Dallas Cowboys 2025 Schedule: Dates, Times & Opponents

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The Dallas Cowboys Football Schedule 2025

Alright, Cowboys fans! Let's dive into what we can expect for the Dallas Cowboys' 2025 football schedule. While the official schedule release is still months away, usually around spring, we can start piecing together potential opponents and get hyped for the upcoming season. Knowing the potential matchups helps us plan our tailgates, game-watching parties, and maybe even some travel to support America's Team on the road. So, let's break down how the NFL schedule works and what we might see for the Cowboys in 2025.

Understanding the NFL Schedule Formula

The NFL schedule isn't just pulled out of a hat; there's a specific formula they use each year to determine who plays whom. This ensures a balanced and competitive playing field. Here's the breakdown:

  • Home and Away Against Division Rivals (6 games): This is the bread and butter of the schedule. The Cowboys will play each of their NFC East rivals – the Philadelphia Eagles, New York Giants, and Washington Commanders – twice: once at home and once away. These are always intense, hard-fought games with plenty of history and bragging rights on the line. Expect these games to be circled on every Cowboys fan's calendar. The rivalries are what make football so exciting, and the NFC East is known for its passionate fan bases and unpredictable outcomes. Each game against these rivals carries significant weight in the division standings, making them must-win contests for the Cowboys.
  • Games Against Teams from Another NFC Division (4 games): Each year, the NFC East will be matched up against another NFC division. The rotation ensures that over a three-year period, every team in the NFC East plays every team in the other NFC divisions. The specific division the Cowboys will face in 2025 will depend on the rotation. These games provide a change of scenery and an opportunity to test the Cowboys against different playing styles and strategies. It also means potential matchups against some of the league's top quarterbacks and defensive stars, adding to the excitement and challenge of the season. These inter-divisional games often have playoff implications, as they can impact tiebreakers and seeding.
  • Games Against Teams from an AFC Division (4 games): Similar to the NFC matchups, the NFC East will also face an entire division from the AFC. This also rotates annually. This introduces new rivalries and provides a chance to see how the Cowboys stack up against teams with different strengths and weaknesses. These games can be particularly intriguing as they offer a glimpse into potential Super Bowl matchups. It's always exciting to see the Cowboys go head-to-head with some of the AFC's top teams and quarterbacks. These games are also a great opportunity for the Cowboys to showcase their talents on a national stage.
  • Games Based on Previous Season Standings (2 games): This is where it gets interesting. The Cowboys will play two games against teams from the NFC that finished in the same position in their respective divisions the previous year. For example, if the Cowboys finish first in the NFC East in 2024, they will play the other two first-place teams from the NFC North, NFC South and NFC West in 2025. This adds an element of fairness and ensures that the Cowboys are consistently challenged by teams of similar caliber. These games can be crucial for playoff positioning, as they often pit the Cowboys against other contenders in the NFC. The outcomes of these games can have a significant impact on the team's overall record and playoff chances.

Potential Opponents for the 2025 Season

Okay, so based on that formula, who could the Cowboys be facing in 2025? While we don't know the exact schedule yet, we can make some educated guesses:

  • NFC East: Obvious, but worth repeating: Philadelphia Eagles, New York Giants, Washington Commanders (home and away).
  • NFC Division Matchups: This depends on the NFL's rotation. We'll have to wait for the official announcement to know which NFC division the Cowboys will be matched up against.
  • AFC Division Matchups: Same as above – we need to wait for the NFL to reveal the AFC division matchup.
  • Based on Standings: This is also TBD. We need to see how the 2024 season plays out to know which teams the Cowboys will face based on their final standings.

Key Games to Watch For

Even without the official schedule, we can anticipate some games that will be major draws:

  • Any Game Against the Eagles: This rivalry is legendary. The games are always intense, physical, and full of drama. Whether it's in Dallas or Philadelphia, expect a packed stadium and a highly charged atmosphere. These games often have significant implications for the NFC East title and playoff seeding. The Eagles are always a tough opponent, and the Cowboys will need to be at their best to come out on top.
  • Thanksgiving Day Game: The Cowboys always host a game on Thanksgiving Day. It's a tradition as American as turkey and football. The opponent is always a highly anticipated reveal. Playing on Thanksgiving is a special honor, and the Cowboys always look to put on a show for their fans. The atmosphere is electric, and the game is always a highlight of the NFL season.
  • Potential Playoff Rematches: If the Cowboys make a deep playoff run in 2024, any rematch against a team they faced in the playoffs will be a must-watch. These games carry extra weight and provide an opportunity for the Cowboys to avenge any losses or solidify their dominance. The intensity and stakes are always higher in these games, making them incredibly exciting for fans.
  • Games Against Top AFC Contenders: Whenever the Cowboys face a top team from the AFC, it's a chance to see how they stack up against the best in the league. These games can be a measuring stick for the Cowboys' Super Bowl aspirations. It's always exciting to see the Cowboys go head-to-head with some of the AFC's top quarterbacks and defensive stars.

Factors That Influence the Schedule

Beyond the formula, a few other factors can influence the final schedule:

  • TV Broadcasts: The NFL is a TV behemoth, and broadcast partners like FOX, CBS, NBC, ESPN, and Amazon have a say in which games are featured in primetime slots. Expect the Cowboys to be on national TV frequently, given their popularity. The NFL wants to showcase its most popular teams in the most desirable time slots, and the Cowboys are always a top draw. This means more exposure for the team and a chance to reach a wider audience.
  • Stadium Availability: Scheduling conflicts can arise with other events at AT&T Stadium. The NFL works around these conflicts to ensure the Cowboys can play their home games as scheduled. This requires careful coordination and planning to avoid any disruptions to the season.
  • Travel Considerations: The NFL tries to minimize travel burdens on teams, especially when it comes to short weeks (playing on Thursday night after a Sunday game). They try to avoid back-to-back road games on opposite coasts whenever possible. This is done to ensure player safety and maintain a level playing field.

When Will the Official Schedule Be Released?

The official NFL schedule is typically released in May. Keep an eye on the Cowboys' official website, social media channels, and NFL Network for the announcement. That's when we'll know the exact dates, times, and TV networks for all the Cowboys' games.

How to Prepare for the 2025 Season

While we wait for the schedule, here's how you can get ready for the 2025 Cowboys season:

  • Stay Updated: Follow Cowboys news and analysis on reputable websites, podcasts, and social media. Knowing the team's roster changes, coaching updates, and overall performance will make watching the games even more enjoyable.
  • Plan Your Tailgates: Start thinking about your tailgate menus, locations, and guest lists. Whether you're grilling burgers outside AT&T Stadium or hosting a watch party at home, planning ahead will ensure a smooth and fun experience.
  • Gear Up: Show your Cowboys pride by stocking up on jerseys, hats, and other team apparel. Representing your team in style is a great way to support the Cowboys and connect with other fans.
  • Brush Up on the Roster: Get familiar with the Cowboys' players, especially any new additions or rookies. Knowing their names, positions, and playing styles will enhance your understanding of the game.
  • Get Your Tickets: Ticket prices can vary greatly depending on the opponent, seat location, and time of year. Season tickets offer the best value and guarantee access to every home game. Individual game tickets can be purchased through the Cowboys' website, Ticketmaster, or resale markets like StubHub.

Final Thoughts

The 2025 season promises to be another exciting chapter in the Dallas Cowboys' storied history. While we eagerly await the official schedule release, understanding the scheduling formula and potential matchups can help us get hyped for the season ahead. So, get your jerseys ready, plan your tailgates, and prepare to cheer on America's Team! Let's go, Cowboys!

Go Cowboys!