Dallas Cowboys 2025 Schedule Released: Who Are the Toughest Tests?

The Dallas Cowboys will head into the upcoming NFL season still reeling after a disastrous 2024 campaign.

After an impressive 2023 season in which the Lone Star State outfit managed to win the NFC East for the 25th time and secure a third straight trip to the postseason, expectations were high that a deep playoff run could be on the cards. 

As we all remember, though, things couldn’t have gone any worse. PHOTO: RWelborn/Pixabay

Two blowout losses in the opening six weeks of the season to the New Orleans Saints and the Detroit Lions showed just how far away the Cowboys were from a championship-winning team. But just when things seemed like they couldn’t get any worse, superstar quarterback Dak Prescott was downed with a season-ending injury midway through the season, curtailing their hopes once and for all. 

Now, the 2025 season begins to loom on the horizon, and the upcoming campaign could potentially represent a new dawn for America’s Team. But despite a new start being just around the corner, online gambling sites don’t think that the Cowboys have enough about them to return to contention.

The latest betting odds from the popular Bovada gambling site make Dallas a mighty +500 outsider to win the NFC East this term, primarily because the reigning Super Bowl Champion Philadelphia Eagles and the beaten NFC Championship finalist Washington Commanders are in such a healthy position. 

The Cowboys will play two games against those two next term, but which teams represent the biggest tests outside of their divisional obligations?Let’s find out. Week 4: vs. Green Bay Packers

The Cowboys’ campaign couldn’t have gotten off to a more difficult start as they will head to Lincoln Financial Field to face the reigning champion Philadelphia Eagles in the 2025 kickoff game. Following those tough tests, Dallas will find some respite in clashes against the Giants and the Bears, but in week four, they will face another testing clash when their storied rivalry with the Green Bay Packers reignites at AT&T Stadium. 

There’s something electric about these two iconic franchises facing off, and this year’s bout will add another chapter to their history. In the most recent clash between the two teams, the Cheeseheads rocked up to the biggest stadium in America. They torpedoed the Cowboys’ Lombardi hopes with a thumping 48-32 victory in the wildcard round of the playoffs. Now, they will be hoping to derail their rivals’ rebuilding plans. 

Quarterback Jordan Love has shown flashes of brilliance while developing into a leader following Aaron Rodgers’ departure. With a potent rushing attack spearheaded by Aaron Jones and a defense anchored by Jaire Alexander, Green Bay brings a balanced, dangerous approach. They will be aiming to fire another dagger into Dallas’ hearts on September 28th. 

Week 8: @ Denver Broncos

Traveling to the altitude of Denver’s Empower Field at Mile High is never an easy task, and Week 8 presents a daunting road trip for Dallas. Sean Payton’s side burst into life last season following a decade of languishing in the doldrums. Rookie quarterback Bo Nix proved that he could well be the new face of the franchise as he led the Colorado outfit to the playoffs for the first time since their Super Bowl triumph nine years prior. 

Built on the back of a staunch defense that conceded just 311 points all season – the third lowest in the league behind the Eagles and the Chiefs – the Broncos will be aiming to put the pressure on Dak Prescott from the outset. Cornerback Pat Surtain II, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, leads a unit known for forcing turnovers and relentless pass-rushing. For Dallas, protecting Prescott will be critical. 

Week 13: vs. Kansas City Chiefs

Thanksgiving festivities shift into high gear in week 13 as the Cowboys welcome the Kansas City Chiefs to Texas. A heavyweight clash against Patrick Mahomes and the reigning NFL juggernaut is a litmus test for Dallas’ postseason aspirations. It remains to be seen how much KC’s humbling defeat at the hands of Philadelphia will affect their psyche heading into 2025, but there can be no denying that Andy Reid’s men will contend for silverware once again next term. 

The Chiefs continue to set the standard for excellence, with Mahomes delivering MVP-caliber performances year after year. Despite his advancing years, tight end Travis Kelce remains an unstoppable force on his day, while wide receivers Xavier Worthy and Rashee Rice continue to mature into monster playmakers. On defense, Chris Jones remains as ruthless as ever, and he will be orchestrating an all-out assault on Prescott from the get-go. 

Week 14: @ Detroit Lions

If recent seasons have proven anything, it’s that the Detroit Lions are no longer the underdog team of old. By Week 14, Dallas faces a road test in front of a raucous crowd at Ford Field against one of the NFC’s current heavyweights.

Last season, the Motor City outfit headed to AT&T Stadium and dismantled the 47-9 Cowboys on home turf in one of their most brutal ever losses. 

What the Lions just did to the Cowboys 👇 pic.twitter.com/CGuz6IZ4CB

— Bovada (@BovadaOfficial) October 14, 2024

Next season, Prescott and Co. will have the opportunity to do the same. However, they will have to be aware of the weapons that the NFC North outfit possesses. 

The Lions boast an explosive offense, with quarterback Jared Goff thriving under Head Coach Dan Campbell’s leadership. Supported by a dynamic backfield and a dangerous receiving corps led by Amon-Ra St. Brown, Detroit poses multiple threats.

Like KC, they also could be somewhat fragile after last season’s disastrous defeat to the Commanders in the Divisional Round of the playoffs, but they will still be much fancied to beat the Cowboys in this one. 

PHOTO: RWelborn/Pixabay