Coming off back-to-back losing seasons for the first time since suffering three consecutive sub-.500 campaigns from 2000 to 2002, the Dallas Cowboys will head into the 2026 campaign with a far better overall roster than they've had the last two years, particularly on the defensive side of the football.
This past year, of course, the Cowboys' offense was one of the best in the NFL, ranking second in total yards per game (391.9) and seventh in scoring (27.7). And with Javonte Williams signing a new deal and the franchise tag being placed on All-Pro wideout George Pickens, the vast majority of that group will be back.
The Dallas defense, on the other hand, was absolutely dreadful, allowing the third-most total yards (377.0) and the most points (30.1) per contest, thus prompting Jerry Jones to fire defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus and replace him with Philadelphia Eagles passing game coordinator and defensive backs coach Christian Parker.
Jones then got to work on adding some new defensive talent, first trading for Rashan Gary and then bringing in the likes of Jalen Thompson, Cobie Durant, P.J. Locke, and Otito Ogbonnia in free agency. The Cowboys continued to focus on the defense in the draft, stealing Ohio State safety Caleb Downs with their first pick and then adding more defensive line help with their next two selections in Malachi Lawrence and Jaishawn Barham. So, again, this roster is the strongest it's looked in years, at least on paper.
Now, based on last season's winning percentages, Dallas has the 13th-easiest schedule, as their 2026 opponents went a combined 142-146-1 this past year. But that's not exactly telling of how challenging this slate could be, as many of their opponents had strong offseasons as well and will undoubtedly be better than they were in 2025. Throw in some extended travel, several short weeks, a couple of extremely tough stretches, and a very late bye in Week 14, and things certainly look a little more difficult.
Nevertheless, the Cowboys should have the firepower to get back to double-digit wins and should genuinely compete for the NFC East. So, without further ado, let's make some early predictions for every game on the 2026 regular-season schedule.
Predicting every game of the Dallas Cowboys' 2026 season
Week 1: Cowboys at Giants (SNF)
The Giants are certainly one of those teams that improved during the offseason, but Dallas is still the better team at this point. The Cowboys have won 11 of the 12 all-time games they've played against New York in Week 1 and have also taken nine of the last 10 regular-season matchups against Big Blue, and that dominance continues here.
Prediction: Cowboys win 30-20 ; Record: 1-0
Week 2: Cowboys vs. Commanders
Like New York, Dan Quinn's Washington Commanders had a solid offseason, and a healthy Jayden Daniels obviously changes the complexity of this team. But again, the Cowboys are still the stronger team from an overall standpoint, and they'll be amped up in their home opener as they improve to 2-0.
Prediction: Cowboys win 28-17; Record: 2-0
Week 3: Cowboys vs. Ravens (Brazil)
Lamar Jackson is 2-0 against the Cowboys in his career, and his Baltimore Ravens held double-digit leads in both games, so history is against Dallas here. But again, I think the Cowboys will be amped up for this one, as it's the franchise's first international regular-season game since 2014. It'll be close, but America's Team leaves Rio with a win.
Prediction: Cowboys win 21-17; Record: 3-0
Week 4: Cowboys at Texans
Now, this is one I just don't like. After a pair of divisional matchups and the travel to Brazil, the Cowboys head to Houston for a second straight game against a challenging AFC opponent in the Texans. Dallas will give a valiant effort, but will likely fall short.
Prediction: Cowboys lose 24-21; Record: 3-1
Week 5: Cowboys vs. Buccaneers (TNF)
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers aren't the easiest team to play on a short week, but they'll be coming off a tough matchup with the Green Bay Packers, which could actually end up being Micah Parsons' first game of the year if he starts the season on the PUP list. This one could honestly go either way, but with this game being contested at AT&T Stadium, I like the Cowboys to pick up their fourth win here.
Prediction: Cowboys win 27-20 ; Record: 4-1
Week 6: Cowboys at Packers (SNF)
If Parsons is on the field for the Packers, Green Bay obviously has a much better chance to win this prime-time matchup, but I firmly believe the Cowboys go into Lambeau and win no matter what, with Dak Prescott and the offense going out and proving a point. The Packers aren't worse than they were last year, but they're really not better either. So, if the 2025 Dallas team can battle to a 40-40 tie, this 2026 squad should be able to get a win.
