The Dallas Cowboys schedule shows a lot of promise this year. The Cowboys were 12-5 regular season for the last three seasons. While impressive, this year will be a true test since they play some of the biggest names in the league. If the Cowboys are interested in making it to the playoffs, and making it past the first round, then they’ll need to dominate against these five teams.
The 5 Must-Beat Teams on the Dallas Cowboys Schedule
1. At the Cleveland Browns on September 8th
The Cowboys are starting the season tough. They begin against Myles Garrett and Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah on the Browns defense. Garrett managed to be one of the best pass rushers in the league, even coming out ahead of Micah Parsons. Owusu-Koramoah had a stellar season last year as well, producing the most tackles for a loss and tied for his ability to stop the run.
Although they aren’t as strong offensively, the Cowboys still have a few players to worry about. The Browns roster also includes players like Nick Chubb, David Njoku, and old teammate Amari Cooper. Chubb, while injured most of 2023, could do well against a Dallas defense that has failed to shut down the run in the past. And if Njoku and Cooper have a good quarterback to toss them the ball, they’ll be tough to stop, too.
2. Baltimore Ravens on September 22nd
Just two games after playing the Browns, the Cowboys will face one of the toughest teams in the AFC–Lamar Jackson and the Ravens. Jackson comes into the game similar to Dak Prescott, having a phenomenal ability to play regular season but failing to rack up any substantial wins in the playoffs. However, it’s guaranteed that he will give the Cowboys a run for their money.
Similarly, their defensive situation is just as good as Clevelands, with Justin Madubuike racking up 13 sacks last season and Roquan Smith’s 39% run stop rate and eight pass deflections. The Ravens have consistently been a team to reckon with, and having them on the Dallas Cowboys schedule this season makes for an even tougher year.
3. Detroit Lions on October 13th
Historically, the Lions have always given Dallas a rough game. When you look at last season, Dallas only managed to beat them by one point. Jared Goff will more than likely be out for blood this year, not letting another loss to Dallas pass easily. The Cowboys will also struggle to stop Amon-Ra St. Brown, who got 1,515 yards and ten touchdowns last season.
Brian Branch could have another incredible season at safety, and Aidan Hutchinson’s 33 QB hits are nothing to glance over, either. As a team that is very comfortable with their pass game, the Lions defense promises that it won’t make it easy for the Cowboys to take another win.
4. at the San Francisco 49ers on October 27th
Brock Purdy and the 49ers are looking just as clutch this season as they were last year. Although they could lose Brandon Aiyuk next year, he’s still on the team this upcoming season. Promising the same incredible stats of 75 receptions and 1,342 yards for an outstanding average of 17.9 yards per carry only makes it harder for the Cowboys’ defense. Also, you can’t forget about Christian McCaffrey, the number-one running back in the league. Having a double threat on offense is bound to be trouble for Dallas.
Similarly, the 49ers pack Fred Warner, Dre Greenlaw, and Talanoa Hufanga. Although Greenlaw and Hufanga both suffered injuries last season, they’re in the green this upcoming year. Fred Warner considered the best off-ball linebacker, is sure to give the Cowboys run offense trouble.
5. Houston Texans on November 18th
The Texans are on the up and up. Several NFL analysts believe that this is the first year they’ve actually had a chance of making the AFC title. Of course, they’ll have to face other big names like the Cowboys to get there.
C. J. Stroud had a phenomenal season this past year, bringing in over 4,000 passing yards and a 63.9% completion rate. The defense is nothing to scoff at either, lined with players like Danielle Hunter, who collected 16.5 sacks this past season. The Texans also have a lot of new, young talent. It’ll be a match to determine whether these young guys can beat a more established team like the Cowboys.
Other Notable Teams on the Dallas Cowboys Schedule
There are other amazing teams with great players that could easily be concerning for Dallas. The first one that comes to mind is the Bengals and Joe Burrow. Pittsburgh’s T. J. Watt won’t be easy to get around, either. As far as in division, the Commanders could be a dynamic team if all of their synergies with new players fall into place. The Eagles consistently give Dallas the blues, as they won one game and lost one to them in 2023.
In other words, if there has ever been a season for the Cowboys to test who they are as a talent in the NFL, it’s this season. Unlike before, if the Cowboys want to be in the playoffs, they’ll have to earn it this regular season.
Main Image: Kevin Jairaj – USA Today Sports
