Cowboys 2023 game-by-game season predictions
It’s time. The Dallas Cowboys will open their season against the New York Giants on Sunday, which will feature Dak Prescott vs Daniel Jones.
In addition to facing their NFC East opponents twice, the Cowboys will square off against AFC East and NFC West, which includes home games against the New York Jets, New England Patriots, Los Angeles Rams and Seattle Seahawks, as well as away games against the Miami Dolphins, Buffalo Bills, Arizona Cardinals and San Francisco 49ers.
With the Cowboys finishing second in the NFC East, they’ll also face the same-place finisher in the NFC North and NFC South, along with the AFC West in the 17th game. Before Dallas kicks off the regular season, here are my game-by-game predictions for the 2023 season:
Week 1: @ New York Giants
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Dallas once again didn’t prepare their starters for game action and it means another sluggish start to the season. However in the end the Cowboys remind Giants’ ownership they gave $40 million a year to the third-best quarterback in the division.
Cowboys win, 20-17 (1-0)
Week 2: Home opener vs NY Jets
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The sluggish offensive start in Week 1 is followed by facing one of the league’s other top-five defenses, which will start a few conversations. Still, after sending Tom Brady off into retirement, Dallas is ready to conquer all legendary QB demons.
Cowboys win 24-23 (2-0)
Week 3: @ Arizona Cardinals
(Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images)
No Kyler Murray, no problem. First 40-burger of the 2023 season as the Cowboys corral Josh Dobbs and company.
Cowboys win 41-17 (3-0)
Week 4: vs New England Patriots
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Ezekiel Elliott’s return to Dallas is going to be an emotional one. The face of the franchise his first several years in the league, expect a warm welcome by the fans before a cold shoulder from the players on the field.
Cowboys win, 37-13 (4-0)
Week 5: @ San Francisco 49ers
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By this point in the season Nick Bosa has shaken off the rust from missing all of training camp. By this point in the season, the world will know whether or not Brock Purdy was a flash in the pan. The Shanahan effect remains, however, as Dallas’ hype train derails a bit in what could be a decider in who gets home-field advantage in the NFC.
Cowboys lose, 23-21 (4-1)
Week 6: @ Los Angeles Chargers
(AP Photo/Gregory Bull)
The Kellen Moore Bowl is one of the games of the year, but Dallas has a system for this one, not a series of unrelated plays. Get it?
Cowboys win 37-31 (5-1)
Week 8: vs Los Angeles Rams
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The Rams aren’t going to be as bad as people think, but they aren’t going to look good on this day.
Cowboys win, 31-13 (6-1)
Week 9: @ Philadelphia Eagles
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Time to stake claim to the division throne.
Cowboys win 33-27 (7-1)
Week 10: Home vs New York Giants
Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Another game against the Giants, another win against the Giants as Prescott continues dominance. Have I mentioned Daniel Jones is the third-best QB in the division and is making $40 million a season?
Cowboys win 34-24 (8-1)
Week 11: @ Carolina Panthers
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Bryce Young will be great, but not this year. Carolina’s rebuild is going to take some time and Dallas will take full advantage as they continue to establish themselves as the NFC’s premiere team.
Cowboys win 47-10 (9-1)
Week 12: vs Washington Commanders (Thanksgiving)
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Hope whoever’s house you’re at can cook the turkey, because this one will cause some indigestion before it finally goes down. Dallas hasn’t been the most impressive club on the holiday in recent seasons, but here they get their act together in the second half yet again.
Cowboys win 24-17 (10-1)
Week 13: vs Seattle Seahawks
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Make no mistake, the Cowboys are likely a better team than the Seahawks in 2023. However, this just feels like that kind of game where they don’t have it together. Whether they are weary from the winning streak, or it’s just the good ol’ Pete Carroll mojo but Dallas looks bad in this one.
Cowboys lose, 27-21 (10-2)
Week 14: Home vs Philadelphia Eagles
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Trying to sweep the Eagles is no easy task and after winning the earlier matchup on the road, Dallas falls for the second consecutive week at home.
Cowboys lose 33-30 (10-3)
Week 15: @ Buffalo Bills
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After losing two in a row, the “Is Dallas collapsing?” conversation is very loud, especially having to travel to Buffalo in December next. I can’t even put into words how I think Dak Prescott is going to gear up for this matchup with Josh Allen.
Cowboys win 44-38. In overtime (11-3)
Week 16: @ Miami Dolphins
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The track meet Dallas doesn’t win. Losing three of their last four games puts a real malaise on what felt like a special season for the Cowboys.
Cowboys lose, 37-31 (11-4)
Week 17: Home vs Detroit Lions
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Dallas returns home to square off against the NFC North’s best as the gauntlet that is the second half of the season continues. They right the ship against one of the NFC division leaders, restoring some order to their campaign.
Cowboys win 31-24 (12-4)
Week 18: @ Washington Commanders
Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
The Cowboys came out flat in their regular season finale in 2022, but that won’t be the case in this contest. They still struggle, but are able to stave off the upset and enter the playoffs with a little momentum and if things break right with the rest of the conference, home-field advantage.
Cowboys win 24-13 (13-4)
