The Dallas Cowboys schedule is out now and while I’ve done a series of reactions to the dates themselves, I know what fans really want is predictions. So here you go, here are my way-too-early predictions for each game.

Obvious disclaimer: Come on, we don’t even know who will be injured and who won’t. So don’t be emailing me in December about getting a game or two (or much more) wrong. There’s a lot we need to find out. But let’s do it for fun.

Predicting how many games the Cowboys win after the 2026 schedule release

Week 1: Cowboys at Giants

Cowboys win: I will admit I am excited about the Giants’ future and dare I say it, bullish. But it will take time. Plus, Malik Nabers’ injury may play a factor on this one and I find it unlikely Arvell Reese and Francis Mauigoa are game-changers this early on. I think the Cowboys continue their longstanding tradition of beating the Giants when Dak Prescott is at quarterback.

Record after Week 1: 1-0

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Week 2: Cowboys vs Commanders

Cowboys win: This won’t be an easy one but I have the Cowboys taking the win at home against a Commanders defense that is still in rebuild mode. The high-powered offense swept Dan Quinn last year and it has the potential to do so again.

Record after Week 2: 2-0

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Week 3: Cowboys vs Ravens (in Rio)

Cowboys lose: This is going to be a big test for the Christian Parker-led defense. The Cowboys have struggled against mobile quarterbacks in the past and it doesn’t get any more mobile than Lamar Jackson. I’ve got them stumbling here.

Record after Week 3: 2-1

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Week 4: Cowboys at Texans

Cowboys win: Though I believe the Texans defense will hit the Cowboys in the mouth in this one (those edge rushers should have a big day against tackles Tyler Guyton and Terence Steele), I’ve got to see more from C.J. Stroud to believe he can match Prescott’s-led offense.

Record after Week 4: 3-1

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Week 5: Cowboys vs Bucs (Thursday Night Football)

Cowboys win: Maybe the short week has other plans but the Cowboys should be able to get away at home in what has ugly game written all over it. Baker Mayfield is a baller and he’ll have his moments. I say not enough.

Record after Week 5: 4-1

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Week 6: Cowboys at Packers (Sunday Night Football)

Cowboys lose: The Cowboys should have won this one in 2025 but they didn’t. I’ve got them paying the price for it. Micah Parsons will likely be fresh off of a stint on the PUP list and I have him making him big plays at Lambeau Field.

Record after Week 6: 4-2

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Week 7: Cowboys at Eagles (Monday Night Football)

Cowboys lose: This will be Parker’s first game against his former team and while I expect his defense to be catching a rhythm by this point of the season, I still question if the Cowboys have the horses to stop the run consistently. Give me Philly at home. Ew.

Record after Week 7: 4-3

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Week 8: Cowboys vs Cardinals

Cowboys win: This should feel like a major break for Dallas once it gets here. The Cardinals shocked them last November but they can’t allow it to happen again. I don’t think they will as this is where having an average defense will show up in a big way.

Record after Week 8: 5-3

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Week 9: Cowboys at Colts

Cowboys win: This is giving coin flip kind of vibes. I see it coming down to the wire but Prescott pulling through in the end. Shane Steichen versus Brian Schottenheimer should be a fun one.

Record after Week 9: 6-3

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Week 10: Cowboys vs 49ers

Cowboys lose: Can they win it? Sure. But the Cowboys haven’t beaten the 49ers since 2020. Every time they’ve played each other, San Francisco has been more physical and downright dominant. I just can’t pick Dallas here but it will be an important measuring stick game.

Record after Week 10: 6-4

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Week 11: Cowboys vs Titans

Cowboys win: The Titans should be much improved in 2026. But not nearly enough to beat the Cowboys at home if you ask me.

Record after Week 11: 7-4

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Week 12: Cowboys vs Eagles (Thanksgiving Day)

Cowboys win: I had the Eagles winning the first matchup but give me Dallas at home. Sure, their defense has a couple of All-Pro cornerbacks but Dak Prescott knows how to get after Philly’s secondaries every year. With George Pickens back in the fold, I expect the same.

Record after Week 12: 8-4

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Week 13: Cowboys at Seahawks (Monday Night Football)

Cowboys lose: The Seahawks are just too deep on defense despite recent loses. Losing Riq Woolen may help Dallas exploit them at cornerback but they usually have safety help, so it won’t be easy. The champs make a stand here.

Record after Week 13: 8-5

Week 14: BYE

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Week 15: Cowboys at Rams

Cowboys lose: This is far and away the game that makes me the most excited about the Cowboys season, barring divisional showdowns. Matthew Stafford and Prescott were two of the top three quarterbacks in the NFL last year if you watched the film. This makes me feel like it will be a heartbreaking loss where Stafford takes advantaged of the Cowboys’ weak spots on defense.

Record after Week 15: 8-6

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Week 16: Cowboys vs Jaguars (Sunday Night Football)

Cowboys win: The Cowboys should have beaten the Jaguars in 2022 when a Dak Prescott ricochet interception opened the door wide open for Jacksonville to win it 40-34. Now it’s payback time. Liam Cohen is off to a hot start in Florida but give me Dallas at home.

Record after Week 16: 9-6

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Week 17: Cowboys vs Giants

Cowboys lose: I know, I know. A loss to the Giants in Week 17? You have to throw in a shocker or two in your predictions and a divisional loss late in the year against a Harbaugh-led team isn’t that far fetched.

Record after Week 17: 9-7

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Week 18: Cowboys at Commanders

Cowboys win: The Cowboys get to double-digit wins by sweeping the Commanders for the second consecutive year. At this point, I’m not sure Washington will be playing for anything and Dallas makes the most of it to hope 10 wins is enough to get in the tournament.

Record after Week 18: 10-7