The Dallas Cowboys are facing a daunting challenge as they look to break a two-year playoff drought in 2026. Their upcoming schedule serves as a stark reminder that recovering from recent seasons, which ended with records of 7-10 and 6-8-1, will not be an easy task.
The NFL designs schedules to promote competitive balance, but this year”s lineup appears particularly tough for the Cowboys. In 2026, the Philadelphia Eagles will compete against three first-place teams, while the Cowboys, anticipated to finish second, will encounter three second-place squads. The remaining 14 opponents will be identical for both teams.
As the season approaches, an analysis of the two groups suggests that the Cowboys” path may be just as challenging, if not more so. The Eagles will face off against the Carolina Panthers, Chicago Bears, and Pittsburgh Steelers, all of whom finished at the top of their divisions. In contrast, the Cowboys will take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Green Bay Packers, and Baltimore Ravens, teams that are expected to rank second in their divisions.
The Cowboys are reminded that their road to success in the upcoming season will be steep. The potential absence of key players such as Micah Parsons early in the season could further complicate their efforts. With only two weeks remaining in the current season, it is clear that the Cowboys will need to prepare thoroughly to overcome these challenges.
Veteran sports journalist Tim Cowlishaw has been covering the Cowboys and other teams for over 40 years, providing insights into the dynamics of the game and the impact of team performance on the upcoming NFL season.
The Cowboys” determination to return to playoff contention will be tested not only by their performance but also by the caliber of their opponents in 2026. As they gear up for the challenges ahead, the focus will be on overcoming past shortcomings and making a strong push towards postseason football.
