that come with being "America's Team," Dallas is expected to be an exciting squad during the 2026 season. The 2025 team was second in the NFL in total offensive yards and seventh in the league in points per game. Simultaneously, their defense last year was the worst in the NFL at preventing opponents from scoring.
After an offseason spent investing heavily in improving the defense, the Cowboys will get to test their mettle in primetime early and often. Here's a look at their 2026 primetime schedule:
Las Vegas Raiders – QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana
The first round of the 2026 NFL Draft brings franchise‑defining moments as teams make their selections from the top of the board.
Q&A
How many primetime games will the Dallas Cowboys have in 2026?
The Dallas Cowboys are expected to have multiple primetime games in 2026, continuing their strong presence in evening matchups.
When is the Cowboys' first primetime game in 2026?
The Cowboys' first primetime game in 2026 will be against the New York Giants on May 11, as part of the 'Sunday Night Football' schedule.
How did the Cowboys perform in primetime games last year?
Last year, the Cowboys had six primetime games, which ranked them second in the NFL, just behind the Kansas City Chiefs who had seven.
What were the Cowboys' offensive and defensive rankings last season?
The Cowboys ranked second in the NFL in total offensive yards and seventh in points per game, but their defense was the worst in preventing opponents from scoring.
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See 2026 NFL Draft first round picks, from No. 1 to No. 32
Chicago Bears − S Dillon Thieneman, Oregon
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Houston Texans (from Bills) − G Keylan Rutledge
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Dolphins (from 49ers) − CB Chris Johnson, San Diego State
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New England Patriots (from Texans via Bills) − OT Caleb Lomu, Utah
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Chiefs (from Rams) − DT Peter Woods, Clemson
30 / 32
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Jets (from Denver Broncos via Dolphins and San Francisco 49ers) − WR Omar Cooper Jr., Indiana
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Titans (from Patriots via Buffalo Bills) − DE Keldric Faulk, Auburn
32 / 32
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Seattle Seahawks − RB Jadarian Price, Notre Dame
How many primetime games do the Cowboys have?
Dallas has six more primetime matchups in 2026, one year after having the same number of games in an evening slot.
Cowboys primetime schedule 2026
Of the Cowboys' six primetime games, three of them are back-to-back-to-back in a three-week stretch. Here's a closer look at Dallas' primetime slate in 2026:
Week 5 – Oct. 8: Dallas Cowboys vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 8:15 p.m., Prime Video ("Thursday Night Football")
Week 6 – Oct. 18: Green Bay Packers vs. Dallas Cowboys, 8:20 p.m., NBC ("Sunday Night Football")
Week 7 – Oct. 26: Philadelphia Eagles vs. Dallas Cowboys, 8:15 p.m., ESPN ("Monday Night Football")
Week 13 – Dec. 7: Seattle Seahawks vs. Dallas Cowboys, 8:15 p.m. ET, ESPN ("Monday Night Football")
Week 16 – Dec. 27: Dallas Cowboys vs. Jacksonville Jaguars, 8:20 p.m. ET, NBC ("Sunday Night Football")
Dallas also plays an additional standalone game in the late afternoon on Thanksgiving. Its matchup with the Ravens in Rio de Janeiro in Week 3 will not be a standalone game – that contest will be broadcast alongside three others in the late afternoon slate on Sunday, Sept. 27.
Cowboys 2026 schedule
Here's a full look at the Cowboys' schedule in 2026:
Week 1 – Sept. 13: New York Giants vs. Dallas Cowboys, 8:20 p.m. ET, NBC ("Sunday Night Football")
