3 ways Cowboys got screwed by the NFL on 2023 schedule

The 2023 NFL schedule was released in full Thursday night, so the Dallas Cowboys finally know their order of opponents.

For a team that hasn't advanced past the Divisional Round in three decades, the Cowboys remain a massive draw and money-maker for the NFL. They have six primetime games next season, tied for the most of any team, including three Sunday nighters, one Monday night game, a Thursday nighter and a Saturday night game on New Year's Eve.

That's arguably the biggest takeaway from Dallas' schedule, but seemingly everyone expected them to get at least five primetime games.

We could highlight the pros of the 17-game slate, but where's the fun in that? This roster is loaded and will push for double-digit wins (probably more) for the third straight year.

That will be easier said than done, however, as the NFL did the Cowboys dirty on the 2023 schedule in three different ways

Cowboys 2023 schedule: 3 ways Dallas got screwed by the NFL

3. Early bye week

Every team benefits from a bye week regardless of what point in the season it occurs. Of course, contenders like the Cowboys would benefit the most from a late-season bye to refresh and reload before the stretch run. Unfortunately, the NFL pinned Dallas with one of the earliest rest weeks possible in Week 7.

This isn't as dreadful as a Week 5 or 6 bye, but Week 7? The Cowboys would be much better off having their bye late in the season, especially when you look at the murderers row of opponents over the final six weeks.

We don't want to spoil one of our next points, but let's just say Dallas plays five potential playoff squads over their last six games. With that in mind, a bye in the Week 10-14 range would have moved mountains.

To make matters worse, the Eagles have their bye in Week 10, the Giants wait until Week 13, while the Commanders are a Week 14 bye. All of those sound better than Week 7.