The Dallas Cowboys, a team with a rich history and passionate fan base, are on a mission to make a deep playoff run in the 2023 season. Following a heart-wrenching loss in the NFC Divisional Round to the San Francisco 49ers in 2022, the Cowboys have revamped their roster and coaching approach, aiming to overcome past disappointments. With Head Coach Mike McCarthy assuming play-calling duties and a strengthened defense, Dallas is keen to make a lasting impact this season.
Dallas Cowboys Schedule 2023
The Dallas Cowboys’ 2023 schedule is set and poses an intriguing series of challenges. It includes significant games against high-profile teams such as the reigning NFC East champions, the Philadelphia Eagles, the Miami Dolphins, and a reinvigorated New York Jets team with Aaron Rodgers at the helm. The full schedule is as follows:
| Week | Date | Opponent | Kickoff time | TV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sunday 9/10 | New York Giants | 8:20 p.m. | NBC |
| 2 | Sunday 9/17 | New York Jets | 4:25 p.m. | CBS |
| 3 | Sunday 9/24 | Arizona Cardinals | 4:25 p.m. | FOX |
| 4 | Sunday 10/1 | New England Patriots | 4:25 p.m. | FOX |
| 5 | Sunday 10/8 | San Francisco 49ers | 8:20 p.m. | NBC |
| 6 | Monday 10/16 | Los Angeles Chargers | 8:15 p.m. | ESPN |
| 7 | BYE WEEK | – | – | – |
| 8 | Sunday 10/29 | Los Angeles Rams | 1:00 p.m. | FOX |
| 9 | Sunday 11/5 | Philadelphia Eagles | 4:25 p.m. | FOX |
| 10 | Sunday 11/12 | New York Giants | 4:25 p.m. | FOX |
| 11 | Sunday 11/19 | Carolina Panthers | 1:00 p.m. | FOX |
| 12 | Thursday 11/23 | Washington Commanders | 4:30 p.m. | CBS |
| 13 | Thursday 11/30 | Seattle Seahawks | 8:15 p.m. | Amazon Prime |
| 14 | Sunday 12/10 | Philadelphia Eagles | 8:20 p.m. | NBC |
| 15 | Sunday 12/17 | Buffalo Bills | 4:25 p.m. | FOX |
| 16 | Sunday 12/24 | Miami Dolphins | 4:25 p.m. | FOX |
| 17 | Sunday 12/31 | Detroit Lions | 8:15 p.m. | ESPN/ABC |
| 18 | Jan. 6/7 (Date TBD) | Washington Commanders | Time TBD | TBD |
Strength of Schedule
The Cowboys’ 2023 schedule certainly poses a formidable challenge. With six games against the Philadelphia Eagles, New York Giants, and Washington Commanders, they will be tested in their quest to reclaim the NFC East title. Beyond the division, the Cowboys will face teams from the NFC West and AFC East, divisions that produced four playoff teams last season. In total, they will play nine games against 2022 postseason teams. These stern tests will require the Cowboys to bring their A-game each week.
Prime Time Games
The Dallas Cowboys, known for drawing huge television audiences, have several prime time games in their 2023 schedule. Here are the prime time games of Dallas Cowboys
Cowboys vs. Giants (Week 1)
The Cowboys kick off their season with a high-stakes game against the New York Giants on Sunday Night Football. The Giants, while inconsistent, boast an unpredictable offense that can pose a challenge to any defense. To triumph, the Cowboys will have to make full use of their dynamic playmakers on both sides of the ball. This season opener could set the tone for the Cowboys’ season and provide a crucial early measure of their championship ambitions.
Cowboys vs. 49ers (Week 5)
In Week 5, the Cowboys face off against the San Francisco 49ers in another Sunday Night Football showdown. The 49ers, with their unique blend of power run game and aggressive defense, are always a formidable opponent. The Cowboys will need to deploy their well-rounded offense and improved defense to counter the 49ers’ physicality. This game could be a litmus test for the Cowboys’ grit and resilience against a potential playoff contender.
Cowboys vs. Chargers (Week 6)
The following week sees the Cowboys go head-to-head with the Los Angeles Chargers on Monday Night Football. The Chargers, featuring a high-powered offense led by rising star quarterback Justin Herbert, will be a tough nut to crack. The Cowboys’ defense will need to step up to limit the Chargers’ explosive passing game. This game could provide valuable insights into the Cowboys’ defensive prowess and their ability to handle high-scoring offenses.
Cowboys vs. Seahawks (Week 13)
Week 13 brings another prime time game for the Cowboys as they meet the Seattle Seahawks on Thursday Night Football on Amazon Prime. The Seahawks, with their dynamic quarterback Russell Wilson and aggressive defense, are never an easy adversary. The Cowboys will need to leverage their offensive firepower and stifling defense to overcome the Seahawks’ challenge. This game could be a key indicator of the Cowboys’ playoff credentials and their capacity to handle pressure in crunch games.
Cowboys vs. Eagles (Week 14)
The Cowboys’ rivalry with the Philadelphia Eagles gets another prime time spotlight in Week 14 on Sunday Night Football. The Eagles, known for their balanced team and passionate play, are a traditional rival that always brings out the best in the Cowboys. For a win, the Cowboys will need to bring their A-game and neutralize the Eagles’ potent offense. This game could be pivotal in the NFC East standings and may provide a decisive momentum shift heading into the final weeks of the season.
Cowboys vs. Lions (Week 17)
Finally, in Week 17, the Cowboys clash with the Detroit Lions on Monday Night Football. The Lions, despite their struggles, have proven to be a tough out for many teams. The Cowboys will need to maintain their focus and execute on both sides of the ball to secure a victory. This game could be critical for the Cowboys’ playoff seeding and provide a final regular-season test of their championship mettle.
Predicted Season Outcome
Given the talent on the Cowboys’ roster and the strength of their coaching staff, another playoff berth is a reasonable expectation. However, the road to the postseason and beyond will not be easy. The games against Philadelphia Eagles and other playoff contenders from the previous year will serve as critical junctures in the Cowboys’ 2023 campaign. With effective play-calling, solid defensive performances, and a healthy Dak Prescott, the Cowboys could improve upon their previous 12-win season.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the 2023 season promises to be an exciting one for the Dallas Cowboys. Filled with significant matchups and high-stakes games, the schedule will test the Cowboys at every turn. The team’s ability to rise to these challenges will determine the success of their season. As always, the anticipation is high, and Cowboys fans worldwide are eagerly waiting for the season to unfold.
FAQS
The Cowboys have six prime time games in the 2023 season. These are against the New York Giants in Week 1, San Francisco 49ers in Week 5, Los Angeles Chargers in Week 6, Seattle Seahawks in Week 13, Philadelphia Eagles in Week 14, and Detroit Lions in Week 17. These games are scheduled for Sunday Night Football, Monday Night Football, and Thursday Night Football on Amazon Prime.
The Cowboys have a bye in Week 7 of the 2023 season. This week off comes in the middle of their schedule, providing the team an opportunity to rest and recuperate before the latter half of the season.
In the 2023 season, the Cowboys are set to play nine games against teams that made it to the playoffs in the previous year. This includes two games each against their division rivals, the Philadelphia Eagles and the Washington Commanders, and games against the San Francisco 49ers, Buffalo Bills, and Seattle Seahawks.