As the Dallas Cowboys look to make a third consecutive playoff appearance, they'll do so with a pretty challenging schedule.

Dallas has two tough games to start with NFC East foe the New York Giants and the New York Jets who now have Aaron Rodgers on their roster who has given the Cowboys headaches for ages it seems like. The Cowboys also have a critical stretch just before and after their bye week when they'll take on the San Francisco 49ers, Philadelphia Eagles, and Giants.

The NFL always likes to put big games at the end of the season, so they have more meaning with it comes to division titles and playoff berths. Well, they gave the Cowboys quite the tall task to end the year with these six opponents:

• Week 13: vs Seattle Seahawks (Thursday, Nov. 30, 7:15 pm CT)

• Week 14: vs Philadelphia Eagles (Sunday, Dec. 10, 7:20 pm CT)

• Week 15: @ Buffalo Bills (Sunday, Dec. 17, 3:25 pm CT)

• Week 16: @ Miami Dolphins (Sunday, Dec. 24, 3:25 pm CT)

• Week 17: vs Detroit Lions (Saturday, Dec. 30, 7:15 pm CT)

• Week 18: @ Washington Commanders (TBD)

The Seahawks just had one of the best drafts of any team by snagging cornerback Devon Witherspoon and wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba in the first round and then got linebacker Derick Hall and running back Zach Charbonnet in the second. Plus, Pete Carroll will have them ready to play, and coming off a Thanksgiving game against the Washington Commanders, the Cowboys can't come out slow.

When the Cowboys take on the Eagles in December, the NFC East should still be hanging in the balance, and a win could separate one team from the other. The Eagles always play the Cowboys tough, and they're likely to be better in 2023 than they were last season so this will be a dogfight. 

December in Buffalo will be cold and uncomfortable, plus the Bills have a top-five quarterback in Josh Allen and an elite wide receiver in Stefon Diggs. Add on a top-six defense returning from a year ago, the Cowboys will have their hands full.

The Miami Dolphins had a busy offseason which included trading for All-Pro Jalen Ramsey plus drafting cornerback Cam Smith and running back Devon Achane. Dallas will have to scratch and claw to get a win in South Florida in this one.

Detroit had the fourth overall offense last season but was last in defense. So, they added linebacker Jack Campbell, safety Brian Branch, and defensive tackle Brodric Martin while also drafting speedy running back Jahmyr Gibbs 12th overall. Detroit could be fighting for position in the NFC North so the Cowboys will be tested greatly. 

Washington ranked third in total defense in 2022 and added to it in the draft with cornerbacks Emmanuel Forbes and Jartavius Martin as well as edge rusher K.J. Henry. They were in the playoff hunt until the final weeks last season and very well could again, plus the Cowboys are a hated rival, and possibly ruining their season and playoff hopes will be a motivating factor for the Commanders.

Dallas may perform outstanding and dominant during this gauntlet. Regardless, if they make the playoffs, they'll be battle tested.