According to AtoZ Sports’ Mauricio Rodriguez, there are five teams on the Cowboys' 2026 schedule with issues that remain to be determined, and how those issues are determined could affect the Cowboys' overall record.

Rodriguez calls it a ‘coin flip’: favorable breaks and the schedule gets easier. But, unfavorable breaks and Dallas is looking at a tough season.

New York Giants (Weeks 1 & 17)

Under new coach John Harbaugh, the Giants lead the candidate list for ‘worst to first’ in the betting odds, bolstered by a pass rush that includes edge rushers Brian Burns, Kayvon Thibodeaux, and Abdul Carter, and rookie linebacker Arvell Reese.

And an offense featuring second-year QB Jaxson Dart and WRs Malik Nabers and RB Cam Skattebo. 

As per the AtoZ report, this will be the first challenge for Harbaugh and the Giants, creating a fast, strong barrier for the Giants to break through in Dallas’s NFC East.

Baltimore Ravens (Week 3)

Baltimore welcomes first-year head coach Jesse Minter, along with 30-year-old offensive coordinator Declan Doyle. Quarterback Lamar Jackson and Wide Receiver Zay Flowers remain an elite threat.

Philadelphia Eagles (Weeks 7 & 12)

With AJ Brown’s trade to the Patriots, the Eagles have a new passing game, along with a new offensive coordinator, Sean Mannion.

Since Mannion’s offense will most likely be stagnant, it will allow Dallas a great opportunity to sweep or split the series. That being said, the Cowboys have only once beaten Philadelphia in their last four games since 2024.

Los Angeles Rams (Week 15)

The Rams acquired edge rusher Myles Garrett, who anchors a strong defensive line alongside rumors of 35-year-old Aaron Donald returning for one last season, with the Super Bowl at SoFi Stadium.

Rodriguez calls the Garrett-Donald combo a "nightmare scenario" for the Dallas line, right before the playoffs.

Houston Texans (Week 4)

The Texans close out the unknowns, led by QB C.J. Stroud. Despite finishing 2025 with an offense ranking 22nd, Houston still won 12 games due to Stroud's expected points added (EPA)/play ranking of 29th, compared to his rookie season.

Houston will look to transform into an actual Super Bowl contender from a "good team with a great defense" due to a bounce-back under second-year OC Nick Caley and a defense that features ER Will Anderson, Danielle Hunter, and CB Derek Stingley Jr.

The Cowboys, who had a frustrating 2025, have a super slim margin for error. With an already loaded offense, they'll be confident in getting back to postseason football in 2026 under new defensive coordinator Christian Parker.

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Written by

Abhay Bharti

Edited by

Aadesh Dhote