Who will the Dallas Cowboys play next on their NFL 2025 schedule?

As of January 2025, the Dallas Cowboys are preparing for an exciting upcoming season in the NFL 2025. After a year full of ups and downs, the Cowboys have their sights set on returning to the Super Bowl, and much of the focus now shifts to their 2025 schedule. The Cowboys have a lot to prove, especially after several seasons of strong regular-season performances followed by disappointing playoff exits. With talented players like Dak Prescott, Micah Parsons, and CeeDee Lamb, Dallas is ready to make another push for the NFC Championship. But who will they face next, and what are the key matchups fans should watch for as the season unfolds?

In this article, we will dive into the details of the Cowboys’ upcoming NFL 2025 schedule, providing a thorough analysis of their next opponent and what fans can expect from each game. Whether it’s divisional matchups, rivalry games, or clashes with formidable teams from other conferences, we’ll explore the most significant storylines and key matchups ahead for the Cowboys.

Dallas Cowboys’ NFL 2025 Schedule Overview

The NFL’s regular season will consist of 17 games for each team, and the Dallas Cowboys are set to face a mix of divisional rivals, as well as teams from the AFC and other NFC divisions. As always, divisional matchups with the Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Commanders, and New York Giants will be crucial to determining their playoff chances. On top of that, the Cowboys will face several high-profile teams that will challenge them throughout the season.

Without the official dates yet released, here’s a breakdown of the Cowboys’ possible opponents, including some of the most significant matchups, based on the NFL’s rotating schedule and last year’s standings.

Divisional Rivalries: The NFC East

The NFC East is one of the most competitive divisions in the NFL, and the Cowboys’ games within the division are always high-stakes. The Cowboys will play each of their three NFC East rivals twice—once at home and once on the road.

Dallas Cowboys vs. Philadelphia Eagles

The Philadelphia Eagles have been the Cowboys’ biggest competitors in the NFC East in recent seasons, and their matchups have become the focal point of the division. The Eagles reached the Super Bowl in 2023 and have continued to build a strong roster under head coach Nick Sirianni. The Cowboys and Eagles have developed a fierce rivalry, particularly with both teams possessing explosive offenses and solid defenses. The Cowboys will need to find ways to stop the Eagles’ dynamic quarterback Jalen Hurts, and shut down their powerful offense, led by wide receivers A.J. Brown and Devonta Smith.

The Eagles have also built one of the league’s most aggressive defensive lines, which will put pressure on Dak Prescott and the Cowboys’ offense. These games will likely have major playoff implications, so expect hard-hitting, high-stakes matchups when the Cowboys face off against the Eagles.

Dallas Cowboys vs. New York Giants

The New York Giants are always a tough opponent for the Cowboys, especially in NFC East matchups. Quarterback Daniel Jones and running back Saquon Barkley are a potent one-two punch for the Giants, and their offense is complemented by a young, improving defense. In the last few years, the Cowboys have had the upper hand in this rivalry, but the Giants have been making strides under head coach Brian Daboll.

These games are always emotional, with both teams fighting for divisional supremacy, and the outcome of these matchups could significantly impact the Cowboys’ playoff seeding. The Giants’ defense will have to deal with CeeDee Lamb and Tony Pollard, two of the Cowboys’ biggest weapons, while the Cowboys defense, led by Micah Parsons, will be tasked with neutralizing Barkley and Jones’ mobility.

Dallas Cowboys vs. Washington Commanders

The Washington Commanders are often a team that flies under the radar but consistently remains a tough opponent for the Cowboys. Last season, the Commanders played spoiler to several NFC East teams, and they’ve made several key moves to bolster their roster. Sam Howell at quarterback is a wild card, and with a strong defense that features standout players like Chase Young and Jonathan Allen, Washington will be a formidable challenge for the Cowboys.

Games between the Cowboys and Commanders have historically been closely contested, and this season, Washington will be looking to spoil Dallas’ playoff hopes once again. With the Cowboys’ defensive line facing a potent rushing attack and Terry McLaurin on the receiving end of Howell’s passes, these matchups could be tightly contested.

