Exactly one week until the 2018 NFL Draft, the league announced next season’s schedule for all 32 teams today. The Cowboys will certainly have their share of challenges this coming year, but the schedule doesn’t seem overly daunting at first glance. Without further ado here is the Dallas Cowboys 2018 schedule. Be sure to hit us up on Twitter @FPC_Cowboys to let us know your season predictions!
Week 1 – @ Carolina Panthers – 4:25 p.m.
The Cowboys will begin their 2018 season on the road against Cam Newton and the Panthers. After finishing at 11-5 a year ago, Carolina will look to build on its 2017 playoff campaign. Now third-year pros, Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott will be hungry to rebound from poor sophomore seasons. Worth noting, Carolina linebacker Thomas Davis is suspended for the first four games of the year.
Fun fact: Dallas has not lost a road game in Week 1 since Sept. 11, 2011.
— Mark Lane (@therealmarklane) April 19, 2018
Week 2 – vs. New York Giants – 8:20 p.m. SNF
Though not in it’s customary opening weekend slot, the first rendition of 2018’s Cowboys/Giants rivalry won’t keep fans waiting long. As of April 19th, the real question here is whether or not Dez Bryant will be wearing a darker shade of blue.
Week 3 – @ Seattle Seahawks – 4:25 p.m.
Every time these two teams matchup, something crazy tends to happen. Romo botched snap, Terrance Williams toe-tap, Dez debacle, let’s hope the Cowboys can escape Seattle healthy and with a W.
Week 4 – vs. Detroit Lions – 1:00 p.m.
Another team that always seems to give the Cowboys trouble, especially in Dallas, the Detroit Lions. With a healthy Matthew Stafford, the Lions have the capability to outscore any team in the league. The young Cowboys secondary will face their fourth straight Pro Bowl quarterback to start the season.
Week 5 – @ Houston Texans – 8:20 p.m. SNF
The second of five primetime games for the Cowboys this season. Will Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson be back to 100%? What about J.J. Watt?
Week 6 – vs. Jacksonville Jaguars – 4:25 p.m.
Many fans wanted Dallas to select Jalen Ramsey instead of Ezekiel Elliott in the 2016 NFL Draft. The flashy corner will make his debut in Dallas here, while former Cowboy Barry Church will make his first trip back to AT&T stadium.
Week 7 – @ Washington Redskins – 4:25 p.m.
Dallas will get their first look at the new Alex Smith version of the Redskins. Former Cowboy Orlando Scandrick will also get his initial shot at revenge against the team that let him go.
Week 8 – BYE
Week 9 – vs. Tennessee Titans – 8:15 p.m. MNF
A playoff team a year ago, the Titans recently cut former Cowboy Demarco Murray, leaving Derrick Henry as the lead back. Marcus Mariota will look to spoil the Monday Night Football party at Jerry World, but this is a game Dallas needs to win if they have playoff aspirations.
Week 10 – @ Philadelphia Eagles – 8:20 SNF
Dallas won’t get their shot at the defending World Champions until late in the season. Primetime in Philly means that crowd will be extra rowdy. However, one mark of Jason Garrett’s teams is their ability to play well on the road.
Week 11 – @ Atlanta Falcons – 1:00 p.m.
A brutal back to back road stretch here as the Cowboys will head to Atlanta following a Sunday night game in Philadelphia. No need to describe how deadly the Falcons offense can be. On a short week, sandwiched between divisional games, this one will be tough for Dallas.
Week 12 – vs. Washington Redskins – 4:30 p.m. Thanksgiving
The annual turkey day game will feature a classic rivalry. The last time these two played on Thanksgiving was in 2016. The Cowboys won 31-26 for their 10th straight victory on the year.
Week 13 – vs. New Orleans Saints – 8:20 p.m. TNF
Drew Brees will lead a high powered Saints team, featuring the reigning offensive and defensive rookies of the year, into Big D for what should be a high scoring affair.
Week 14 – vs. Philadelphia Eagles – 4:25 p.m.
By this time Carson Wentz should be all the way comfortable coming off ACL surgery. If Dallas wants any chance at dethroning the Eagles as NFC East champs, one would think this is a must win.
Week 15 – @ Indianapolis Colts – 1:00 p.m.
Depending on the health of Andrew Luck, Dallas could catch a break here with games against back to back non-playoff teams. However, if Luck is back to his old self, the difficulty level skyrockets and another high scoring affair seems likely
Week 16 – vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – 1:00 p.m.
Jameis Winston and Mike Evans will lead a potentially explosive offense into Dallas in the penultimate game of 2018. Winston is prone to turning the ball over, so a big game from Demarcus Lawrence would go a long way in helping secure a late-season victory.
Week 17 – @ New York Giants – 1:00 p.m.
The past two seasons the final week divisional showdown has meant very little for the Cowboys in terms of the final standings. It is possible however that Dallas will need to escape New Jersey with a victory in order to make the postseason this year in a highly competitive NFC.
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