The opening weeks of the 2025 NFL season are easier for the Dallas Cowboys than most teams, but that is the calm before the storm of the second half. Hopefully rookies and those returning from season-ending injuries from 2024 are on their game, because the player matchups are a gauntlet.
Week 9: RB Jaydon Blue vs. Cardinals' defensive line
Among the new additions to the Cowboys' coaching staff in 2025 is Klayton Adams as the offensive coordinator. He was the offensive line coach for the Arizona Cardinals for the past two seasons, and now gets to show the team what they're missing.
While Arizona struggled to stop the run in 2024, the team completely revamped its defensive line. Dalvin Tomlinson, Calais Campbell, and Josh Sweat will mentor rookies Walton Nolen and Jordan Burch. While the veteran talent is proven and the incoming youth is promising, that much change for a unit could make it difficult to play together.
With a depleted running back room, Dallas drafted Jaydon Blue in the fifth round. The speedy back is elusive, quick, and effective at running routes out of the backfield. With eight NFL games under his belt, seeing how Blue has developed and his ability to use the running lanes opened by his offensive line will be a point of focus. Especially with an expected emphasis on improving the run game this offseason.
Week 11: LB Jack Sanborn vs. RB Ashton Jeanty
Coming off their Week 10 bye, the Cowboys play against one of the best running backs to come out of college in Ashton Jeanty. He is an all-around back playing on a run-heavy team with a solid offensive line. Against teams trying to run the ball down Dallas' throat, linebacker Jack Sanborn will be leaned upon.
Jeanty (sixth overall) was the highest-drafted running back since Saquon Barkley (second overall) in 2018. He is viewed as a game-changing back and will likely be the focus of the Raiders' offense. His best attribute is contact balance and the ability to break tackles. The Cowboys have struggled with defending the run for many years, but hope to have an answer.
Sanborn was a project player for defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus while he was the head coach in Chicago. The linebacker was used as a rotational piece, but thrived with his football instincts. Being in the right spot and reading the play has set him up for success thus far, and continued development under the linebacker guru Eberflus could take him to the next level.
Week 12: CB DaRon Bland vs. WR DeVonta Smith
A team never has too many corners, just as a team never has too many wideouts. Dallas and Philadelphia play their second game against each other in what will be the start of a gauntlet run for the Cowboys. Cornerback DaRon Bland will be relied upon to suppress the Eagles' passing game by keeping wideout Davonta Smith in check.
It'll be the first time the two line up from each other since 2023, with Bland stepping up against A.J. Brown last year in his lone game against Philly. In the 2023 Week 14 matchup, Smith caught five of ten targets for 73 yards. It was a battle between the two star playmakers.
The Eagles field a more dynamic offense than in 2023, and thus, Bland's success, or lack thereof, will force Philly to step up in another area. The hopeful retention of health for him, along with Trevon Diggs, will allow the team to tame the red-hot Eagles offense. It would be nice to start the tough stretch of games with a win.
Week 13: WR CeeDee Lamb vs. CB Trent McDuffie
Iron sharpens iron, and that's what is going to happen in this matchup. What makes wideout CeeDee Lamb special is his ability to dominate out wide or in the slot. The same is true regarding corner Trent McDuffie. Wherever Lamb goes, McDuffie is sure to follow.
After having a league-best season in 2023, disappointing quarterback play held down his 2024 numbers; however, there's no doubt with a healthy Dak Prescott, the duo can put up numbers against anyone. Lamb's flexibility, route-running, and soft hands make him open for a play on every snap.
Playing physical as a corner has its perks. Knocking the ball out of receivers' hands on hard hits, holding them up in press coverage, and being a blitz threat make McDuffie one of the best corners in the league right now. It's notable to see if his aggressiveness gets him caught for a play or two, which is all Lamb needs to turn a game around.
Week 14: RT Terrence Steele vs. DE Aidan Hutchinson
The offensive line is only as strong as its weakest player. It seems like right tackle Terrence Steele could be that weak link. Usually, as long as the lineman doesn't get the quarterback killed, then it's good enough. This week, a matchup against Aidan Hutchinson should have Cowboys fans severely concerned.
