Cowboys 2021 Official Schedule Released

Sept. 9 - at Tampa BayCan you say "ratings"? Dak vs. Brady in Prescott's expected return from his 2020 ankle injury. That is what you call a network's dream. The Bucs are formidable: they're the first defending Super Bowl champ in the salary cap era to return all 22 starters.

Sept. 19 - at Chargers

The Chargers went 7-9 last year but finished the season on a four-game win streak. Quarterback Justin Herbert is a rising star. Last year's AP Offensive Rookie of the Year set an NFL rookie record with 31 touchdown passes and became the first rookie to throw at least two touchdowns in seven straight games.

Sept. 27 - vs. EaglesThe Cowboys split the annual season series with the Eagles last year, including a 37-17 win at home in their first-ever meeting against quarterback Jalen Hurts. Carson Wentz is now a Colt, so it's Hurts' show in Philly. Eagles first-round draft pick Devonta Smith will challenge the Cowboys' secondary.

Oct. 3 - vs. PanthersCarolina is still retooling since parting ways with Cam Newton a year ago. They've got a new starting quarterback for the second straight year: former No. 1 overall pick Sam Darnold, who replaces Teddy Bridgewater. (Darnold and the Jets upset the Cowboys back in 2019). Many thought Panthers first-round pick Jaycee Horn was headed to Dallas on draft night, but he went eighth overall to Carolina.

Oct. 10 - vs. GiantsDak Prescott is scheduled to face the Giants almost exactly one year to the day of his season-ending ankle injury against them in 2020. The Cowboys came from behind to win that game on a last-second field goal, but their slim playoff hopes ended in Week 17 with a loss at MetLife Stadium. Giants star running back Saquon Barkley is back from last year's ACL injury.

Oct. 17 - at PatriotsCam Newton? Rookie Mac Jones? It's unclear which quarterback the Cowboys will face. But there's always one constant in New England: Bill Belichick. And the Pats have been busy upgrading their roster after missing the playoffs for the first time since 2008.

Oct. 24 - BYE WEEK. In his time as a head coach, Mike McCarthy is 10-4 coming out of the bye week, including a big road win against Minnesota last season.

Oct. 31 at Minnesota

Speaking of playing in Minnesota after the bye, it will happen again in 2021. This will be the third-straight year these two teams have played, with this one coming on Sunday Night Football.

Nov. 7 vs. Denver

The only other time Denver visited AT&T Stadium was one of the most amazing games in NFL history, a 51-48 shootout with 1,039 combined yards of offense.

Nov. 14 at Atlanta

It's rare to see back-to-back 12 p.m. home games on the schedule, but that's on deck with Atlanta following Denver. The Cowboys will get their first look at No. 4 overall draft pick Kyle Pitts, who joins a talented offense.

Nov. 21 at Kansas City

The first-ever meeting between Dak Prescott and Patrick Mahomes is bound to draw some eyeballs. Prescott won his only other game against the Chiefs in 2017, when Mahomes was still a backup to Alex Smith.

Nov. 25 vs. LV Raiders

If the Raiders feel like a familiar Thanksgiving opponent, it's because they are. This will be the third time they have visited the Cowboys on Thanksgiving Day since AT&T Stadium opened in 2009. That's second only to Washington, which has played Dallas on Thanksgiving four times in that span.

Dec. 2 at Saints

Something tells me the atmosphere won't matter at all if the game is played on Thursday or Sunday. It's always a party in New Orleans, especially when the Cowboys come to town. While the Saints might have some question marks at quarterback right now, history suggests Sean Payton and his staff will have it figured out by December.

Dec. 12 at Washington

In the 61-year history of the team, this is the latest the Cowboys have ever played Washington for the first time in a season. To think the Cowboys had two pivotal losses to WFT last season and they won't get to play them again until Dec. 12 is meaningful, especially if these games will decide the NFC East.

Dec. 19 at NY Giants

Don't overlook this will be the third straight road game for the Cowboys since Thanksgiving. Doesn't matter what the records are for either team, the Cowboys-Giants matchup is usually tough either way. Will be even tougher if Saquon Barkley is back to full strength.

Dec. 26 vs. Washington

Merry Christmas everyone, Washington is back again. Just two weeks after meeting them for the first time, it's a quick turnaround for the two teams. It's hard to think much will have changed in the matchup in just 14 days. The Cowboys at least will be home for Christmas, which can have its share of advantages and distractions.

Jan. 2 vs. Arizona

Usually, when the Cowboys play in January, it's either the regular-season finale or the playoffs. But this is the result of the 17-game schedule as the Cowboys wrap up the AT&T Stadium schedule with a matchup against the Cardinals, a team that embarrassed them on Monday Night Football last season.

Jan. 9 at Philadelphia

The Cowboys are no strangers to finishing the season on the road against the NFC East, particularly the Eagles. This will be the 15th straight year in which the Cowboys end the season with a division opponent, and the seventh time against the Eagles. And it's hard to think this one won't matter for playoff positioning.