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Predicting the Dallas Cowboys five toughest games of 2017

By Dyllan Larson

Jan 15, 2017; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) takes a knee in the end zone prior to the game against the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Divisional playoff game at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 15, 2017; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) takes a knee in the end zone prior to the game against the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Divisional playoff game at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /
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These five games should be major challenges for the 2017 Dallas Cowboys and will have them battle tested for a potential playoff run.

Sep 11, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys guard Zack Martin (70) and center Travis Frederick (72) and offensive guard La’el Collins (71) and tackle Tyron Smith (77) line up during the game against the New York Giants at AT&T Stadium. New York won 20-19. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 11, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys guard Zack Martin (70) and center Travis Frederick (72) and offensive guard La’el Collins (71) and tackle Tyron Smith (77) line up during the game against the New York Giants at AT&T Stadium. New York won 20-19. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /

The Dallas Cowboys are coming off of a successful 2016 that showcased the promising rise of young superstars and gave glimpses into the potential of emerging players for many years to come.

Dallas won the NFC East division title and had the best record in the NFC at 13-3.

With last year’s division title comes a first place schedule for this season; which means that Dallas will have the toughest two games that weren’t predetermined out of the four teams in the NFC East (hosting the Green Bay Packers and visiting the Atlanta Falcons).

Add that to the fact that the Cowboys are playing against two divisions in the AFC and NFC West that are known for playing tough defense and getting after the passer and this 2017 schedule is going to be a great test to see what the fate of this Dallas team will be.

I mean, just look at the 2017 schedule for yourself and try to point out a true soft spot where Dallas isn’t going to need to be at their very best to compete every Sunday.

The San Francisco 49ers, Los Angeles Rams, and Los Angeles Chargers are likely the three weakest games on the schedule. All three teams have talent and two of three (49ers and Chargers) appear to be getting better quickly and might surprise people this season.

For the sake of having five different teams included in the rankings, if division rivals are included they will only be listed once although the Cowboys will face that opponent at home and on the road.

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