In the Spotlight: Dallas Cowboys Look for a Return to the Playoffs in 2026

The Dallas Cowboys enter the 2026 NFL season looking to rebound after finishing 7-9-1 in Brian Schottenheimer’s first year as head coach. Dallas remained productive offensively, scoring 471 points, but a defense that surrendered an NFL-high 511 points prevented the Cowboys from returning to the playoffs. That unit received considerable attention during the offseason. Christian Parker takes over as defensive coordinator, while Dallas traded for veteran pass rusher Rashan Gary and signed safety Jalen Thompson. The Cowboys also used two first-round draft picks on safety Caleb Downs and edge rusher Malachi Lawrence.

What to Watch

Dak Prescott remains the centerpiece of an offense that should again be capable of putting up plenty of points. CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens give Prescott two high-end receiving options, while Jake Ferguson remains an important target at tight end. Javonte Williams is back after rushing for 1,201 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2025. Defense is the bigger question. Dallas finished last in points allowed in 2025, making Parker’s ability to produce a quick turnaround critical. Gary joins a defensive front that includes Quinnen Williams and Kenny Clark, while Downs gives the secondary one of the most highly regarded young safeties entering the league. The schedule will also provide challenges. Dallas plays six scheduled primetime games and travels to Brazil for a Week 3 meeting with Baltimore. The Cowboys also face Philadelphia on Thanksgiving for the first time since 2014.

Betting Outlook

Sportsbooks like DraftKings and Hard Rock Bet expect improvement. bet365 recently listed Dallas at +200 to win the NFC East, +1200 to capture the NFC and +2200 to win the Super Bowl. The regular-season win total is 9.5, with the Over at +100 and Under at -130 in that market. That represents a significant jump after seven victories in 2025. The offense gives Dallas plenty of upside, but whether the Cowboys can reach double-digit victories may depend on how quickly the rebuilt defense improves.

Key Team Details

• 2025 record: 7-9-1, second in NFC East.
• Key players to watch: Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens, Javonte Williams, Quinnen Williams, Rashan Gary and Caleb Downs.
• Expected starting QB: Dak Prescott.
• Key signings and additions for 2026-27 season: Rashan Gary, Jalen Thompson, P.J. Locke and Cobie Durant, along with first-round picks Caleb Downs and Malachi Lawrence. Dallas also retained Williams and Pickens.
• Betting odds to win NFC East: +200 at bet365.
• Betting odds to win NFC: +1200 at bet365.
• Betting odds to win Super Bowl: +2200 at bet365.
• Win totals over/under: 9.5 wins; Over +100, Under -130.

2026-27 Dallas Cowboys Schedule

Dallas opens with consecutive NFC East games before serving as the designated home team against Baltimore in Rio de Janeiro. Week 18 remains TBD.

Week	Date	Opponent	Location
1	Sept. 13	New York Giants	Away
2	Sept. 20	Washington Commanders	Home
3	Sept. 27	Baltimore Ravens	Brazil
4	Oct. 4	Houston Texans	Away
5	Oct. 8	Tampa Bay Buccaneers	Home
6	Oct. 18	Green Bay Packers	Away
7	Oct. 26	Philadelphia Eagles	Away
8	Nov. 1	Arizona Cardinals	Home
9	Nov. 8	Indianapolis Colts	Away
10	Nov. 15	San Francisco 49ers	Home
11	Nov. 22	Tennessee Titans	Home
12	Nov. 26	Philadelphia Eagles	Home
13	Dec. 7	Seattle Seahawks	Away
14	—	BYE	—
15	Dec. 20	Los Angeles Rams	Away
16	Dec. 27	Jacksonville Jaguars	Home
17	Jan. 3	New York Giants	Home
18	TBD	Washington Commanders	Away