Prediction: Cowboys win 35-24; Record: 5-1
Week 7: Cowboys at Eagles (MNF)
Closing out this daunting five-game stretch of games that began in Brazil, the Cowboys head to Philadelphia to face the rival Eagles on Monday Night Football, and I simply don't see this one going overly well for Brian Schottenheimer's squad. The Birds may not be quite as strong as they've been over the last couple of years, but they're still a very good football team, and they'll get the win at home here.
Prediction: Cowboys lose 24-17; Record: 5-2
Week 8: Cowboys vs. Cardinals
Simply put, the Arizona Cardinals are an absolute mess, and the Cowboys should have no problems here in a blowout victory.
Prediction: Cowboys win 42-13; Record: 6-2
Week 9: Cowboys at Colts
As I see the Indianapolis Colts as a middle-of-the-pack kind of a team in the AFC for 2026, the Cowboys should be able to go on the road and get a win here. They're already early favorites in this Week 9 matchup, and while it could be a little closer than Dallas fans might like, America's Team leaves Indy with win number seven.
Prediction: Cowboys win 28-24; Record: 7-2
Week 10: Cowboys vs. 49ers
If the San Francisco 49ers have the same injury problems they had this past year, the Cowboys could easily win this rivalry matchup. But there's just no way the Niners can lose that many high-profile players to season-ending ailments again, right? Dallas has lost four straight to San Francisco, and that streak extends to five in Week 10.
Prediction: Cowboys lose 31-20; Record: 7-3
Week 11: Cowboys vs. Titans
The Tennessee Titans are another one of those teams that got better this offseason, but they're still not quite ready to truly take that next big step. The Cowboys should win in a walk here, and if they get up big in the second half, they need to sit some players to prepare for the daunting stretch that lies ahead.
Prediction: Cowboys win 27-10; Record: 8-3
Week 12: Cowboys vs. Eagles (Thanksgiving)
The rematch with the Eagles comes in Week 12 in the Cowboys' typical time slot on Thursday afternoon on Thanksgiving Day. The Birds will be coming off a much tougher test in the Pittsburgh Steelers, and Dallas should be able to take advantage to earn a series split for the season.
Prediction: Cowboys win 27-21; Record: 9-3
Week 13: Cowboys at Seahawks (MNF)
The mini-bye undoubtedly helps the Cowboys ahead of their Week 13 Monday-nighter with the Seattle Seahawks, as does the fact that the reigning Super Bowl champs have to face the 49ers the week before. But while Dallas keeps this one close, the 12s will just be a bit too much to overcome.
Prediction: Cowboys lose 21-17; Record: 9-4
Week 15: Cowboys at Rams
On paper, the Los Angeles Rams look to be the best team in the NFC right now. As such, even coming out of their bye week, the Cowboys won't be able to get the job done at SoFi Stadium. But just as it is in the Seahawks' matchup, a good showing here will at least put the league on notice that Dallas is for real coming down the stretch.
Prediction: Cowboys lose 30-24; Record: 9-5
Week 16: Cowboys vs. Jaguars
In my eyes, the Jacksonville Jaguars regressed this offseason, and while they'll still finish in second place in the AFC South behind the Texans, they get clipped by the Cowboys here.
Prediction: Cowboys win 34-17; Record: 10-5
Week 17: Cowboys vs. Giants
Cowboys fans won't like this one, but New York gets the win in Week 17 in Dallas. These new-look Giants are only going to get better as the season progresses, and while they'll still fall short of the postseason, they get a statement-making upset victory here.
Prediction: Cowboys lose 27-24; Record: 10-6
Week 18: Cowboys at Commanders
Cowboys fans will like this, though, as I see Dallas going on the road to pick up a crucial Week 18 road victory over the Commanders. And as I see the Giants making another statement by knocking off the Eagles to close out the year, the Cowboys take the NFC East at 11-6, with Philly winding up at 10-7.
Prediction: Cowboys win 33-20; Record: 11-6
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