Alright, Cowboys fans! Let's dive into what we can expect for the Dallas Cowboys 2025 schedule. While we don't have the exact dates yet, we can start piecing together some educated guesses based on how the NFL typically structures its seasons. So, grab your calendars, and let's get started!

What We Know (and What We Can Guess)

Typically, the NFL schedule follows a pretty consistent format. Each team plays 17 regular-season games with one bye week. These games are a mix of home and away games against divisional rivals, teams from other divisions in their conference, and teams from the opposite conference. The exact opponents are determined by a rotating schedule based on the previous season's standings.

• Divisional Matchups: The Cowboys will, of course, play each of their NFC East rivals twice – the Philadelphia Eagles, New York Giants, and Washington Commanders. These games are always intense, no matter the teams' records. Expect these to be strategically placed throughout the season to maximize viewership and fan excitement.
• NFC Games: Beyond the NFC East, the Cowboys will face other NFC teams based on the NFL's rotating schedule. These matchups will depend on the standings from the previous year. So, if the Cowboys finish in a certain spot in their division, they’ll play teams that finished in the same spot in other NFC divisions.
• AFC Games: The Cowboys will also play a series of games against teams from the AFC. The entire AFC division that the Cowboys will face rotates each year. These inter-conference games add an exciting element of unpredictability to the schedule.
• International Game: There's always a chance the Cowboys could be selected for an international game, either in London, Mexico City, or even Germany. The NFL has been expanding its global presence, and the Cowboys, being one of the league's most popular teams, are always a strong candidate. Keep an eye out for announcements about potential international games!
• Preseason: Before the regular season kicks off, the Cowboys will have a few preseason games to fine-tune their roster and strategies. These games usually start in August and provide a sneak peek at the team's potential.

Key Dates to Watch For

Okay, so while we don't have the exact 2025 schedule yet, here are some key periods and dates that you should keep an eye on. Knowing these will help you plan your year and be ready the moment the official schedule drops.

NFL Schedule Release Date

This is the big one! The NFL typically releases the schedule in May. The exact date varies from year to year, but it's usually a highly anticipated event. The league often makes a whole production out of it, with TV specials and online announcements. This is when you'll find out the exact dates, times, and TV channels for all the Cowboys' games.

• How to Stay Updated: The best way to stay informed is to follow the official NFL and Dallas Cowboys websites and social media accounts. They will be the first to announce the schedule release date. Also, keep an eye on major sports news outlets like ESPN and NFL Network.

Training Camp

Before the season officially begins, the Cowboys will hold their training camp. This is where the team gets back into shape, practices new plays, and battles for roster spots. Training camp usually starts in late July and lasts for a few weeks. It's a great opportunity for fans to see the team up close and get a feel for the upcoming season.

• Location: The location of training camp can vary, but it's often held at the team's headquarters or a nearby facility. Keep an eye on the Cowboys' official website for details about location and dates.

Preseason Games

As mentioned earlier, the preseason games usually take place in August. These games are used to evaluate players and try out different strategies. While the results don't count towards the regular-season standings, they provide valuable insights into the team's progress.

• What to Watch For: Pay attention to how the rookies and new acquisitions perform. Preseason is their chance to make a good impression and earn a spot on the final roster.

Regular Season Kickoff

The NFL regular season typically kicks off in early September. The Cowboys will be looking to start strong and set the tone for a successful season. The opening game is always a big event, so expect plenty of hype and excitement.

• Opening Game: The Cowboys often play in a high-profile opening game, either on a Thursday night or a Sunday afternoon. Keep an eye out for the official announcement.

Thanksgiving Game

This is a Cowboys tradition! The Cowboys always play a home game on Thanksgiving Day. It's one of the most-watched games of the season and a special occasion for fans. Expect a festive atmosphere and a lot of national attention.

• Family Tradition: For many families, watching the Cowboys on Thanksgiving is a cherished tradition. It's a great way to spend the holiday and cheer on America's Team.

Playoffs

If the Cowboys have a successful season, they'll be heading to the playoffs in January. The playoffs are a single-elimination tournament that culminates in the Super Bowl. The Cowboys will need to be at their best to make a deep run.

• Super Bowl: The Super Bowl is the ultimate goal for every NFL team. It's the championship game that determines the league champion. The Super Bowl is usually played in early February.

Potential Opponents

Based on the NFL's scheduling formula, we can make some educated guesses about the Cowboys' potential opponents in 2025. Keep in mind that this is just speculation until the official schedule is released, but it gives you an idea of what to expect.

NFC East Rivals

As always, the Cowboys will play the Philadelphia Eagles, New York Giants, and Washington Commanders twice each. These games are always crucial for divisional standings and playoff positioning.

• Philadelphia Eagles: The Eagles are often the Cowboys' biggest rivals, and these games are always intense and hard-fought.
• New York Giants: The Giants have a long history with the Cowboys, and these games are always filled with drama and excitement.
• Washington Commanders: The Commanders are looking to improve and become more competitive, so these games could be tougher than in recent years.

Other NFC Teams

The Cowboys will also play a selection of other NFC teams based on the NFL's rotating schedule. These teams could include:

• NFC North: The Cowboys could face teams like the Green Bay Packers, Chicago Bears, Minnesota Vikings, and Detroit Lions.
• NFC South: The Cowboys could face teams like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, and New Orleans Saints.
• NFC West: The Cowboys could face teams like the San Francisco 49ers, Seattle Seahawks, Los Angeles Rams and Arizona Cardinals.

AFC Teams

The Cowboys will also play a series of games against teams from one of the AFC divisions. This could be any of the following:

• AFC North: Teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers, Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals, and Cleveland Browns could be on the schedule.
• AFC South: Teams like the Jacksonville Jaguars, Indianapolis Colts, Houston Texans, and Tennessee Titans could be opponents.
• AFC East: The Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins, New England Patriots, and New York Jets are all potential matchups.
• AFC West: The Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Chargers, Denver Broncos, and Las Vegas Raiders could be on the schedule.

How to Get Tickets

Once the schedule is released, you'll want to start thinking about getting tickets to the games you want to attend. Here are a few tips:

• Official Dallas Cowboys Website: The best place to start is the official Cowboys website. You can often find tickets for sale directly from the team, but they can be in high demand.
• Ticket Resale Sites: Sites like Ticketmaster, StubHub, and SeatGeek are good options for finding tickets, but be prepared to pay a premium, especially for popular games.
• Season Tickets: If you're a die-hard fan, consider purchasing season tickets. This guarantees you a seat at every home game and often comes with other perks.
• Check for Presales: Keep an eye out for presales offered to season ticket holders or members of the Cowboys' fan club. This can give you a head start on securing tickets.

Staying Updated

• Official Team Website: The Dallas Cowboys' official website is your go-to source for all things Cowboys, including schedule updates, news, and ticket information.
• NFL Website: The NFL's official website also provides schedule information and news about all the teams in the league.
• Social Media: Follow the Cowboys and the NFL on social media for real-time updates and announcements.
• Sports News Outlets: ESPN, NFL Network, and other major sports news outlets will provide coverage of the Cowboys' schedule and season.

Conclusion

Alright, Cowboys Nation! While we wait for the official 2025 schedule to drop, this should give you a good head start on planning for the upcoming season. Keep an eye on the key dates, potential opponents, and ticket information, and get ready to cheer on America's Team! Let's hope for a great season and a deep playoff run! Go Cowboys!