The Dallas Cowboys are gearing up for what looks like a promising 2026 season, and fans have every reason to be excited. After weeks of anticipation, the team's full schedule has finally dropped, and it's packed with prime-time matchups and a unique international showdown.
Dallas is set to take the spotlight six times under the bright lights of prime time this year. Adding to the intrigue, the Cowboys will travel to Rio de Janeiro for a thrilling overseas clash against the Baltimore Ravens. Their bye week lands later than usual in Week 14—a shift from last year's Week 10 break—which could play a key role in keeping the roster fresh for a potential playoff push.
So, what does this all mean for the Cowboys' record? Let's break it down. According to Warren Sharp of Sharp Football Analysis, Dallas boasts the fourth-easiest schedule in the entire NFL. Sharp's method uses oddsmakers' win totals rather than last season's records, giving a more accurate picture of how each team has evolved through the offseason. For the Cowboys, that's a huge advantage.
Combine that favorable schedule with a mini roster overhaul—headlined by the addition of edge rusher Rashan Gary and versatile rookie defensive back Caleb Downs—and you've got a recipe for a major bounce-back season. The dynamic offense that fans love is also set to return, ready to light up the scoreboard.
When the dust settles, I'm projecting the Dallas Cowboys to finish with an 11-6 record in 2026. That strong performance should put them right back in the thick of NFC contention, challenging the Philadelphia Eagles for supremacy in the NFC East. But as always, success for America's Team will ultimately be measured by what happens in January and February. An 11-6 mark would likely secure a playoff berth—and a chance to make some serious noise when it matters most.
