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2025-26 Dallas Cowboys Football Guide

2025-26 Dallas Cowboys Football Guide

After struggling in 2024, America’s Team has been working all offseason in hopes of having more success in the upcoming NFL season, but whether they’ll even get a shot at a postseason run remains to be seen. With a new head coach, a (fingers crossed) healthy Dak Prescott and several new players to invigorate the offense, the Cowboys’ prospects could swing in either direction.

Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming Dallas Cowboys season, from historical stats and key rivalries to 2025 can’t-miss games, draft picks, transactions and more.

Dallas Cowboys Football Quick Facts:

Established: 1960
Owner: Jerry Jones
Head Coach: Brian Schottenheimer
Home Stadium: AT&T Stadium
Super Bowl Wins: 5 (1971, 1977, 1992, 1993, 1995)
2024 Finish: 3rd in NFC East (7-10)

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2025 Outlook

Falling towards the end of the 2025 NFL team rankings, the Cowboys must prioritize maintaining player health and strategically deploying both veteran talent and new recruits to secure a postseason berth. Failing to re-sign star defensive end Micah Parsons, though, could end their playoff hopes before the season kicks off. With Brian Schottenheimer stepping into his role as head coach for the first time, all eyes will be on how this team performs under his leadership.

How did Brian Schottenheimer become head coach?

Toward the end of January 2025, after deciding not to renew previous head coach Mike McCarthy’s contract, Schottenheimer was unexpectedly promoted to head coach, despite other qualified candidates being in the running. One of his biggest supporters, outlets report, was QB Dak Prescott.


Key Dallas Cowboys Matchups in 2025

While every weekend is an exciting one with America’s Team (especially with their relatively difficult strength of schedule), there are some regular season matchups fans won’t want to miss this NFL season. Now’s the perfect time to mark your calendars to make sure you get a front row seat on your couch for these high-profile games.

Dallas Cowboys vs Philadelphia Eagles 2025 Matchups

Regular Season Rivalry Record: Cowboys lead 74-58

The Cowboys open the 2025–26 regular season on the road against their biggest rival, the reigning Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles. This Week 1 clash carries extra weight, as it marks the first time these two teams have met in a season opener since 2000. Further out, we can expect the Week 12 matchup to be pivotal for NFC East standings.

  • Game 1: Thursday, September 4th (NFL Season Opener, Week 1)
    • Kickoff: 8:20 p.m. ET
    • Where to Watch: NBC, Peacock
  • Game 2: Sunday, November 23rd (Week 12)
    • Kickoff Time: 4:25 p.m. ET
    • Where to Watch: FOX

Dallas Cowboys vs Washington Commanders 2025 Matchups

Regular Season Rivalry Record: Cowboys lead 79–49–2

The Cowboys and Commanders renew one of the NFL’s oldest rivalries, a divisional battle that’s been running since 1960. Their first matchup comes in Week 7, before a high-profile Christmas Day showdown in Week 17 — a game sure to draw eyes with playoff implications in play.

  • Game 1: Sunday, October 19th (Week 7)
    • Kickoff Time: 4:25 p.m. ET
    • Where to Watch: FOX
  • Game 2: Thursday, December 25th (Week 17)
    • Kickoff Time: 1 p.m. ET
    • Where to Watch: Netflix

Dallas Cowboys vs Green Bay Packers 2025 Matchups

Regular Season Rivalry Record: Packers lead 22–17

The Cowboys and Packers share one of the NFL’s most storied postseason rivalries, defined by nine playoff meetings and unforgettable moments like the 1967 “Ice Bowl.” While they don’t meet every year, when they do, it often carries added weight. Their singular 2025 matchup comes under the primetime lights in Week 4, making it a game that could feel like a playoff preview.

  • Game 1: Sunday, September 28th (Week 4)
    • Kickoff Time: 8:20 p.m. ET
    • Where to Watch: NBC

Dallas Cowboys vs New York Giants 2025 Matchups

Regular Season Rivalry Record: Cowboys lead 77–47–2

The Cowboys and Giants mark one of the longest-running rivalries in the NFC East. Though not always as fiery as Dallas’s clashes with Philadelphia or Washington, these games often deliver drama and close finishes, especially when divisional positioning is on the line. The first meeting comes early in Week 2, followed by a potential high-stakes rematch in Week 18 that could make or break postseason dreams.

  • Game 1: Sunday, September 14th (Week 2)
    • Kickoff Time: 1 p.m. ET
    • Where to Watch: FOX
  • Game 2: Flex Game TBD (Week 18)

NFL Thanksgiving Game 2025

While not a rivalry game, per se, we would be remiss not to mention the annual Thanksgiving Day Game the Cowboys have participated in since 1966. This year, they’ll be facing off against the powerhouse Kansas City Chiefs.

  • Thanksgiving Game: Thursday, November 27th (Week 13)
    • Kickoff: 4:30 p.m. ET
    • Where to Watch: CBS

Find the full Dallas Cowboys game schedule for 2025 right here!


Dallas Cowboys Draft Picks, Offseason Signings, Re-signings, Trade Acquisitions in 2025

Draft Picks:

During the 2025 Draft, America’s team managed to plug a few gaps in their roster, mostly when it came to running backs and defensive positions.

