Dak Prescott’s Contract Year: Can He Lead the Dallas Cowboys Through a Grueling 2025 Schedule?
Breaking Down the Tough Matchups, Offseason Drama, and What’s at Stake for America’s Team This Season
Grab your gloss and game-day gear, ladies—because the Dallas Cowboys are entering the 2025 season with a schedule as fierce as their fanbase. Four Thursday night games. A Thanksgiving showdown. A Christmas Day brawl. And enough offseason drama to keep every group chat buzzing.
The boys in blue missed the playoffs last year, but with a healthy quarterback, a stacked defense, and a whole lot to prove, they’ve got a shot to make noise in the NFC. Let’s break down the season, from predictions to prime-time glitz.
💄Offseason Tea: All Eyes on Big D
Dallas didn’t just rebuild—they rebranded. But not without headlines.
- Dak Prescott’s Contract Standoff: Dak’s playing the year out without an extension. After missing nine games in 2024 (per FOX Sports), he’s betting big on himself—while Trey Lance lurks in the wings.
- Micah Parsons Media Blitz: Critics called him distracted. Parsons says he’s building a brand and busting heads on the field. (We’ll see.)
- Cheerleader Shake-Up: CBS Sports reports several longtime squad members left, citing image control. The team’s now promising a “modern, empowered” reboot.
- Jerry’s Classic Curveball: Fans expected major football news. Instead, they got a luxury stadium suite reveal. Of course.
- CeeDee Lamb’s Signature Celebration Banned: NFL has banned the “nose wipe” celebration, a gesture frequently used by Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb. This decision has sparked controversy, with many fans criticizing the NFL for overregulation.
🧠 Game-by-Game Dallas Schedule & Predictions — Sexy & Smart
Based on Henry McKenna’s sharp breakdown at FOX Sports, here’s the quick tea on how the Cowboys’ 2025 season might shake out:
(Based on FOX Sports projections)
- Week 1: @ Eagles (Thursday), Sept. 4, 8:20 PM (NBC)
🔻 Loss — Philly’s still dominant - Week 2: vs Giants, Sept. 14, 1:00 PM (FOX)
✅ Win — Russell Wilson can’t cook here - Week 3: @ Bears, Sept. 21, 4:25 PM (FOX)
✅ Win — Catching Caleb Williams before he heats up - Week 4: vs Packers, Sept. 28, 8:20 PM (NBC)
✅ Win — Key W for wild-card hopes - Week 5: @ Jets, Oct. 5, 1:00 PM (FOX)
✅ Win — Dallas takes control - Week 6: @ Panthers, Oct. 12, 1:00 PM (FOX)
✅ Win — Defense steps up big time - Week 7: vs Commanders, Oct. 19, 4:25 PM (FOX)
🔻 Loss — Jayden Daniels lights it up - Week 8: @ Broncos, Oct. 26, 4:25 PM (CBS)
🔻 Loss — Denver’s the real deal - Week 9: vs Cardinals, Nov. 3, 8:15 PM (ABC)
✅ Win — Bounce-back game - Week 10: BYE
🍸 Time for self-care and recovery - Week 11: @ Raiders (Monday), Nov. 17, 8:15 PM (ABC)
✅ Win — Too tough for Pete Carroll’s rebuild - Week 12: vs Eagles, Nov. 23, 4:25 PM (FOX)
🔻 Loss — Run defense still a problem - Week 13: vs Chiefs (Thanksgiving), Nov. 27, 4:30 PM (CBS)
🔻 Loss — Mahomes brings the magic - Week 14: @ Lions (Thursday), Dec. 4, 8:15 PM (Likely NBC)
🔻 Loss — Jahmyr Gibbs runs wild - Week 15: vs Vikings, Dec. 14, 8:20 PM (NBC)
🔻 Loss — Heartbreaker, close but no cigar - Week 16: vs Chargers, Dec. 21, 1:00 PM (FOX)
✅ Win — Stops the losing streak - Week 17: @ Commanders (Christmas), Dec. 25, 1:00 PM (TBD)
✅ Win — Defense makes a statement - Week 18: @ Giants, Date TBD (TBD)
✅ Win — Finish strong, clinch playoff spot
🎉 Holiday Highlights:
- Thanksgiving Game: Week 13 vs Chiefs
- Christmas Day Game: Week 17 @ Commanders
- Four Thursday games: Weeks 1, 13, 14, and one earlier
📊 Strength of Dallas 2025 Schedule & Win Expectations
According to ESPN, the Cowboys face one of the toughest slates in the NFL this season. Their opponents had a combined winning percentage of .557 in 2024, tying Dallas for the fifth-hardest schedule in the league. So, while the path is glamorous, it’s definitely no walk in the park.
ESPN also sets the Over/Under wins at 7.5, reflecting that tightrope walk between expectations and challenge.
🔮 Predictions: Can They Do It?
FOX Sports’ Henry McKenna projects the Cowboys finishing 10–7—just enough to squeak into the playoffs. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Hot Start: Dallas is expected to win 5 of their first 6 games, including wins over the Giants, Bears, Packers, and Jets.
- Tough Middle: They drop games to Washington, Denver, Philly, and Kansas City.
- Big Bounce Back: Wins against the Chargers, Commanders, and Giants help close the season strong.
That rough stretch from Week 12 to 17 features six playoff teams from 2024. But if Dak stays healthy and the defense gels, Dallas could be dangerous down the stretch.
💅 Dallas Season’s Pros and Cons
What’s Working:
- A reloaded defense with healthy corners and fresh pass rushers
- A motivated QB with everything to prove
- Depth at WR, including George Pickens via trade