Dallas Cowboys' 2024 NFL schedule analysis

The 2024 NFL regular-season schedule has been released and the Dallas Cowboys look to be in much better shape than they were a year ago.

Last year, the Cowboys opened the season in a three-way tie for the league’s third-most difficult schedule per NFL research. This year, they’re tied with the New York Jets and Los Angeles Rams for the league’s sixth-toughest schedule with opponents holding a combined .491 winning percentage last season.

Here’s what stands out about the schedule:

Circle the date | Week 17 vs. Philadelphia Eagles: The NFC East has been a two-horse race lately with either Dallas or Philadelphia winning eight of the last 10 titles. Barring a breakout season from New York QB Daniel Jones or a sensational rookie year from the Commanders rookie QB Jayden Daniels, this season should be no different.

While the Cowboys play the Eagles at home in Week 10, by Week 17 quarterback Dak Prescott could be playing for his contract and head coach Mike McCarthy could be coaching for his job. Neither are signed beyond 2024 and a second-straight division title won’t hurt either one.

Toughest stretch | October: After back-to-back road games against the Giants and Steelers, the Cowboys return home in Week 6 to face 12-5 Detroit and their $212M quarterback, Jared Goff. Currently listed at 11-1 on ESPN, the Lions have the fourth-best odds to win the next NFC Championship.

After a Week 7 bye, the Cowboys travel to San Francisco to face the defending NFC champions. The 49ers defense finished third in points and yards allowed in 2023, which doesn’t bode well for a team that may have to start Ezekiel Elliott at running back.