When healthy, Hutchinson is one of the best defensive linemen in the NFL. He can bulldoze his way through most linemen, but it's his usage of leverage and bend to get around the edge that will see him break free. Being over a year removed from the brutal leg injury suffered against Dallas last year, he will be starving for revenge.
While formerly a great run blocker, Steele has struggled to play consistently. The former undrafted free agent repeatedly lost battles against quicker edge rushers, which Hutchinson will be more than happy to do. One of the Cowboys' tight ends will likely need to help contain the 2022 second overall pick. The end has 5.5 sacks in three games against Steele so far.
Week 15: TE Jake Ferguson vs. LB Blake Cashman
After a disappointing 2024 season, tight end Jake Ferguson must step up if he is to earn himself a pretty penny on his new contract this offseason. He is primarily a receiving tight end and a weapon with the ball in his hands, but linebacker Blake Cashman is going to test Ferguson in many ways.
The all-around linebacker plays a critical role in the Minnesota Vikings' defense. Erasing tight ends and pressuring quarterbacks on blitzes means attention must always be on him. With the Cowboys planning on playing a more run-heavy offense, Cashman and Ferguson may bump heads at the line of scrimmage a few times.
Now that George Pickens joined Dallas' receiving corps, the dependance on Ferguson is lightened; however, Dak still loves throwing to his tight ends in the middle of the field. The Wisconsin product must prove his value to the team in the run and passing game, and this is the week to do it.
Week 16: LB DeMarvion Overshown vs. Chargers' RBs
The Los Angeles Chargers invested a first-round pick and a five-million-dollar contract into their running back room, drafting Omarion Hampton and signing Najee Harris. While the financial investment is not much, the duo has the potential to wear down any defense, especially with head coach Jim Harbaugh on the sideline.
Dallas' DeMarvion Overshown has struggled with injuries since college, but proved to be a star player in his 13 games with the team last season. The athleticism pops on tape, and he is very useful as a blitzer. While defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus doesn't blitz linebackers as often, Agent Zero might be too good not to use.
Most of the work, though, will be taking down both of the Chargers' big backs. Hampton stands at six feet tall and 220 pounds, while Harris is a towering six feet and one inch tall, carrying 241 pounds. Overshown is only 220 pounds and six feet and two inches tall. We'll see if Overshown's speed beats the Chargers' backs' size.
Week 17: C Cooper Beebe vs. HC Dan Quinn's stunts
While defensive coordinator of the Cowboys, Dan Quinn tormented opposing offensive lines by throwing many stunts along the defensive line, looking to free up a defender and force a play, or get a sack. That puts a lot of pressure on the center, and in this case, Cooper Beebe.
Last season, the Washington Commanders recorded three sacks in the two matchups against Dallas. Two were from interior defensive linemen. The blocking assignments must be made clear and executed. That is especially true in the middle of the offensive line.
Having rushers break through the middle will force Dak, coming off a horrifying injury, to scramble, which is not ideal considering the weakness on the offensive line is at tackle and Washington's weapons on the edge. Beebe must maintain the integrity of the interior if the Cowboys are to win their second matchup against the Commanders this season.
Week 18: LT Tyler Guyton vs. DE Abdul Carter
While he can rush both sides, the 2025 third overall pick, Abdul Carter, made many splashes at Penn State while matched up against opposing left tackles. In the NFL, he is sure to earn the opportunity to continue rushing that side of the formation, but will occasionally move around.
At left tackle, the Cowboys field Tyler Guyton; their 2024 first-round pick. His rookie season was underwhelming, but there is optimism that a step up will take place. Carter won't be an entirely new test, as practicing against Micah Parsons is the best preparation one can get.
Play strength has been an issue for Guyton, but not for Carter. The speed and violence the rusher plays with will keep Guyton on his toes. His six feet and seven inches tall frame will be key to holding down the left side of the offensive line. Being the final regular-season game before the playoffs, this test will prepare him to play in the postseason.
The 2025 Dallas Cowboys have potential. That may not be Super Bowl potential, but at least to compete for a playoff spot. Once there, anything can happen. A difficult regular season will mean wins are tougher to earn, but as iron sharpens iron, the team should be more than ready to show up when it matters.