The Dallas Cowboys endured several struggles throughout the 2025 season. It appears 2026 won’t be any easier.
The only teams with tougher schedules are the 30th-ranked Carolina Panthers, the 31st-ranked Miami Dolphins and the 32nd-ranked Arizona Cardinals. Sharp put together his strength of schedule chart using projected win totals from 2026, as opposed to win-loss records from 2025.
We’ll officially find out dates for the Cowboys’ 2026 regular-season schedule next week. Before that, let’s break down why Dallas faces such a daunting slate:
The Cowboys have a projected win total of 8.5, according to Sharp. Eight of their opponents have projected win totals of 9.5 or more games.
Jacksonville Jaguars: 9.5
Philadelphia Eagles: 10.5
San Francisco 49ers: 10.5
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 8.5
Washington Commanders: 7.5