The Dallas Cowboys enter the 2026 season with plenty of optimism after a busy offseason. Brian Schottenheimer enters his second year as head coach, the defense has been retooled and improved in all three phases. Meanwhile, the offense is returning the same explosive fire power led by Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb with George Pickens.
But after finishing 7-9-1 last season, talent alone won’t be enough.
The Cowboys face one of the toughest schedules in the NFC, including games against the Ravens, Texans, Eagles, Packers, 49ers and Rams. In a conference where every win could determine playoff seeding—or simply whether you make the postseason at all—four games stand out above the rest.
Week 4: at Houston Texans
The Battle of Texas has become of the Cowboys' biggest early-season tests.
The Texans have emerged as one of the AFC’s top contenders behind quarterback C.J. Stroud and one of the best defenses in football led by Will Anderson Jr and Danielle Hunter. NRG Stadium has become one of the toughest environments in the AFC, and Houston’s aggressive defense will challenge Dallas from the opening kickoff.
This matchup also comes immediately after Dallas hosts the Ravens, meaning the Cowboys will face two legitimate Super Bowl contenders in back-to-back weeks. If they can split—or even win both—it would go a long way towards proving they belong among the NFC’s elite.
Beyond the standings, this game could serve as a confidence builder. Winning an in-state showdown against one of the NFL’s rising powers would give the Cowboys momentum heading into the heart of their schedule.
If Dallas wants to shake the narrative that it struggles against playoff-caliber teams, beating Houston on the road would be one of the biggest statements it could make all season.
Week 6: at Green Bay Packers
If Cowboys fans have circled one game on the schedule, it’s this one especially after last season’s tie game on Sunday night football.
Dallas has struggled mightily at Lambeau Field over the years, and Green Bay has repeatedly been a roadblock in big moments. Playing in one of the NFL’s toughest environments under the lights makes this one an early measuring stick for Schottenheimer’s team.
If Dallas wants to prove it’s different from team that have fallen apart in recent years, winning in Green Bay would send that message.
Week 7: at Philadelphia Eagles
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No game on the schedule carries bigger NFC East implications.
The Eagles remain one of the conference’s elite teams, and beating them on the road would immediately shift the balance of the division.
Not only would Dallas improve its own record, but it would hand one of its biggest rivals a loss while gaining a critical tiebreaker.
The Cowboys haven’t consistently played their best football in Philadelphia, making this one of the toughest tests they’ll face all season.
Week 15: at Los Angeles Rams
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If the Cowboys want to prove they belong among the NFC’s elite, they’ll likely have to go through the team many believe is the conference favorite.
That makes Dallas's Week 15 trip to Los Angeles one of the biggest games on its schedule.
The Rams enter the season loaded with star power. Reigning MVP Matthew Stafford continues to lead one of the league’s most explosive offenses, Puka Nacua remains one of football’s premier receivers, and the offseason additions of Myles Garrett and Trent McDuffie have transformed an already talented NFL roster into one of the most complete teams in the league.
It will also be one of Dallas toughest challenges all year, maybe even the toughest on their schedule.
A win over the conference favorite on the road this late in the season would instantly strengthen the Cowboys postseason resume while sending a message that they’re capable of competing with anyone.
Honorable Mentions
Several other games could easily land on this list.
- Week 3 vs Baltimore Ravens (Rio de Janeiro): An early showdown against one of the AFC’s top teams will reveal how legitimate Dallas really is.
- Week 10 vs San Francisco 49ers: Another measuring-stick game against an NFC contender that could have major playoff tiebreaker implications.
The Cowboys have enough talent to return to the playoffs.
But none of that talent will matter if Dallas can’t win its biggest games, which has been their problem for the last decade.
If Dallas wins at least three of these four games, there’s a strong chance the Cowboys will be playing meaningful football in January.
If they don’t, it will be the same message being said all over again for this franchise that they are not good enough.
