The 2023 schedule for the Dallas Cowboys has officially been released, and now the journey toward a sixth Super Bowl title can begin.

Of course, when it comes to the Cowboys who are always in the spotlight with a plethora of prime-time games and headlining matchups, it's about when the league gives them their most difficult and "easiest" stretches throughout the season. 

There's one point of the Cowboys' schedule that may not be the hardest, but it could end up being the most crucial when it comes to playoff hopes. Let's take a look:

• Week 5: @ San Francisco 49ers (Sunday, Oct. 8, 7:20 pm CT)

• Week 6: @ Los Angeles Chargers (Monday, Oct. 16, 7:15 pm CT)

• Week 7: Bye Week

• Week 8: vs Los Angeles Rams (Sunday, Oct. 29, 12:00 pm CT)

• Week 9: @ Philadelphia Eagles (Sunday, Nov. 5, 3:25 pm CT)

• Week 10: vs New York Giants (Sunday, Nov. 12, 3:25 pm CT)

Very intriguing gauntlet here.

The 49ers have one of the best defenses in the NFL and they've ended the Cowboys season in the playoffs in each of the last two seasons. This game isn't just big in the standings of the NFC, but the Cowboys need this game from a psychological standpoint, and having to pass this test on the road will.be challenging. 

Dallas will stay in California and take on the Chargers a week later. They will face former offensive coordinator Kellen Moore who got wide receivers Quentin Johnston and Derius Davis in the draft to go along with Austin Ekeler, Keenan Allen, and Mike Williams. Plus, the Chargers have plenty of defensive talent so this will be another tough road game for the Cowboys. 

Games after the Bye Week are always tricky due to the possibility of getting out of rhythm. Luckily for the Cowboys, they'll be at home against the Rams, but it won't be easy to neutralize a passing attack that has Cooper Kupp and deal with a game-wrecker on defense like Aaron Donald. This has all the makings of a trap game with the Cowboys looking better on paper. 

The final two games of this part of the schedule have the Cowboys taking on the Eagles and Giants in back-to-back weeks. Philadelphia's defense is elite and they added Georgia studs Jalen Carter and Nolan Smith in the first round of the draft. The Eagles' offense is a nightmare to defend with Jalen Hurts and the RPO attack so Dallas will have plenty of trouble winning this game.

New York surprised a lot of people by making the playoffs in 2022. Their draft was a success by adding one of the best cornerbacks in Deonte Banks and a dangerous receiving weapon in Jalin Hyatt. The Cowboys have had their way with the Giants over the last decade, but they can't hang their hats on that. The Giants have weapons on offense and a talented defensive unit.

Dallas has other tough points in their schedule, but if they fall apart during this five-game stretch the upcoming season could be a long one.