Who will the Dallas Cowboys play next on their NFL 2025 schedule?
As we approach the 2025 NFL season, the Dallas Cowboys will be looking to build on their strong core and work toward a deep playoff run. A critical element of that success will depend on their early matchups, which will help set the tone for the rest of the season. While we do not have exact dates for the Cowboys’ 2025 schedule at the moment, we can dive into the types of opponents they might face, potential challenges, and how the Cowboys’ current roster could fare against these teams.
Here’s how we would break down their schedule and key matchups based on likely opponents, division rivals, and conference matchups.
Division Rivalries: NFC East Matchups
The Dallas Cowboys play each of their NFC East rivals twice a season. These matchups against the Washington Commanders, Philadelphia Eagles, and New York Giants are always intense, often setting the tone for how the Cowboys perform in the division and their playoff aspirations.
Dallas Cowboys vs. Philadelphia Eagles
Arguably the most important game on the Cowboys’ schedule every year is their rivalry with the Philadelphia Eagles. The Eagles are always a tough team, especially after their Super Bowl victory a few years ago. With head coach Nick Sirianni at the helm, the Eagles have remained one of the NFC’s top teams, boasting a dynamic offense led by Jalen Hurts at quarterback. Hurts’ ability to impact the game both in the air and on the ground makes Philadelphia particularly dangerous.
For the Cowboys, this game will be crucial for their playoff hopes. The Cowboys will need to stop Hurts, contain A.J. Brown, and break through Philadelphia’s strong defense. The Eagles’ defensive line is particularly formidable, with Hassan Reddick and Fletcher Cox leading the charge. Dallas’ offensive line, which is one of the better units in the NFL, will need to perform at an elite level to give Dak Prescott time in the pocket and protect against the Eagles’ pass rush.
Dallas Cowboys vs. New York Giants
The New York Giants have been rebuilding, but under head coach Brian Daboll, they’ve become a more competitive team. The emergence of quarterback Daniel Jones and the presence of star running back Saquon Barkley give the Giants offense some serious weapons. Additionally, their defense, led by pass rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux, is solid, though they still need to improve to consistently challenge for the top spot in the NFC East.
For Dallas, this game will offer an opportunity to flex their defensive muscle against a less explosive offense. The Cowboys’ Micah Parsons is one of the league’s most feared defenders, and his ability to pressure Jones and disrupt the Giants’ offensive rhythm will be key to coming away with a victory.
Dallas Cowboys vs. Washington Commanders
The Washington Commanders have had a bit of an up-and-down trajectory in recent years, but they’ve made strides in building a more competitive team. Sam Howell is an exciting young quarterback who could develop into a solid starter, and the addition of Terry McLaurin gives Washington a dynamic receiving threat. The Commanders’ defense, led by stars like Chase Young and Jonathan Allen, is formidable.
For the Cowboys, this matchup presents an opportunity to assert their dominance in the NFC East. The Cowboys should have the edge in this matchup, but Washington’s defense could present challenges for Prescott and company. Controlling the line of scrimmage and containing Washington’s pass rush will be a key focus.
Tough Non-Divisional Matchups: NFC and AFC Opponents
The Cowboys will also face several tough teams from both the NFC and AFC in 2025. These inter-conference games could have major implications for playoff positioning, especially with matchups against top contenders.
Dallas Cowboys vs. San Francisco 49ers
A potential NFC Championship preview, the Cowboys’ game against the San Francisco 49ers will be one to watch. The 49ers, led by head coach Kyle Shanahan, have one of the most balanced teams in the league, with a stout defense anchored by Nick Bosa and an offense featuring the versatile Deebo Samuel and the dynamic running back Christian McCaffrey. Brock Purdy, their emerging quarterback, has shown flashes of brilliance, though his consistency will be a question mark entering 2025.
The Cowboys’ defense, especially Parsons, will be key in stopping the 49ers’ potent offense. On offense, Dallas will need to find ways to move the ball against a 49ers defense that is both physical and fast. CeeDee Lamb will likely be matched up against San Francisco’s strong secondary, and the running game will also play a critical role in keeping the 49ers’ pass rush at bay.
Dallas Cowboys vs. Kansas City Chiefs
In another potential Super Bowl preview, the Cowboys will face the Kansas City Chiefs, led by the dynamic Patrick Mahomes. The Chiefs’ high-powered offense, with Mahomes, Travis Kelce, and Kadarius Toney, is always a challenge for any defense. Dallas’ secondary will have its hands full trying to contain Mahomes’ deep ball, while Parsons and the Cowboys’ front seven will have to find ways to pressure Mahomes without allowing him to escape the pocket.
On offense, the Cowboys will need to score against a solid Chiefs defense, with Chris Jones and the defensive line causing problems in the trenches. Dak Prescott will need to be sharp, using his weapons like Lamb and tight end Jake Ferguson to exploit Kansas City’s secondary.
Dallas Cowboys vs. Miami Dolphins
Another exciting matchup for the Cowboys will be against the Miami Dolphins, a team on the rise with a dynamic offense led by quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and one of the fastest receiving corps in the league, including Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. The Cowboys will need to be prepared for a fast-paced offensive game, with the potential for shootouts if they can’t keep up with the Dolphins’ explosiveness.
Dallas’ secondary, led by cornerbacks Trevon Diggs and Stephon Gilmore, will need to be at its best in this matchup, as Tagovailoa has the ability to push the ball deep down the field. The key for the Cowboys’ defense will be to put pressure on Tua and disrupt his timing with his receivers.
Keys to the Cowboys’ Success in 2025
Regardless of who their opponent is, the Cowboys will need to execute several key strategies to be successful in 2025. These include:
- Maintaining Dak Prescott’s Consistency: Prescott is the leader of this offense, and his ability to stay healthy and avoid turnovers will be crucial to Dallas’ success.
- Micah Parsons’ Impact on Defense: Parsons is the centerpiece of the Cowboys’ defense, and his ability to disrupt the opposing quarterback and generate turnovers will be key.
- Offensive Line Play: The Cowboys’ offensive line has been a strength for several seasons, but it will need to remain healthy and cohesive to keep Prescott protected and open running lanes for Tony Pollard and others.
- Depth and Development of Young Players: The Cowboys will need younger players like CeeDee Lamb, Jake Ferguson, and others to continue developing into reliable playmakers.
