Cowboys 2021 schedule release offers a few surprises
The NFL released their entire regular season schedule for 2021 on Wednesday night via the NFL Network. And the Dallas Cowboys‘ new schedule offered a few surprises for fans.
Earlier in the day, news leaked that the Cowboys had been selected to kick off the NFL regular season on Thursday night, September 9, against the reigning Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers. It was also revealed that the Las Vegas Raiders would be the team’s opponent during their annual Thanksgiving Day game on November 25.
Here’s a look at the Cowboys’ upcoming regular-season schedule. (As reported by The Athletic’s Jon Matchota and Michael Gehlken of the Dallas Morning News.
Week 1 @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Week 2 @ Los Angeles Chargers
Week 3 vs Philadephia Eagles
Week 4 vs Carolina Panthers
Week 5 vs New York Giants
Week 6 @ New England Patriots
Week 7 – Bye Week
Week 8 @ Minnesota Vikings
Week 9 vs Denver Broncos
Week 10 vs Atlanta Falcons
Week 11 @ Kansas City Chiefs
Week 12 vs Las Vegas Raiders (Thanksgiving Day)
Week 13 @ New Orleans Saints
Week 14 @ Washington Football Team
Week 15 @ New York Giants
Week 16 vs Washington Football Team
Week 17 vs Arizona Cardinals
Week 18 @ Philadephia Eagles
The schedule does offer a few surprises for Cowboys’ fans. Obviously, kicking off the season against the champs is a big deal and gives Dallas a rare opportunity to send a league-wide message about the state of their franchise on a massive stage.
I asked #Cowboys QB Dak Prescott the significance of returning from his first serious NFL injury by playing Tom Brady and the SB champion @Buccaneers. He replied, “I’m excited to get back on the field. This game means more than the opponent and their rings.”
— Ed Werder (@WerderEdESPN) May 12, 2021
Having a bye between Week Six and Week Eight is interesting as both of those contests are on the road. Circle Week 11’s matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs on your calendars as a great barometer of where the Cowboys rank with the best teams in the NFL near the midseason point.
Playing against the Raiders and Jon Gruden on Thanksgiving Day seems like it will be the most entertaining matchup of the day in front of a massive holiday audience.
Trending. 5 free agents Cowboys could sign now that draft is over. light
Finally, it’s weird to see a Week 18 on the schedule, but the matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles could be played for the NFL East title. After all, the Dallas Cowboys will play a whopping four divisional battles in their last five games of the regular season.