The Cowboys now know the lay of the land for the 2026 season, and there are more than a couple of tough stretches for Dallas to overcome.
The Dallas Cowboys' 2026 slate of games is now known, and the path back to the playoffs isn't an easy one for Brian Schottenheimer's team.
Much was made of Dallas' schedule prior to the release, but as always, context is key.
What time of year the Cowboys play certain teams, when the bye is, and everything in between was all unknown.
But not now. The path back to the playoffs has been revealed, and unfortunately for the Cowboys, it's a tough path they must walk.
Here are five hurdles facing the Cowboys in 2026.
No. 1 - NFC East matchups early
The Cowboys open up with the New York Giants and the Washington Commanders in Weeks 1 and 2, which presents a great chance to pull ahead in the division standings.
But the Giants have a renewed hope under John Harbaugh in what will be their home opener, and the Commanders with Jayden Daniels back are a tough proposition.
Getting two divisional matchups so early could be good for Dallas, or it could set them back.
It might not seem like a tough opening on paper, but both New York and Washington are vastly improved from last season.
No. 2 - Season defining five-week stretch
We are going to know all we need to know about Schottenheimer's Cowboys and Christian Parker's defense by Week 7.
The Cowboys, after New York and Washington, will face the Baltimore Ravens in Brazil, the Houston Texans, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at home in a 12-day span.
But wait, there's more.
After Tampa in Week 5, the Cowboys then go on the road against the Green Bay Packers and Philadelphia Eagles in back-to-back weeks.
As I said, after Week 7, we'll know whether this Cowboys team is for real or not.
No. 3 - Early season sleep schedule
The Cowboys better get used to no sleep early in the year.
A trip to Rio in Brazil, followed by the Texans game a week later, and then just four days after that, the Buccaneers come to town.
That will be a test not only of the Cowboys' on-field toughness, but their mental toughness as well, because of a 10-hour flight back from Rio before facing the Texans, and then Tampa Bay on a short week.
I'm tired just thinking about it.
No. 4 - Three-game stretch from Week 8 to 10
The Cowboys will face the Arizona Cardinals, a team that always seems to beat Dallas, then will be on the road against the Indianapolis Colts, who, by Week 9, could have Daniel Jones back, which makes them a different proposition.
Then to finish it off, the San Francisco 49ers are home.
In an ideal world, Dallas goes at least 2-1 during that span, but this stretch has the feel of being far tougher than it appears to be on paper.
No. 5 - Title contender stretch
Dallas will host the Philadelphia Eagles on Thanksgiving, before going on the road to Lumen Field to face the Seattle Seahawks. After that, a bye, but then the NFC's apex predator in the Los Angeles Rams before the final three games of the season.
That looms as a crucial three-game stretch, and the Cowboys' bye comes late (Week 14), which could be a blessing.
But goodness me, there are a handful of tough stretches the Cowboys have to navigate, and navigate well if they want to return to the postseason.