For decades, the Dallas Cowboys have been the NFL's most watched—and most debated—franchise. Love 'em or hate 'em, there's no middle ground when it comes to "America's Team." And if the newly released 2026 schedule is any indication, the drama is only heating up.
On May 14, the league unveiled a slate that hands Dallas six prime-time games, not counting their annual Thanksgiving tradition or a massive Week 3 showdown in Rio de Janeiro against the Baltimore Ravens. But beyond the glitz and glare of the national spotlight, there's a deeper story here: the Cowboys might finally be poised for a Super Bowl return.
Think about it. Dallas won five of the first 30 Super Bowls and played in three more, yet they haven't reached the big game in 30 years. That drought feels heavier with each passing season. But this year? The stars—and the schedule—might be aligning.
Let's break it down, game by game, and see just how many wins we can realistically pencil in for Jerry Jones and company.
Week 1: at Washington Commanders
Opening on the road against a division rival is never easy, but with a fully healthy Dak Prescott and a revamped defense, Dallas has the edge. Expect a statement win. W
Week 2: vs. New York Giants
The Giants are still rebuilding, and the Cowboys' pass rush should feast at home. Another one for the win column. W
Week 3: vs. Baltimore Ravens (in Rio de Janeiro)
A neutral-site game in Brazil adds unpredictability, but Lamar Jackson's mobility will test Dallas. This one could go either way, but we'll lean on Prescott's experience. W
Week 4: vs. Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles are always tough, especially in the trenches. But at home, with the crowd behind them, the Cowboys pull out a close one. W
Week 5: at San Francisco 49ers
A trip to the Bay Area is never easy, and the 49ers remain a powerhouse. This might be the season's first real test—and a likely loss. L
Week 6: vs. Chicago Bears
The Bears are still finding their identity, and Dallas should handle business comfortably. W
Week 7: at Detroit Lions
Detroit is no pushover, but with David Montgomery no longer in their backfield, the Lions lose some punch. Cowboys grind out a road win. W
Week 8: vs. Los Angeles Rams
Adding Trent McDuffie to the Rams' secondary makes them dangerous, but Dallas' offense is clicking. A shootout favors Prescott. W
Week 9: at New York Giants
Division games are always tricky, but the Cowboys sweep the Giants with a focused performance. W
Week 10: vs. Houston Texans
The Texans are improving, but Dallas has too much firepower at home. W
Week 11: at Philadelphia Eagles
A road game against the Eagles is always a coin flip. This time, Philly gets the edge in a tight battle. L
Week 12: Thanksgiving vs. Washington Commanders
America's favorite holiday game? Dallas delivers a dominant performance for the home crowd. W
Week 13: vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Patrick Mahomes comes to town, and this is a potential playoff preview. In a thriller, the Cowboys' defense makes one more stop. W
Week 14: at Cincinnati Bengals
Joe Burrow and Ja'Marr Chase are a handful, especially in the jungle. This one slips away. L
Week 15: vs. Buffalo Bills
With DJ Moore now in Buffalo, the Bills' offense is even scarier. But at home, in December, the Cowboys' experience wins out. W
Week 16: at Miami Dolphins
Miami's speed is a problem, and the heat could be a factor. A tough road loss. L
Week 17: vs. Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals are rebuilding, and Dallas closes the regular season strong. W
That's 13 wins—and a potential No. 1 seed in the NFC. Of course, this projection assumes Dak Prescott stays healthy, the defense returns to form, and the Cowboys avoid the late-season collapses that have haunted them. But if everything clicks? The Super Bowl drought might finally end.
So, how many wins do you see on this schedule? For the first time in a long time, the optimists might just have the upper hand.