The Dallas Cowboys are gearing up for a third consecutive playoff run, something that the organization hasn't seen since Michael Jordan returned to the Chicago Bulls in the mid-1990s.

Dallas has a schedule full of prime-time matchups (they're tied for the most with six), and per usual, all eyes will be on the most popular team in sports to see how they perform. A few of the more intriguing games for the Cowboys are at the start of their 2023 campaign.

They technically may play in New Jersey and not New York City or "The Big Apple" as it's known. However, the New York Giants and New York Jets won't be easy contests for the Cowboys. 

Many will look at the history of the Cowboys dominating the Giants in season openers and pencil it in as a win. That's understandable, but the Giants are an NFC East, so records can be thrown out of the window.

The Giants are also coming off of a very successful NFL Draft highlighted by cornerback Deonte Banks and wide receiver Jalin Hyatt. Defensively, the Giants are stout in the trenches with Leonard Williams, Dexter Lawrence, and A'Shawn Robinson. Saquon Barkley in the backfield mixed with wide receivers Sterling Shepard, Darius Slayton, and Wan'Dale Robinson gives the Giants a capable offense, so the Cowboys better come ready to play. 

Dallas gets to face an old foe in Week 2 in their home opener, Aaron Rodgers. His success against the Cowboys, particularly on their home field, has been well documented and with weapons such as 2022 Offensive Player of the Year Garrett Wilson and Mecole Hardman to throw to, it won't be easy for the Cowboys to stop the Jets offense. 

The Jets are coming off of an excellent defensive season. They finished fourth in total defense and fewest points per game, led by last season's Defensive Rookie of the Year Sauce Gardner who was named a Pro Bowler and a first-team All-Pro as well. So, Dak Prescott and the Cowboys offense won't have it easy.

Dallas is chasing the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC East, and getting off to a rocky start wouldn't be wise. So, the Cowboys need to begin the upcoming season with a sense of urgency because if they are caught not on their game, an 0-2 start is highly possible.