With training camp underway and the preseason fast approaching, Last Word on Pro Football is analyzing the schedules of all 32 NFL teams. Each team’s schedule will be split into most difficult (1-8) and easiest (8-16) games. Let’s kick off the series by taking a look at the hardest games on the Dallas Cowboys schedule.
Most Difficult Games on 2019 Dallas Cowboys Schedule
1. Week 12: At New England
The Tom Brady and Bill Belichick Era is nearly two decades old, yet the duo still remains the best in the league. Despite Brady entering his age-42 season, there is no reason to believe the six-time Super Bowl champ will fall off a cliff any time soon. If anything, he should be even better in 2019. Ditto for Belichick, who remains one of the best minds in football. Beating the Patriots is hard, but beating them in Foxboro is nearly impossible. Good luck to Dak Prescott and the Cowboys – they’ll need it.
2. Week 16: At Philadelphia
This game could easily determine the NFC East champion. Dallas and Philadelphia boast two of the best rosters in the league, with each team led by their fourth-year quarterback. The last we saw of these two teams, Dallas pulled off a thrilling 29-23 victory on an overtime touchdown to Amari Cooper. If Carson Wentz can stay healthy through Week 16, this could be the game of the year.
3. Week 4: At New Orleans
Drew Brees slowed down near the end of 2018, but he should be back to old form when the Cowboys travel to the Big Easy. Brees is notoriously better in his dome than on the road, so Dallas’ road trip plays into Brees’ favor. This goes beyond the quarterback, as the Saints have one of the most talented rosters in the league. Alvin Kamara and Michael Thomas keep the chains moving while Cameron Jordan and Marshon Lattimore can completely ruin a passing attack. Dallas will need to play their best football if they’re to pull this one out.
4. Week 7: Vs Philadelphia
Outside of the Cowboys, the Eagles are the only team who has a realistic shot to win the NFC East. Because of this, Dallas needs to make sure that they take at least one game against their division rivals. The Eagles might have the most complete roster in the league, but the Cowboys aren’t far behind. This should be a hard-fought game, but playing in JerryWorld makes it a bit easier for Dallas.
5. Week 14: At Chicago
Playing December football in the elements is never ideal for a dome team like the Cowboys, and the idea of traveling is made worse by the fact that the Bears are an extremely talented football team. The defense was easily the best in 2018 and should remain a top unit in 2019. If Mitchell Trubisky takes a step forward in Year Three, then this matchup could move a lot higher up on this list.
6. Week 15: Vs Los Angeles (Rams)
Taking down the reigning NFC Champion is never easy, but the Rams probably won’t be as good in 2019 as they were in 2018. The league appeared to figure out Sean McVay’s offense late in the year, and the Rams weren’t able to adjust. Even though they made it to the Super Bowl, the offense wasn’t the same after their Week 13 matchup against the Detroit Lions. Bill Belichick credited Matt Patricia for figuring out how to slow McVay’s offense, and now we’ll need to see if McVay can adjust.
7. Week 10: Vs Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings underachieved in 2018 and some people are overlooking the plethora of talent on this roster. Adam Thielen and Stefon Diggs form the best wide receiver duo in the league, and quarterback Kirk Cousins is capable of keeping the offense moving. Defensively, Harrison Smith, Xavier Rhodes, and Anthony Barr all have the ability to be among the best at their respective positions. Minnesota’s Achilles heel was their offensive line, but they’ve invested significant draft capital to shore up the unit. The Cowboys should still win this one, but it should go down to the wire.
8. Week 5: Vs Packers
Aaron Rodgers wasn’t himself in 2018, but most of those struggles can be placed on a Week One knee injury. Even if he hasn’t played like 2014 Rodgers in a while, the future Hall of Famer still remains one of the five or 10 best passers in the league. Mike McCarthy has been replaced by Matt LaFleur and the Packers added all sorts of defensive talent in free agency. This change in scenery might be exactly what Rodgers needs to find his old form. Even if Rodgers doesn’t have another 2014 campaign in him, the improved roster ensures that Green Bay won’t have another six-win season.
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