The first week of the 2026 NFL season has finally arrived! The Dallas Cowboys are expected to be one of the better teams in the entire league this year, but just how good remains to be seen. With the optimism around Cowboys Nation at all-time recent high, we believe they’ll win a lot more games than they lose this year and predict the outcome of each game below.
Week 1 – at New York Giants
The Giants will be a better team under John Harbaugh, but they’re not ready to compete on the Cowboys level yet. This is a good opportunity
for Dallas to knock off a little rust against an inferior team in preparation for tougher opponents to come.
Cowboys win: 1-0
Week 2 – Washington Commanders
Back-to-back wins against divisional opponents? You bet! The Cowboys should be amped up in their first home game of the season, especially against division rival. They should dominate in all three phases of the game against a less talented Commanders team.
Cowboys win: 2-0
Week 3 – Baltimore Ravens (Brazil)
We could see this game going either way, but playing so far from home in Rio de Janeiro against the best dual-threat QB in the league, Lamar Jackson, is a lot to ask from Christian Parker’s new-look defense in the third game of the season. Tough to call, but we’ll get the Ravens the slight edge.
Cowboys lose: 2-1
Week 4 – at Houston Texans
Could it be the league’s best offense against the league’s best defense? This interstate matchup will likely be determined by who gets the better of their opponent, Dallas’ offense or Houston’s defense. With Brandon Aubrey as their ace in the hole, we predict the Cowboys coming out on top.
Cowboys win: 3-1
Week 5 – Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Buccaneers attempted to revamp their defense this offseson, but it won’t be enough to neutralize Dak Prescott and Company. And without Mike Evans, the Cowboys new-look defense will be able to keep Baker Mayfield and Tampa Bay’s offense in check.
Cowboys win: 4-1
Week 6 – at Green Bay Packers
Micah Parsons is hoping to make his season debut in Week 6, but even if he does we believe Dallas is still favored in this matchup. This isn’t the same team the Packers faced last season. The Cowboys are much improved and should earn a tough road victory in a hostile environment.
Cowboys win: 5-1
Week 7 – at Philadelphia Eagles
Back-to-back road games against two of the best teams in the NFC may be asking too much of the Cowboys coming off what we predict to be a emotionally/physically draining victory over the Packers. It will be close, but will give the Eagles the slight edge with home field advantage.
Cowboys lose: 5-2
Week 8 – Arizona Cardinals
This is a game and team that has constantly given the Cowboys trouble, but not this year. The Cardinals are rebuilding and could be competing for the No. 1 draft pick in 2027. As such, should be one of the most winnable games on Dallas’ schedule this year.
Cowboys win: 6-2
Week 9 – at Indianapolis Colts
Other than RB Jonathan Taylor, there’s nothing all that concerning about the Colts, either offensively or defensively. With Quinnen Williams and Kenny Clark the Cowboys should be able contain Taylor and easily secure another “W” at the midway point of the 2026 season.
Cowboys win: 7-2
Week 10 – San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers have been a nightmare matchup for the Cowboys in recent memory and have won the last four games in a row when these two teams of played. With the home field advantage and a much-improved defense, we predict Dallas puts an end to the win streak.
Cowboys win: 8-2
Week 11 – Tennessee Titans
The Titans or another rebuilding team with a young QB, Cam Ward, who is still trying to find his way in the NFL. This is another team the Cowboys should easily dominate in all three phases the game as long as they continue to remain focused/disciplined.
Cowboys win: 9-2
Week 12 – Philadelphia Eagles (Thanksgiving)
Thanksgiving against the Eagles will be the Cowboys third consecutive game at home. The winner could decide who the NFC champ will be and we believe Dallas will be extra motivated to secure the “W”.
Cowboys win: 10-2
Week 13 – at Seattle Seahawks
After a three-game homestretch, the Cowboys have somewhat of a mini-bye before they hit the road to take on the defending Super Bowl champs. They have all the pieces in place to come out of this game victorious, but the Seahawks home field advantage may be too tough to overcome.
Cowboys lose: 10-3
Week 14 – Bye
Rest. Recuperate. Repeat.
Week 15 – at Los Angeles Rams
This Week 15 matchup with the Rams could be a potential preview to the NFC championship game. Unfortunately, we don’t predict this game to go the Cowboys way. With home field advantage and the All-Pro defensive pairing of Myles Garrett and Aaron Donald, it’s just too much for Dallas.
Cowboys lose: 10-4
Week 16 – Jacksonville Jaguars
The Cowboys have to be careful with the Jaguars. They are coming off a strong 2025 season and are an underrated contender in the AFC. This matchup could come down to who performs better, Dak Prescott or Trevor Lawrence? With the weapons he has surrounding him, No. 4 has the advantage.
Cowboys win: 11-4
Week 17 – New York Giants
This Week 17 matchup with the Giants feels like a “W” no matter how you look at it for the Cowboys. With playoff seeding on the line, Dallas simply has more to play for at this point in the season then the G-men do. Plus, they probably want to finish out the regular-season strong at home.
Cowboys win: 12-4
Week 18 – at Washington Commanders
We don’t know if this game will mean anything or not with any kind of certainty right now, however, it’s more than likely to be a meaningless game. The majority of the Cowboys starters could sit out in order to get them some rest before the playoffs get underway.
Cowboys lose: 12-5