Here are the results of the Cowboys draft decisions:

Round – Pick Position Player College
Rd. 1 – Pick 12 Guard Tyler Booker Alabama
Rd. 2 – Pick 12 Edge Rusher Donovan Ezeiruaku Boston College
Rd. 3 – Pick 12 Corner Back Shavon Revel Jr East Carolina
Rd. 5 – Pick 12 Running Back Jaydon Blue Texas
Rd. 5 – Pick 16 Linebacker Shemar James Florida
Rd. 6 – Pick 28 Offensive Tackle Ajani Cornelius Oregon
Rd. 7 – Pick 1 Defensive Tackle Jay Toia UCLA
Rd. 7 – Pick 23 Running Back Phil Mafah Clemson
Rd. 7 – Pick 31 Defensive Tackle Tommy Akingbesote Maryland

Offseason Signings:

Offseason roster decisions are no joke — especially for a Cowboys team looking to make serious improvements this season. Here are the offseason signings and transactions you need to know.

Position Player (Age) Previous Team Contract Terms
RB Miles Sanders (28) Carolina Panthers 1 year, $1.3 million
RB Javonte Williams (25) Denver Broncos 1 year, $3 million
WR Parris Campbell (27) Philadelphia Eagles 1 year
G Saahdiq Charles (25) Tennessee Titans 1 year
G Robert Jones (26) Miami Dolphins 1 year, $4.75 million
T Hakeem Adeniji (27) Cleveland Browns 1 year, $1.2 million
DE Dante Fowler (31) Washington Commanders 1 year, $6 million
DE Payton Turner (26) New Orleans Saints 1 year, $2.5 million
DT Solomon Thomas (30) New York Jets 2 years, $6 million
LB Jack Sanborn (25) Chicago Bears 1 year, $1.3 million

Re-signings:

Position Player (Age) Contract Terms
WR KaVontae Turpin (29) 3 years, $18 million
C Dakoda Shepley (31) 2 years, $2.3 million
DT Osa Odighizuwa (27) 4 years, $80 million
CB C. J. Goodwin (35) 1 year, $1.2 million
CB Israel Mukuamu (26) 1 year, $1.75 million
SS Markquese Bell (26) 3 years, $9 million
P Bryan Anger (37) 2 years, $6.4 million
LS Trent Sieg (3) 3 years, $4.5 million

Trade Acquisitions:

Position Player (Age) Previous Team Traded Away
QB Joe Milton (25) New England Patriots 2025 fifth-round selection
WR George Pickens (24) Pittsburgh Steelers 2026 third-round selection and 2027 fifth round selection
LB Kenneth Murray (27) Tennessee Titans 2025 sixth-round selection
CB Kaiir Elam (24) Buffalo Bills 2025 fifth-round selection and 2026 seventh-round selection

Departures:

The Cowboys saw several familiar faces move on this offseason. Quarterbacks Trey Lance (Chargers) and Cooper Rush (Ravens) found new homes, while running back Rico Dowdle joined the Panthers. Veteran wideout Brandin Cooks signed with the Saints, and offensive lineman Chuma Edoga landed in Jacksonville. Franchise cornerstone Zack Martin retired after a Hall of Fame–caliber career.

On defense, Dallas parted ways with multiple linemen: Chauncey Golston (Giants), DeMarcus Lawrence (Seahawks), Carlos Watkins (Titans) and Carl Lawson (unsigned). Longtime veteran Linval Joseph and linebacker Eric Kendricks also remain unsigned. In the secondary, cornerbacks Jourdan Lewis (Jaguars) and Amani Oruwariye (Titans) both departed in free agency.

Find the full 2025 roster for the Cowboys right here!


Dallas Cowboys Historical Stats

If you’re searching for even more information into the historic Dallas Cowboys, look no further than these stats:

  • Super Bowl Appearances: 8 (tied with Steelers & Broncos for second most appearances)
  • Super Bowl Wins: 5 (tied for third most championships)
  • Playoff Appearances: 36 (tied for second)
  • Regular Season All-Time Record: 569 Wins, 423 Losses, 6 Ties (2nd best W-L percentage)
  • Playoff All-Time Record: 36 Wins, 31 Losses

Dallas Cowboys News

This year, the Cowboys are getting even more media coverage than usual with a new Netflix documentary looking at the legacy of team owner Jerry Jones, one of the most recognizable figures in the NFL, and featuring key members of their early 1990s Super Bowl run. Get more information about the new Jerry Jones documentary here.

During the season, you can keep up with all the latest Cowboys news right here:


How to Watch the Dallas Cowboys

On any given Sunday (and of course for Monday Night Football and the occasional Thursday Night Football game), Cowboys fans are ready for a front row seat to the game. Here are all the networks and streaming services you need to watch the Cowboys play all season long. 

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the regular season record between the Dallas Cowboys and the Philadelphia Eagles?

Cowboys lead 74-58

Who is the new head coach of the Dallas Cowboys?

Brian Schottenheimer was announced as the new head coach of the Dallas Cowboys in January 2025. He has been working with the Cowboys since he started as a consultant in 2022.

Which teams are the Dallas Cowboys' biggest rivals in 2025?

Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Commanders, New York Giants, Green Bay Packers.

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