AFC Opponents: Tough Cross-Conference Clashes

In addition to NFC East games, the Cowboys will face teams from the AFC as part of the league’s scheduling formula, and these games will offer a different kind of challenge for Dallas. The cross-conference matchups give the Cowboys the opportunity to test themselves against some of the best teams from the AFC.

Dallas Cowboys vs. Kansas City Chiefs

One of the most highly anticipated games for the Cowboys in 2025 will likely be against the Kansas City Chiefs, who are perennially one of the NFL’s top teams. With quarterback Patrick Mahomes, the Chiefs have one of the most electrifying offenses in the league, and they will present a massive test for the Cowboys’ defense. The Cowboys’ secondary will need to be sharp in coverage to handle wide receivers Travis Kelce and Marquez Valdes-Scantling, who are capable of stretching the field at any moment.

On offense, Dak Prescott will need to keep pace with Mahomes, and the Cowboys’ offense will have to execute flawlessly against Kansas City’s defense, which has remained a solid unit under head coach Andy Reid. This game could have significant playoff implications for both teams, especially as both the Cowboys and Chiefs are likely to be fighting for top seeding.

Dallas Cowboys vs. Buffalo Bills

Another exciting AFC matchup for the Cowboys in 2025 will come against the Buffalo Bills. The Bills, led by quarterback Josh Allen, are known for their high-powered offense and aggressive defense. Buffalo’s defense, anchored by players like Matt Milano and Tre’Davious White, will present a challenge for Dak Prescott and the Cowboys’ offensive line. Allen, who is a dual-threat quarterback, can make plays both in the air and on the ground, so the Cowboys will have to play disciplined, team-oriented defense to limit his impact.

In these kinds of games, the Cowboys will be tested by one of the most talented teams in the league, and these matchups will provide an opportunity for both teams to gauge where they stand in the playoff race.

Key NFC Opponents: Championship Contenders

The Cowboys will also face a number of high-profile teams from the NFC, and several of these matchups could play a critical role in the Cowboys’ playoff hopes.

Dallas Cowboys vs. San Francisco 49ers

The San Francisco 49ers are a team that the Cowboys have struggled to beat in recent years. The 49ers’ defense, led by players like Fred Warner and Nick Bosa, has been one of the most dominant in the NFL, and their offense, under the direction of head coach Kyle Shanahan, is dynamic and well-balanced. Quarterback Brock Purdy and running back Christian McCaffrey make for a potent offensive duo, and the Cowboys’ defense will need to find ways to contain them.

These matchups between Dallas and San Francisco are likely to be physical and high-energy, with both teams vying for playoff positioning. If the Cowboys are to make a deep postseason run, they’ll need to prove they can handle the 49ers’ aggressive style of play.

Dallas Cowboys vs. Minnesota Vikings

Another tough NFC matchup for the Cowboys will be against the Minnesota Vikings, who have become a consistent playoff team in recent years. With Kirk Cousins at quarterback and Justin Jefferson at wide receiver, the Vikings’ offense has explosive playmakers capable of challenging any defense. The Cowboys will need to step up defensively and make sure they don’t allow big plays to Jefferson, while also keeping pressure on Cousins.

Minnesota’s defense, led by Za’Darius Smith and Harrison Smith, will be a tough test for Dallas’ offensive line. This game could be another crucial matchup for playoff positioning in the NFC.

 A Challenging Road Ahead for the Dallas Cowboys

The Dallas Cowboys are facing a tough schedule in the 2025 season, with matchups against some of the NFL’s best teams from both conferences. From the fierce rivalries within the NFC East to the high-stakes games against top-tier teams like the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills, and San Francisco 49ers, the Cowboys will have to perform at their best week in and week out.

Ultimately, the Cowboys’ success will hinge on the performance of Dak Prescott, the defensive line, and the development of their young stars. The pressure is on to make a deep playoff run, and with a tough schedule ahead, every game will count toward their ultimate goal: returning to the Super Bowl.

For now, Cowboys fans are eagerly awaiting the official release of the NFL 2025 schedule, and with it, the chance to see how their team will fare in a season filled with high expectations and fierce competition. Whether it’s a divisional showdown or a cross-conference battle, the 2025 season promises to be one for the ages.