3 ways Cowboys got screwed by the NFL on 2023 schedule

1. Gauntlet from Weeks 12-16

The early portion of the Cowboys schedule presents ample opportunities for victories. Similarly, Dallas made out well in getting the Rams, Giants, Panthers and Commanders in a five-week span covering Weeks 8-12.

From that point on, though, it's tough-sledding.

That would be an understatement, actually, as CeeDee Lamb and company will play the Seahawks (home), Eagles (home), Bills (road), Dolphins (road), and Lions (home) from Weeks 13-17. The fact Seattle is the easiest matchup in that gauntlet speaks to how difficult it is.

When the sun sets on the 2023 regular season, would anyone be surprised if all five of those teams were in the playoffs? The Eagles and Bills are shoo-ins, and the Dolphins have at least a 10-win roster -- assuming Tua Tagovailoa's health -- after a representative offseason.

The Seahawks, meanwhile, are one of the favorites to secure a Wild Card berth, and the Lions could challenge the Vikings in the NFC North.

We obviously aren't making a big deal of this. We're merely analyzing the schedule at face value following its release. A lot can change between now and when Dallas is slated to encounter these potential obstacles, but at first glance it's hard not to come away with these takeaways.